NBD - My Birth Year Bass!

[4SG]

I was born in '51, so this is all I could afford. 1/8 scale

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At least it comes with a stand!

 

[dave64o]

Sweet (both the wife bass and the wife)!


Unfortunately I'm a five-string guy and I'd probably have a tough time finding a 1964 5-string. No biggie, though. I'm good with what I've got now.

 

[JaseyT]

As many of us do, I have been keeping my eye out for a good deal on a birth year bass, and for me that would be a 1975 Precision.

About a week ago, I came across an ad for a 1975 Precision in natural finish at a below average price, so I asked my wife what she thought, telling her it was okay to say no. Instead, she said, “Sure, why not? In fact, if you can talk them down some, I’ll buy it for you.”

And so I did talk them down, and she did buy it. I am a lucky, lucky man.

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I'm not a strictly P-Bass guy, but this particular combination of clear-coated ash body with black pickguard, and maple-on-maple neck, makes me weak in the knees.

 

[Basshappi]

Happy Birthyear! Looks great, Congrats!

 

[Spirit of Ox]

That's a killer bass!! I have a 73 that looks just like it. My birth year is 74 so someday I'm going to get a 74 Pbass in yellowed out olympic white.
At the risk of sounding creepy, did you have wonder how far apart the time span is between you and your bass being conceived?

 

[ELG60]

Yeah, for some reason, I don't foresee a 1960 Jazz Bass in my future either. But most anything's possible.

 

[Peteyboy]

I can maybe see a symbol thingy, but what about a coin proof set. Has the year stamped on every coin and even at todays prices would be considerably less than a “vintage” bass.
As for things from back then being better, I’d call that a strictly subjective opinion and in so many cases would be outright wrong. I own several plain jane MIM jazz basses and the worst one of the lot is head and shoulders above any of the “vintage” Fenders I’ve owned over the years. TBH, more of the older basses were lacking than not so buying a bass just because it’s old is a better chance you will get a clinker than a winner.
Please understand, i am in no way trying to influnce your choice or decision, i’m just expressing an opinion based on life experiences.

The birth year coin set might scratch that itch for some. But as bass players wanting a birth year bass at least brings you to a result that actually has utility and meaning. Coins are just currency I guess. I don't know, it's hard to logically defend, like so many other subjective preferences musicians express. If you're born in 1984 do you jones for your birth-year synth?

 

[Peteyboy]

I wonder if Mozart needed a harpsichord from 1750-whatever.

 

[Oddly]

Another 65'er here.
Buying a birth-year bass is extremely unlikely, unless I win a lottery.
Ditto on the Mustang...

 

[Misfit Wookiee]

...so I asked my wife what she thought, telling her it was okay to say no. Instead, she said, “Sure, why not? In fact, if you can talk them down some, I’ll buy it for you.”

And so I did talk them down, and she did buy it. I am a lucky, lucky man.

I'm showing this to @Bassistwife as a preemptive measure in case I find a '73 P!

 

[BigDrew]

Great bass! I'm in Suffolk...where did you pick the up?

 

[juancaminos]

I would need a '55. Not holding my breath on that one.

 

[jamro217]

Some people search for a Fender that has a neck stamp of the exact day of birth. 'Birth Bass'

Considering they only give the month, year, and nut dimensions, that's a fruitless search. The first digit isn't "May", it's "Precision".

 

[RaniBrandt]

Great bass! I'm in Suffolk...where did you pick the up?

I ordered it online from Elderly Instruments, not locally.

 

[fhm555]

Coins may be a good idea for some, but I am not very interested in coins. I'm sure that new Fenders are just as good and are often better players in many cases. But I like old instruments, they make me happy, and I have a few. All of my "newer" basses were made by me, and they are all (mostly) made with very old wood. My house is an old house. My pedalboard is made of a vintage suitcase. I just have a preference for objects with some history. If someone else prefers new basses, that's cool, too.

I certainly appriciate an interest in older things, it’s just never been something that held much appeal for me. I’ve still got that birth year Harley but it’s in boxes to remove the temptation (long story, but i’m unable to ride) and has in fact been given to my nephew to do with as he will when i’m gone. TBH i expect he’ll sell it but at that point it won’t matter to me and if it helps him then it has fulfilled it’s purpose.

 

[fhm555]

The birth year coin set might scratch that itch for some. But as bass players wanting a birth year bass at least brings you to a result that actually has utility and meaning. Coins are just currency I guess. I don't know, it's hard to logically defend, like so many other subjective preferences musicians express. If you're born in 1984 do you jones for your birth-year synth?

I’m sorry but I believe i’ve failed to convey my thoughts.
I’m not so much concerned with what the item is so much as curious where the desire to own a birth year object would come from. Not being a collector, my only priority is how it feels in my hands.

 

[shadven]

Beautiful bass. I have a 1975 too, and I love it.

 

[7dollarbologna]

Considering they only give the month, year, and nut dimensions, that's a fruitless search. The first digit isn't "May", it's "Precision".

I guess it depends on when your b-day is..

 

[basshawk21]

That's a beautiful bass. Mine would be a 1956. I'll stick with my April 1968 Rick.

 

[nlmcguire91]

First off, beautiful bass!! And congrats on such a fine wife, you should be proud!

June 21st, 2015, my then-fiancée and I exchanged vows. Later that year, I bought a 1991 Fender Prodigy bass on Reverb. Early that next Spring, I was forced to sell the bass due to financial troubles. I still wish I had been able to hang onto it, but when you're just married, $700 buys a lot of gas.

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