Need help identifying vintage Fender P-Bass pickups

[RustyBassRyan]

Are there any experts out there willing to help me solve a mystery? I have a set of P-Bass pickups that I am trying to date. I think that these are pre-CBS, vintage 1963, but I am no expert. Here is what I know for sure:

The pickups were soldered to pots that were dated with the serial numbers 1376103, the third week of 1961, and 13763xx, an unknown week in 1963 (solder obscures the last two digits).

The pickups, which have no markings, use old cloth wiring.

The entire assembly came with original soldering and a vintage brown capacitor.

Here is what my limited research has uncovered, which may or may not be accurate:

Popping off the original covers reveals that the windings on both pickups are a deep purple/brown color. Apparently, in 1964, the enamel changed from a dark purplish/brown to a rich copper color.

The bottoms of the bobbins are black. Apparently, post-CBS pickups tended to have grey bottoms.

The top of the pickup magnets have a slight "rough" bevel on them. Apparently, post-CBS pickups tended to have magnets that were ground flat.

If you have expertise you would be willing to share, it would be much appreciated. Peace to you and yours!

 

[Snaxster]

Are there any experts out there willing to help me solve a mystery? I have a set of P-Bass pickups that I am trying to date. I think that these are pre-CBS, vintage 1963, but I am no expert. Here is what I know for sure:

The pickups were soldered to pots that were dated with the serial numbers 1376103, the third week of 1961, and 13763xx, an unknown week in 1963 (solder obscures the last two digits).

The pickups, which have no markings, use old cloth wiring.

The entire assembly came with original soldering and a vintage brown capacitor.

Here is what my limited research has uncovered, which may or may not be accurate:

Popping off the original covers reveals that the windings on both pickups are a deep purple/brown color. Apparently, in 1964, the enamel changed from a dark purplish/brown to a rich copper color.

The bottoms of the bobbins are black. Apparently, post-CBS pickups tended to have grey bottoms.

The top of the pickup magnets have a slight "rough" bevel on them. Apparently, post-CBS pickups tended to have magnets that were ground flat.

If you have expertise you would be willing to share, it would be much appreciated. Peace to you and yours!

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Hello. Although I am not an expert, but only an enthusiast, this is what occurs to me:

Please add a photo of the underside of the pickup. I really need to see the bottom.

If for no other reason, whether the pickup originally was with the pots is called into question because, as you noted, "The pickups were soldered to [the] pots". The pickup and pots could not have been removed from the instrument body still soldered together; thus they could have come from different sources. So for this investigation they should be considered separately, I think.

That pickup looks pretty clean to me. Were you told anything about its provenance? Maybe it was removed from a bass that scarcely was played. Even then I would expect the bottom of the pickup to show signs of the black foam that would have been installed beneath it in the bass. But to me it looks as if it could be a new pickup, including its covers.

P.S. - I think this thread should be here instead: Pickups & Electronics [BG]

 

[charlie monroe]

The pickup and pots could not have been removed from the instrument body still soldered together

Are you sure about that?

 

[Snaxster]

Are you sure about that?

No, that's true. But I think it very unlikely.

Edit: What else you got?

 

[FranF]

Are you sure about that?

Charlie, absolutely no way they could have been removed as a unit, at least not from any P from before '72.

 

[RustyBassRyan]

I'm sorry, everyone. The pickups and the pots were NOT soldered together when I bought them. Both the black and white cloth wires were cut (somewhere around the middle), and the pickups are separate from the wiring harness. My bad. I'll post some pictures of the underside of the pickups as soon as I can...

Thanks, all, and please stay hopeful!

 

[RustyBassRyan]

Here are photos that show two things. One, the wires were indeed cut to remove the pickups along with the wiring harness from the Fender P Bass. And two, the pickups do indeed have evidence of black foam residue on them. I'm beginning to really believe this unit came from a pre-CBS 1963 Fender P Bass. I purchased them without knowing their provenance. I do, however, remember that the guy who sold them to me said something like "...these are very old." He was elderly gentleman so that probably meant more to him than it meant to me at the time. Please let me know wh

 

[Snaxster]

Here are photos that show two things. One, the wires were indeed cut to remove the pickups along with the wiring harness from the Fender P Bass. And two, the pickups do indeed have evidence of black foam residue on them. I'm beginning to really believe this unit came from a pre-CBS 1963 Fender P Bass. I purchased them without knowing their provenance. I do, however, remember that the guy who sold them to me said something like "...these are very old." He was elderly gentleman so that probably meant more to him than it meant to me at the time. Please let me know wh

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Thank you for the updates. I think it could be real.

If you or someone you trust has the skill to install the pickup, I would like to know your impressions of its sound. (And if you would like help with that, let me know.)

At the risk of presuming: be very careful replacing the missing common wire; and if the hot wire is too short, splice a length of wire to it rather than trying to replace it.

 

[RustyBassRyan]

Thanks, to all, especially Snaxster, for your help and advice. Also noted on taking care, especially with that hot wire. If these pickups and wiring harness are indeed vintage 1963, I'll treat them with the respect they deserve. It may be a while before I get to that install, but I promise to report back. My best to you and yours, and please stay hopeful!

 

[RustyBassRyan]

I’m thinking of putting the pickups, along with wiring harness, up for sale. I’ve got a great set of old Bartolini pickups in my P bass right now and they’re doing the job. These pickups REALLY need to be remarried with a ’62 or ’63 vintage Fender.

I’ve checked Reverb and eBay, but it’s hard to get a bead on what they’re worth. What, in your opinion, is a fair market value for the set?

 

[Snaxster]

I’m thinking of putting the pickups, along with wiring harness, up for sale. I’ve got a great set of old Bartolini pickups in my P bass right now and they’re doing the job. These pickups REALLY need to be remarried with a ’62 or ’63 vintage Fender.

I’ve checked Reverb and eBay, but it’s hard to get a bead on what they’re worth. What, in your opinion, is a fair market value for the set?

Sorry, but it isn't permitted:

"Whats it worth?" or "How much would you pay?" Threads!!!

 

[RustyBassRyan]

Noted, with thanks. I wasn't aware. I'll do some research independent of this site.