NBD - Road-worn Precision Bass surprise

[PNW Tony]

I've long chuckled at the very idea of paying thousands of dollars for intentionally 'roadworn' or 'relic' basses. Imagine if we did that with cars; a Camry with bald tires and dings and dents worth more than a spotless-looking model. I know, 'But the patina!' And I can appreciate the aesthetics while still being amused. Yet somehow, when a 2009 Fiesta Red Road-worn Precision Bass showed up for sale about a half mile from me at an unreasonably low price, I had to go look. Of course I didn't need a new bass. Just in the Fender side of my collection, I already have a legitimately patina'd MIJ '87 re-issue '57 P-Bass, a '89 MIJ Jazz Bass Special, and a much newer MIM P-Bass I'm modding because it's so clunky. And there are a Spector and Warwick that needed more playing and less company. You already know that of course I went to see it and of course I bought it. I've played with it or a day or two and I'm surprised to be really impressed with how this thing feels and sounds. I'd originally thought about maybe cleaning it up and flipping it, but now it keeps jumping into my hands. Darn it. I hate it when my skepticism gets stuffed.

 

[2saddleslab]

A mind, much like a parachute, is used best when open.

Congrats on snagging this little gem.

 

[coryr1000]

Enjoy your new bass!

 

[DJ Bebop]

I've long chuckled at the very idea of paying thousands of dollars for intentionally 'roadworn' or 'relic' basses. Imagine if we did that with cars; a Camry with bald tires and dings and dents worth more than a spotless-looking model. I know, 'But the patina!'

I actually like it when cars or trucks are involved…

Yes, the patina!



Beautiful bass btw

 

[PNW Tony]

And I just stumbled upon this video from Mark at Talking Bass in which he raves about this model in a less vibrant color.

 

[PNW Tony]

I actually like it when cars or trucks are involved…

View attachment 7167805View attachment 7167806View attachment 7167807View attachment 7167808View attachment 7167809View attachment 7167810

Yes, the patina!



Beautiful bass btw

So the scrapes and scratches and dings on my 'roadworn' motorcycle add value, too, right?

 

[2saddleslab]

So the scrapes and scratches and dings on my 'roadworn' motorcycle add value, too, right?

 

[FullumMusic]

I actually like it when cars or trucks are involved…

View attachment 7167805View attachment 7167806View attachment 7167807View attachment 7167808View attachment 7167809View attachment 7167810

Yes, the patina!



Beautiful bass btw

Was gonna post some similar pics.

I've long chuckled at the very idea of paying thousands of dollars for intentionally 'roadworn' or 'relic' basses. Imagine if we did that with cars; a Camry with bald tires and dings and dents worth more than a spotless-looking model. I know, 'But the patina!' And I can appreciate the aesthetics while still being amused. Yet somehow, when a 2009 Fiesta Red Road-worn Precision Bass showed up for sale about a half mile from me at an unreasonably low price, I had to go look. Of course I didn't need a new bass. Just in the Fender side of my collection, I already have a legitimately patina'd MIJ '87 re-issue '57 P-Bass, a '89 MIJ Jazz Bass Special, and a much newer MIM P-Bass I'm modding because it's so clunky. And there are a Spector and Warwick that needed more playing and less company. You already know that of course I went to see it and of course I bought it. I've played with it or a day or two and I'm surprised to be really impressed with how this thing feels and sounds. I'd originally thought about maybe cleaning it up and flipping it, but now it keeps jumping into my hands. Darn it. I hate it when my skepticism gets stuffed.View attachment 7167799

LOVE the Red/anodized gold color combo.

 

[wyleeboxer]

Throughout the idea of being reliced on Fender RW basses.. bottom line is they’re some of the best feeling, playing and sounding basses I’ve ever played. I’ve kicked myself for selling my Jazz RW and Flea models. I’ve been eyeballing getting a P bass RW asap.

 

[Lammchop93]

those 08-09 road worns had something special in them that the newer ones don't. I am always keeping an eye out for one. Good find!!

