Now I ponder about buying a bass guitar from 1966. It's a precision bass. Maybe you know that there are few vintage american guitars in Russia, but now buying an old bass is possible. Of course you know that the price of old fender basses is big and I do not want to spend money for nothing. I understand that you cannot give meaningful opinion based only on photos, but if you can say something - it will be really greatful. I'll send some photos of this bass, please take a look. I have question only about finish. Is it original? Is it nitro&
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P-Bass 66
- Thread starter zastrozhin_v
- Start date
Fender didn't have a natural finish in 1966, so it's probably been refinished. The frets are also wider than stock 1966. (I have a '66 Precision).
Well spotted on those frets.
Also the scratchplate (pick guard) looks rather new to me. Eddiemac what do you think? Too straight and unblemished to be original?
You would have to take the neck off to verify the year and the CTS pots should also indicate the year.
Davo
Also the scratchplate (pick guard) looks rather new to me. Eddiemac what do you think? Too straight and unblemished to be original?
You would have to take the neck off to verify the year and the CTS pots should also indicate the year.
Davo
This is true. Back in the day lots of players removed the naturally reliced finish and just put a coat of lacquer or clear finish on them. Here's a pic of my '66:
BTW Fender started using medium jumbo frets in 1966, so those may well be original.
Refinished and maybe a newer pickgaurd.
My 66 P is also in that same catagory.
If it had been all original, I could never have afforded it.
Great bass!
My 66 P is also in that same catagory.
If it had been all original, I could never have afforded it.
Great bass!
I'd say around $2500 would be fair, depending on what else is original, other condition issues and most importantly how it feels and plays. There is a refinished '66 on ebay now listed for 3k and a few with original finishes in the 5k area and they dont seem to be flying off the shelf.
The price guide shows $3800-$4600 low- high condition. I think rule of thumb is 50% of that for the refinish.. im not positive about that though.
The price guide shows $3800-$4600 low- high condition. I think rule of thumb is 50% of that for the refinish.. im not positive about that though.
In a way that's the beauty of a refin. Same bass but affordable (ish). More difficult to sell of course!
Davo
Davo
I'm inclined to believe it may be the original pickguard. My Feb. '66 has less orange/yellow in it and the white around the edge has a mint tint to it. It has also shrunk somewhat to where it doesn't meet the bottom of the neck anymore. Who knows? Neck date and headstock details need to be seen.
