Pre CBS '63' P Bass Help

[ChetChetney]

Guys-
I am very interested in this bass but this will be my first vintage Fender to ever purchase. Are there any experts out there that can give me any feedback on the quality and originality of this bass? It's refinished but other than that looks like a great player... Any help is greatly appreciated.

Vintage 1963 Fender Precision Bass Fiesta Red (pre-CBS, L-Series) - OSHC — I Want That Guitar

 

[P. Aaron]

It looks good/correct. Best to try before buying IF possible.

 

[TomB]

I’m not an expert but have owned a few from this era (still do). I see nothing that would preclude originality. Even the case is period-correct, and identical to my July ‘63 Jazz case. I agree that, for that money, a trip might be in order, unless you have an iron-clad return promise.

 

[jallenbass]

That seems like a lot of money for a refinish but I know prices have been going up.

 

[ChetChetney]

Thanks guys - appreciate the thoughts and any more would help. It’s unlikely I can do a trip out there to try it unfortunately

 

[AGCurry]

You haven't said whether you want to play it or collect it.

For a collector, the refinish, regardless of its quality, is a no-no.

For a player, it's crazy to spend that much money without putting your hands on it.

 

[ChetChetney]

You haven't said whether you want to play it or collect it.

For a collector, the refinish, regardless of its quality, is a no-no.

For a player, it's crazy to spend that much money without putting your hands on it.

i definitely want to play it - not in it as a collector. Great point, thanks

 

[BASS67]

Personally I would not pay that money for a refinished bass, I would prefer one with all its wear, marks of use... but that maintains all its originality. For me, those aesthetic defects are part of the instrument history. But it is only my opinion.

 

[truand85]

For a refinish/refret, is 8k a decent price? Seems high but what do I know.

 

[DanDBassist]

Here is a quote from the listing, so much for returns: "Therefore, unless the item would arrive in different condition than described such as physically damaged or non functional, any return request based on your consideration over the specs, cosmetic condition or simply because you "like another one better than this one" would not be a valid reason for a return, without exceptions. By purchasing the instrument in any way you understand and agree on this is a final sale."

 

[ChetChetney]

Here is a quote from the listing, so much for returns: "Therefore, unless the item would arrive in different condition than described such as physically damaged or non functional, any return request based on your consideration over the specs, cosmetic condition or simply because you "like another one better than this one" would not be a valid reason for a return, without exceptions. By purchasing the instrument in any way you understand and agree on this is a final sale."

Yeap, this one bothers me a lot. Essentially I’m stuck with the bass regardless how it shows up. Thanks all - I’m going to wait on another bass that’s all original and no refinish.

 

[rashrader]

Too much for a refinished ‘63? Yeah, but if you love it, it’s worth it.

 

[spufman]

Well, maybe they gave you an 'out' in terms of return qualification. The neck does not look quartersawn to me, though advertised as such.

That said, it looks really sweet!

 

[trey le parc]

That seems like a lot of money for a refinish but I know prices have been going up.

Everything is going up, but this seems high for a refinish. Also, the seller's return policy seems...brittle.

 

[mike buzzetti]

send the pix to Gruhns guitars for a $75 inspection they will confirm originality , replaced frets typically have no effect on price , on a 63 Strat refinish it drops the price about 30%, the holes in the top look correct ask if the covers are original not NOS . Good looking bass. The company/guy has a 100% GOOD rating that is a plus with over 100 reviews , this matters IMO. I have bought several vintage guitars off Reverb ( 1963 Strat refin. , 1968 ES335TDC perfect condition , etc. ) so factors matter IF you cannot be there to play it.

Fender Precision Bass with Rosewood Fretboard 1963 | Reverb

compare to this

 

[Stewie]

In the description, it says three tone sunburst. Looks red to me

 

[Tommy Sparks]

Looks like the real deal. Birth year bass fore me, too much $ for me to cough up. Always thought a b year bass would be cool.
If it’s calling you than I’d say do for it.
Offer a lower price..... maybe?
A bit high for a refinish.

 

[TomB]

I guess I disagree that the price is out of line for a refin, given the remaining parts of the package. Original finish fetches an even higher price, depending on condition. I would def be concerned about the return policy though. That would stop me, unless I could visit and play.

 

[mike buzzetti]

In the description, it says three tone sunburst. Looks red to me

Reverb listings will do that , stupid but it does happen in the title.

 

[SleepyShark]

I know it isn't the, "real deal" but at that price point you could go full Fender Customer Shop or even Custom Shop Masterbuilt and get an essentially guaranteed beautifully crafted, well-playing "vintage" bass.

IME not every vintage Fender was created equal, but Fender CS stuff is top-tier if you're willing to forgo the actual age of the thing. Vintage Fenders are a crapshoot, despite what some people will tell you. Golden era or not, the factory let lemons through just like they still do. Modern production methods produce more consistent instruments, especially when it's custom made just for you.

I totally understand if you want vintage, though. If that's the case, play it first, especially if you're putting down that much coin.