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Oldest Bass you've played?

The oldest bass i played was a 1973 (i could be getting that wrong, although I know it was early 70's) Jazz Bass at my local GC. I actually didn't like it that much, partially do to the fact it was in dire need of a setup, so maybe if it had been properly setup i would have enjoyed it more. I really didn't like the tone that much either though. I would have much rather bought a custom shop Jazz.
 
I own and occasionally play a 1968 Precision bass. Plays nice, sounds very good but I have newer basses that feel and sound better and cost a fraction of what this thing cost.
Here she is, all original:
CIMG2318.jpg
 
I played a 1966 fender P bass. Nice bass. My GAS kicked in until the store owner told me he'd sell it to me for "the friend price of $8000"... My GAS promptly subsided!

Also played an early to mid 70's telecaster bass. Hated it.
 
I own and occasionally play a 1968 Precision bass. Plays nice, sounds very good but I have newer basses that feel and sound better and cost a fraction of what this thing cost.
Here she is, all original:
CIMG2318.jpg

What a beauty. I think this is my favorite Fender finish combination...creamy white, red tort and rosewood. Yum.

I agree with you, though, about having newer instruments that you find feel and play and sound better. Some vintage instruments are amazing, but after having owned numerous vintage Fenders, I personally prefer to play less "valuable" and more easily replaceable basses.

I mean, if I won the lottery I'd probably go back and score a pre-CBS P-bass or two, but I don't miss the ones I used to have and I don't GAS for something just because it was made 45 years ago or whatever.
 
The oldest electric bass I've played is my 1969 Bartell Hohner, a model which precedes the 70s Black Widow bass. It is nice to play. It has a fast narrow neck the pretty good tone variation, adjustable from a crisp twang to a muddy mute.

bartell.front.jpg

bartell.back.jpg
 
a very early P bass, dont remember the exact year, could have been a 51' more likly a 52 or 53, it was beat up and really decrept shape, played and sounded like crap, asking price was north of 10K.

I currently own a 68 ampeg amb-1, and a 73 guild M85, both of which may go on the block soon as my newer stuff sees most of the playing time. Its fun to collect this stuff but not that practical in terms of real life use.