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Need opinions on potential purchase!

#41
I'd get it. That is definitely not a knot in the neck. They wouldn't make a neck with a knot in it. It also doesn't look like one. Those finish cracks are just cosmetic and shouldn't affect anything. If there's no cracks at the base of the headstock then, even if it suffered blunt force trauma to the headstock, there should be no major damage to worry about. If you like it go for it.:thumbsup:
 
#42
on a used bass, that headstock is a non-issue

the neck wood is 100% normal

if you like it buy it!

also, you can get a better deal shopping on the TB classifieds - lots of Ps to be chosen from! but, if you connected with that one, it's worth it.
 
#43
Do it!! I bought one in November and it quickly became one of my main gigging basses. Here is my LPB AO60’s alongside my CAR PB62 and Candy Tangerine CS 59.
3FCF77D4-F25D-4BCD-8E14-6B7AD64FF832.jpeg
 
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#46
HardNHeavy said:
View attachment 3509629
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what are those little round knob things just under the cloverleaf tuning keys?...Havent bought a new bass in a while, is that standard?....Other than that it looks legit to buy except the headstock cracks on the finish, maybe you can talk them down a hundred bucks.[/QUOTE]
Those are the way tuners were made in the 50’s and 60’s. They’re now called Fender Pure Vintage tuners. They come on many reissues. I believe it’s a rivet that holds the clover to the peg.
 
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#50
Well I agree with the fact that there is nothing to worry about.
But hey you could always buy it and if you are still not content with it you could just give it to me. LOL
 
#51
Tad said:
If it feels/plays/sounds good to you, you want it, and you can swing it. Get it.
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Only if you can get a serious discount!

You are concerned about the cracks which as some have said was most likely caused by a hard hit to the tuning posts and there could be damage to them.... or possibly not. These things are very tough as shown by the thread where a TB member drive over his Squier P with minimal damage.

However, if you wanted to sell it down the track nobody is going to take your word for it that you got it like that brand new. That will be their bargaining chip.
 
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#53
1. That's a knot on the neck. While it shouldn't be a problem, it is not ideal. The wood is more stiff there, and ideally you want a neck wood that's more uniform so as the wood dries, it doesn't change it's shape.

2. That looks like finish crack that I wouldn't worry much.
 
#54
John McGraw said:
Hey Folks! Recently joined as I've been tagged to play bass in an 80's cover band. This is my first bass gig although I've been playing and performing in bands as a guitarist for 30yrs.

I dusted off my '96 MIM P and gave it a decent set up (one of my new interests). I thought it was playing pretty well...until I slipped into GC and saw a used American Original in LPB on the wall. Thing felt substantially better in my hands and I'm tempted to buy it. Forget about the fact that I shouldn't spend the money right now! There are/were a couple of things that bothered me and I was curious what others thought.

The first is the grain on the back of the neck. There is a knot like circle that I have never noticed on any guitar neck I've ever played. Any thoughts on whether this is less than ideal?

Second, there are two visible but not tactile cracks in the finish on the head stock. Probably from the tuners being tightened too much. I don't think they're in the wood but still curious what others thought.

I imagine both of these things are just cosmetic blemishes and won't effect the integrity of the bass down the road but still looking for opinions.

Thanks in advance!

john in san diegoView attachment 3509628 View attachment 3509629
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I’m taking it that this is a used bass? I wouldn’t worry about the neck (I think it looks kind of cool), but if the is selling as new, they got some splain’n to do about the finish crack and chip on the logo.
 
#55
dbsfgyd1 said:
I’m taking it that this is a used bass? I wouldn’t worry about the neck (I think it looks kind of cool), but if the is selling as new, they got some splain’n to do about the finish crack and chip on the logo.
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Yes, used, which is the only reason I'm considering it. I like "virtually new" instruments at used prices. If I can get them to $1200 I think I'll pull the trigger.

I like the suggestion earlier of having them remove the two tuners where the cracks are to make sure there is no damage to the headstock itself.

john in san diego
 
#57
Make sure you like the band before you buy an expensive bass. Rock the Japanese bass and get a pro setup on it. Make sure the electronics are great and you are super happy with the pickup - if you take anything out, keep it so you can sell it if you ever change your mind.

Sell your MIM Precision on here. People are always scooping those up.

I like the American Original line but I wouldn't buy one with cosmetic dings for the prices they are asking. Just me.
 
#59
Epilogue:

I started keeping my eye on this instrument online waiting for the price to come down. At one point it was removed which sent me into a mild panic so I went to the store to confirm and lo and behold it was still there! I guess the website cannot be trusted entirely as to what really is in stock. I've had this issue with new gear as well so this wasn't entirely surprising.

On the website there was another LPB American Original P in the same condition but with a maple neck listed at $1089. This was my target price. So I went in yesterday, cash in hand, ready to walk out the door with this bad boy and...BOOM, it's gone! "Sold to a kid in Florida," I was told. I'm going to keep searching for this bass, but in the meantime I'll work with what I have.

Thanks all for the opinions & information in this thread. It's been really helpful. Talkbass has become one of my regular stops now on the internet. This place is great!

john in san diego
 

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