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Pre CBS '63' P Bass Help

#24
SleepyShark said:
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.
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A custom shop will not appreciate like an original 1963 even if the 63 plays like crap
 
#25
mike buzzetti said:
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
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$8K Canadian ~ $6300 USD.
 
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#27
AGCurry said:
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.
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I’d say that for a refinished pre-CBS bass, although all parts are original, 8775$ it’s a crazy price; for sure you should try it.
You may buy a Pino Palladino CS bass instead .. cheaper and money refunded if not happy !
 
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#31
For that much money I would think there would be a lot of things on that bass that you would want to check out. If you can't play it first and you can't return it I'd pass.
 
#35
ChetChetney said:
I’ve talked to him on the phone twice - he’s a great and honest guy who is very knowledgeable. I trust him from talking to him - comes down to if this is the bass I want.
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Looks like he's based in Los Angeles. That's local for me. If I was going to buy another pre-CBS P-bass I'd go check it out. As a player, you want to make sure it plays great. Not sure about the price, however, re-fins in my experience generally go for 50-60% of original finished Fenders.
 
#37
I'm not a vintage guy, but like Mike B spoke of in his reply, I'm not buying anything like this for that kind of money without a legit insurance valuation or an appraisal by someone like Gruhn's, Carter's, Norm's, etc. I'm certainly no expert, and I'd be more than happy to pay $75 to save 9 grand on a bogus piece, or on the other hand, already have an appraisal I can furnish my insurer.

For me, the 'vintage guitar market' is full of thousands of simply old guitars, the classics that form the real pillars of collecting and playing these old warbirds, and lots of BS and few experts. I'd have to 100% certain it's the real thing and the price was market-correct before I sent 9 grand on a one-way trip.

This certainly may be the genuine article, but it's a big roll of the dice if you don't do your homework.

Guitar Appraisal Online - Vintage Guitar Appraisals | Gruhn Guitars

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

JW
 
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#40
J Wilson said:
I'm not a vintage guy, but like Mike B spoke of in his reply, I'm not buying anything like this for that kind of money without a legit insurance valuation or an appraisal by someone like Gruhn's, Carter's, Norm's, etc. I'm certainly no expert, and I'd be more than happy to pay $75 to save 9 grand on a bogus piece, or on the other hand, already have an appraisal I can furnish my insurer.

For me, the 'vintage guitar market' is full of thousands of simply old guitars, the classics that form the real pillars of collecting and playing these old warbirds, and lots of BS and few experts. I'd have to 100% certain it's the real thing and the price was market-correct before I sent 9 grand on a one-way trip.

This certainly may be the genuine article, but it's a big roll of the dice if you don't do your homework.

Guitar Appraisal Online - Vintage Guitar Appraisals | Gruhn Guitars

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

JW
Click to expand...
I appreciate that - and you are spot on. If I decide to buy it I will definitely pay the $75. The only thing, Gruhn vetting photos does not tell me anything about playability/neck quality. That’ll be a risk I have to take. Thanks again!
 

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