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pre C.B.S.?

Being I grew up playing in the pre/post CBS era I would say Pre-CBS were better Fender gear. CBS bought Fender and started cutting corners and changing things. I would say the amp's took the brunt of the cost cutting.
 
Although CBS bought Fender on Jan. 5th 1965 they didn't toss out all the parts in the factory so even many '66's had "pre CBS" parts on them.
 
Dude said:
Although CBS bought Fender on Jan. 5th 1965 they didn't toss out all the parts in the factory so even many '66's had "pre CBS" parts on them.

we had this very discussion just recently, and as you said, there is a "Transition" period where the Leo parts and designs were being used after the Jan 1, 1965 sale date.. but those guitars are still not technically "pre-CBS" even if they are identical.
 
SamJ said:
I still need to come by and visit your place.. My good friend, and a good bass player is out visiting this weekend, maybe then..


I'll be heading over to Scottsdale this weekend (GF doesn't have kids this week). I can most likly be found on a barstool at The Italian Grotto on the corner of 1st & Scottsdale in Old Town or up at The Pointe at Tapatilo Cliffs on 7th St south of T-Bird watching Mel Brown playing.
 
Yes, pre-CBS Fenders are expensive, but you can find a nice refinished bass, with minor part changes for about the price of some of the high-end boutique instruments. And the price will never go down. They aren't as desirable to collectors, but are always in demand to players. Obviously, you have to be concerned about who had them, and how they were taken care of, but it's worth the search. You could wait 2 years for a custom boutique bass, or spend that time searching for a pre-cbs at guitar shows and online. Ok, so before I start the same old argument, let me just say that they aren't for everyone, and some people find them dull and lifeless yada yada. This is just my opinion.
 
SamJ said:
but those guitars are still not technically "pre-CBS" even if they are identical.
It makes them great bargains on the used market. My '66 blackface bassman was a steal, and it sounds like a million bucks (I use it with an Eden D210T for quieter gigs and recording). Now, my cousin's '64 Jazz Bass is bass nirvana as far as I'm concerned. Never played a "transition" bass.
 

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