 

[tpaul]

Nice snag, beautiful bass.

 

[Pings Bass]

I put a little ding on the fender of the (brand new) loaner I got from the dealer while my car awaits warranty service. Do you think they'll give me credit for that?

But srsly, sometimes we choose the bass, and sometimes the bass chooses us

 

[Muaddibb]

I'm always amazed when these are for sale in "excellent" condition. No it's not, it's beat all to hell!

 

[ad9000]

Love my Road Worn P. Improved but only slightly by swapping out the pickups for Klein '59's

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I've long chuckled at the very idea of paying thousands of dollars for intentionally 'roadworn' or 'relic' basses. Imagine if we did that with cars; a Camry with bald tires and dings and dents worth more than a spotless-looking model. I know, 'But the patina!' And I can appreciate the aesthetics while still being amused. Yet somehow, when a 2009 Fiesta Red Road-worn Precision Bass showed up for sale about a half mile from me at an unreasonably low price, I had to go look. Of course I didn't need a new bass. Just in the Fender side of my collection, I already have a legitimately patina'd MIJ '87 re-issue '57 P-Bass, a '89 MIJ Jazz Bass Special, and a much newer MIM P-Bass I'm modding because it's so clunky. And there are a Spector and Warwick that needed more playing and less company. You already know that of course I went to see it and of course I bought it. I've played with it or a day or two and I'm surprised to be really impressed with how this thing feels and sounds. I'd originally thought about maybe cleaning it up and flipping it, but now it keeps jumping into my hands. Darn it. I hate it when my skepticism gets stuffed.View attachment 7167799

It's a good regret that you didn't expect to buy it and find that you really like it though.

I never expected to purchase my latest project until it was in my hands either so understand how it happens.

Like the colors on that too.

 

[jimmydean]

I always kept my basses in pristine condition and cried over every little scratch and oh no......not a dent ! That was until I saw Billy Sheehan in the Talas days and I fell in love with "RELIC'D" worn to abused looking instruments . Hard to beat the feel of a well used instrument and you never have to worry about new scrapes , dents and trying to get that new shine back .

 

[jimmydean]

I've long chuckled at the very idea of paying thousands of dollars for intentionally 'roadworn' or 'relic' basses. Imagine if we did that with cars; a Camry with bald tires and dings and dents worth more than a spotless-looking model. I know, 'But the patina!' And I can appreciate the aesthetics while still being amused. Yet somehow, when a 2009 Fiesta Red Road-worn Precision Bass showed up for sale about a half mile from me at an unreasonably low price, I had to go look. Of course I didn't need a new bass. Just in the Fender side of my collection, I already have a legitimately patina'd MIJ '87 re-issue '57 P-Bass, a '89 MIJ Jazz Bass Special, and a much newer MIM P-Bass I'm modding because it's so clunky. And there are a Spector and Warwick that needed more playing and less company. You already know that of course I went to see it and of course I bought it. I've played with it or a day or two and I'm surprised to be really impressed with how this thing feels and sounds. I'd originally thought about maybe cleaning it up and flipping it, but now it keeps jumping into my hands. Darn it. I hate it when my skepticism gets stuffed.View attachment 7167799

Those are great basses , hope Fender will bring them back with more "heavy mojo relic" .

 

[Lo-E]

I’m also pretty bemused by the whole “relic” phenomenon but the roadworn series has really terrific necks. Every one I’ve ever played felt great.

 

[Five or Six]

So the scrapes and scratches and dings on my 'roadworn' motorcycle add value, too, right?

Just like anything else the price on used motorcycle's is outrageous! Best keep your relic'd bike. To buy new or used, there isn't much difference. Out with the old and in with the new isn't so prevalent anymore.

 

[Pocket Dave]

Congrats on the score. The early Road Worns are incredibly good values.

My 2010 RW Jazz bass with rosewood board. Slight upgrade with Fender custom Pure Vintage '74 pickups.