NBD - Pre-CBS -OMG

[shadven]

Is this the "tele" bass with single coil?

The Tele bass was based in this bass (actually the 1951 P-bass). In 1968 Fender issued their first reissue. Yes, single coil pickups rule!

 

[shadven]

Did they even have cases in 54, I thought that they only had gig bags until 56-57 I my be wrong but shad would know!

It came with the original gig bag (which is surprisingly soft and pliant). No case came with the bass. I believe Fender did offer a hard shell case at the time.

 

[shadven]

And what we def need is more Polka! Rest in peace.
View attachment 4492876

Polka is party music!

 

[shadven]

EBCFs on there?

EBCF?

 

[shadven]

#124 - is it in Detlef's book? I don't have it to hand atm.

No. I wrote it in my copy though.

 

[shadven]

Good luck, it’s a beauty. I am just curious , the picking finger scratches on the pick guard. I hav never seen that type of wear on a bass, ever . It looks like he used either a coin or some other unconventional method to play.

Pictures of him playing with his thumb on the neck and fingers digging in over the marks.

 

[shadven]

Shadven, I just noticed that he played her with the bridge cover turned around, I guess that he didn't like the mute, did any of the mute survive? He also liked playing her into a Kustom 200 bass amp! A little speculation on the exact model but I would think that the Kustom would be a perfect companion for the 54. Damn Man, incredible find!!

No mute left. I like the bridge cover upside down like that and the finish is a bit lighter in color. The cover has been like that for many years.

 

[BlackVincent52]

Blast from the past!

God bless you Le Roy. One of twelve kids if my math is right. It was a different time.

 

[chadds]

Let me be sure I understand the second pic. You wanted to be "period" but the Ampeg fridge had not been invented yet, so the best substitute you could find was a Coke machine?

HILARIOUS!!!!

 

[SuBass1000]

hahaha, In all seriousness, congrats on the bass!

 

[aureliab20gt]

View attachment 4485155 View attachment 4485156 View attachment 4485157 View attachment 4485158 View attachment 4485159 View attachment 4485160 View attachment 4485161 I’ve been watching the curb all day waiting for UPS to show up… and they finally showed! I am the proud owner of an 1954 P-Bass. I bought it from the family of the original owner. I am the first person to own this bass since it was purchased by the original owner in 1954. The neck has never been off the bass, original everything, original case, strap and bill of sale from 1954. The bass and a Deluxe amp set him back $310, and he paid it off over 1 1/2 years. This bass plays beautifully and sounds so deep and warm… really incredible. I gig with my basses and this one will see lots of gigs in its future!

fabulous !!.....I have a 55 in similar condition, incredibly light weight and sounds amazing.....mines fitted with 1 meg pots dated 1955, so very bright.......maybe ordered like that??