P Bass Original or Partsacaster?

[BobKos]

I have a 77 Musicmaster and the sticker was originally attached to the underside of the pick guard. As in this bass, I moved mine to underneath the neck for safe keeping.

 

[Grinderman]

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Went to see this bass today. But after inspection I walked away.


I had some doubts over its authenticity so would welcome some thoughts on what everyone else thinks here.

It was owned by a guy who was known in his day to build up guitars. He also had a jazz of the same period but had been badly refinished (pictures next to each other).
This P bass body did have some age-related discolouring, but it just didn't feel like it all add up to me.

Am I wrong here? Have I walked away from a good buy?

It looks more likely made by Fender, in Maui Blue, than not.

All P basses are parts basses, since 1951, whether they have that $2.00 (in today's dollar) waterslide decal or not. If we don't know the asking price there's no possibility to determine what kind of deal it is, even if it were made by Fender, pre-CBS.

 

[akukulich]

Super weird that I've never seen a Maui blue finish, then I see two today. Here's a Maui blue Jazz Bass I just stumbled across a few hours ago.

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[God's Favorite Bass]

It has a lot of cool factor going on. Color makes it a bit more "collectable" if that's your goal. But the thing is how does it play? Does it set up to your liking? If yes, then I would default to intrinsic value at that point. What's it worth to YOU? That may or may not align with the "market"

 

[Jazz Bass Girl]

Cheers everyone — exactly what I thought for the money!

 

[2thAche]

80s? Not for that money. Good pass

 

[Grinderman]

I've got these photos but non of pickup/pot codes:
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I was just conscious because it felt pretty pricey for late 70s (roughly $3600/£3'000/€3600).

Oh, in that case. Next.

 

[Jazz Bass Girl]

80s? Not for that money. Good pass

I assumed around about the £2000/$2400 would be more in line for a MIA early 80s…??

 

[Chickenwheels]

View attachment 4971971 View attachment 4971973 View attachment 4971974 View attachment 4971976 View attachment 4971978

Went to see this bass today. But after inspection I walked away.


I had some doubts over its authenticity so would welcome some thoughts on what everyone else thinks here.

It was owned by a guy who was known in his day to build up guitars. He also had a jazz of the same period but had been badly refinished (pictures next to each other).
This P bass body did have some age-related discolouring, but it just didn't feel like it all add up to me.

Am I wrong here? Have I walked away from a good buy?

Sweet Jeebus. That's a Maui Blue Precision…and Jazz!! I'd be trading in my '75 in a heartbeat if it plays nice!!

 

[Chickenwheels]

WAY overpriced. 3,200 will get you a pre-owned Custom Shop that's light-years ahead of any late 70's or 80's Fender.

Maybe

 

[Jazz Bass Girl]

Sweet Jeebus. That's a Maui Blue Precision…and Jazz!! I'd be trading in my '75 in a heartbeat if it plays nice!!

The Jazz is a repaint. Hard to tell from the photo but it's a very light blue (different to the P) with paint runs. Generally shoddy job but likely done a while ago.

I'm a Jazz fan so the J is what I went to see but was majorly disappointed. The P bass was just for comparison but actually ended up liking it until I realised the asking price.

With the Jazz being painted (and no photos of neck pocket/pots/pickup stamps) I'm not sure if that's priced right either.

Little dealer so perhaps just priced at the late mint original 70s models they believed they had. I might make an offer with all this information in mind but where is fair to pitch it for either or both?!

 

[Chickenwheels]

The Jazz is a repaint. Hard to tell from the photo but it's a very light blue (different to the P) with paint runs. Generally shoddy job but likely done a while ago.

I'm a Jazz fan so the J is what I went to see but was majorly disappointed. The P bass was just for comparison but actually ended up liking it until I realised the asking price.

With the Jazz being painted (and no photos of neck pocket/pots/pickup stamps) I'm not sure if that's priced right either.

Little dealer so perhaps just priced at the late mint original 70s models they believed they had. I might make an offer with all this information in mind but where is fair to pitch it for either or both?!

I wouldn't have the foggiest clue as to what they'd be worth. I base the value of an instrument (to me) purely on how it appeals to me personally. So if that Jazz felt and played amazing (to me) I'd factor in getting it refinished (in Maui Blue of course because it's my favourite colour) and go from there.

 

[jamro217]

Nice bass, refin or not, but certainly not a bargain for that much. Ask if they'll throw in a Mesa Subway and a couple of cabs for that price. Then it'd be worth it. Crooks.

 

[P. Aaron]

It's definitely from 1981. International Colors series, as shown above.

'Maui blue is gorgeous - I love that look on the jazz bass with the pearl blocks!

Glad I learned something new about Fender today. Thanks.

 

[P. Aaron]

Still kinda spendy...for me anyway. I'd go Mod Shop or bite a bit harder and find a CS model I liked.