That's something that people talk about, but there are people who buy musical instruments, and just aren't motivated to practice, so the thing sits under a bed, regardless of whether it's a good instrument or not.
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P bass dating help
- Thread starter J_WELF
- Start date
That's something that people talk about, but there are people who buy musical instruments, and just aren't motivated to practice, so the thing sits under a bed, regardless of whether it's a good instrument or not.
- Jul 7, 2010
- 3,383
- 2,311
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- Endorsing Artist for: Duncan Pickups; Line6, Hipshot, GHS Strings, Somnium Guitars
But basses are so much easier to deal with though.
Just used this to identify the date on a 73 Mustang guitar I'm selling for someone. Pot dates confirm this being pretty good to identify.
Since you get to try it out in person, take some time to see how it feels, plays, and sounds. Pretty obvious to say, but I sometimes get focused on unimportant (to me) things when I feel pressured. I personally could care less about a bit of a neck gap if it plays and sounds great, but for some people that's a no go. If you can, take a look at the first 5 frets or so to check out their condition. Judging by the rest of the bass in the pics, I would think there would not be much wear. I had a '75 that looked exactly like that one except it had a white pickguard, in great condition as well. The pickup foam had melted into sludge, but when I took them out to clean up the mess and replace the foam, the pickups were dated to my birthday on the nose. Pretty cool! The neck was noticably beefed from front to back which I think is normal for that era. Also, check the truss rod screw and make sure it isn't bottomed out or won't turn.
+ Doing that also provides an opportunity to at least best visually inspect the condition of the truss nut, if not go further by feeling whether the truss rod is in good functional condition, and feel the quality of neck fit in the pocket--in addition to checking the gap with feeler gages or a business card as micguy said.
If you REALLY want to impress her, show up with a BC Rich instead.
Basses are lower maintenance. You can also have 5 basses. Try 5 girlfriends, and see how that works out for you.
Any instrument benefits from being played, wouldn't you say? That's been my personal experience. I recently bought a 25 year old quality acoustic guitar that had barely been touched (owned was my wife's cousin). Since I've been using it I've really noticed it "opening up" sound wise. Ditto with my '75 Precision. It was mint when I bought it, but over the years of playing has only improved in sound and feel.
I tried a '75 Jazz once with a baseball bat neck and it was one of the heaviest instruments I've ever picked up. That thing got put back on the rack quickly!
Thank you everyone! Love this community even though I'm not dating a p bass since I'm married 
Very helpful info!
Very helpful info!
As others have said, date stamps and pot codes will tell you '74 or '75.
Weighs 10+ pounds.
It's also plays great and is one of the best sounding Ps I own.
(yes, I prefer lighter basses)
The neck feels great - it had been stripped and refinished with lacquer.
I just used a piece of alder veneer on the side of the pocket. It's stable as can be.
My 75 P has the sloppiest neck pocket I've ever seen.
Weighs 10+ pounds.
It's also plays great and is one of the best sounding Ps I own.
(yes, I prefer lighter basses)
The neck feels great - it had been stripped and refinished with lacquer.
I just used a piece of alder veneer on the side of the pocket. It's stable as can be.
That's a beautiful Precision Bass and I wouldn't worry about it being a '73 or '75. If you love it, buy it. You will not regret owning such a fine bass. Don't believe the knocks about 70's Fenders. They may be heavier, but they used solid maple necks and ash bodies and the pickups sound great. Fender no longer makes ash bodied basses outside of Custom shop instr. so enjoy that bass.
IIRC all Fender guitar and bass neckplates have the same dimensions.
IIRC all Fender guitar and bass neckplates have the same dimensions. So maybe another instrument's neckplate got put on this bass? Either way, the serial number on the back of the headstock should match the one on the neckplate.
IIRC all Fender guitar and bass neckplates have the same dimensions. So maybe another instrument's neckplate got put on this bass? Either way, the serial number on the back of the headstock should match the one on the neckplate.
Try not to talk about yourself too much. Just ask the p-bass questions and try to actively listen. That is how you date a p-bass
