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Precision decision...

Engine207

Engine207

Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
Jul 10, 2008
3,265
370
Dwight Mission, Oklahoma
youtu.be
#1
Since my last trip to Chicago Music Exchange, when I got my hands on a vintage Fender Precision Bass, I've really been GASsing for one. I've even been considering selling off a few basses to make it happen. I'm primarily a feel guy, and particularly enjoy C-width (1-3/4") necks. Being that I'm a '66 myself...I've kinda been thinking about a '66 P-Bass.

My current lineup includes these basses:
  • '08 Fender '70s Classic Jazz Bass
  • '07 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass V Deluxe
  • '07 Lākland Skyline Duck Dunn
  • '80 Peavey T-40
  • '04 Precision Bass Special Fretless
  • '80 Rickenbacker 4001
  • '11 Yamaha BB424X
  • '99 Squier Precision Bass Special (firehouse practice bass).
I play them all, but obviously, I have favorites. The Ric is permanent. I'll never part with it. I need a fretless, so until I finally get a Tony Franklin, I'll keep the one I have. I can't see having a pricier bass at work, so the Squier stays, too.

This is where it gets interesting. It's nice having a 5er, but I'm mostly a four-string player. The T-40 is a sentimental favorite, but not a daily player. Though I really like my Classic '70s Jazz, Yammy BB, and Lakland Duck, I could part with them - if I go for a vintage bass. If I use them for seed money, I'd maybe pocket about $3,000, and could probably raise the additional $2,000-$3,000 that old Precisions are seeming to fetch these days.

Have you made a similar move - selling off some newer instruments and getting a vintage? If you have, I'd like to hear your thoughts on it - which basses you sold, whether you would do it all again, and if you have any regrets.
 
#3
Beano_z said:
From what you've written I think that's what you're thinking as well.
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Well, I am thinking that...but it's a big step to part with basses I really like. If I had the scratch to just go out and buy a vintage P, I would. Being that I'd have to give up so much (and still need work a bunch of overtime) it'd be nice to hear from others who have done something like this...or decided against it.
 
#4
It IS a good time to buy vintage guitars as the market is terrible (for sellers).

Also, the basses you mention that you would possibly sell are not that difficult to replace.

I would go for it if you find the right '66.

Personally, I am on a Fodera kick, but realized having 10-20 basses is crazy and I am consolidating my collection to get 4-5 killer basses that I just love. No point owning it if you don't play it IMO!
 
#8
Petethebassman said:
There's a '66 P-Bass for sale in TB classifieds for $5K, sweet-looking bass.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/1966-fender-precision-tons-pictures-931916/
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$5K ought to get you a pretty nice one. And +1 on the vintage market, it's a good time to buy now, and honestly, if you look at various other "toys" for men (watches, camera's, not even to mention cars and yachts, etc.), you'll realize $5K for something this vintage and meaningful to the musical history is a complete steal. Heck, even storage cost for a bass for 47 years is going to cost more than $5K.
 
#9
YOu can get a refinish 66 for very resonable money, but the original finished basses keep their value and are more sought after.

I'd consider both frankly. Chicago Music Exchange must be an amazing place to visit. I'd be surprised if they can't find what you're looking for.

I have a '64 and of course the pre-CBS label comes at an additional premium.

Keep an open mind, the bass with the hardest life and the most dings, can be the best playing bass.

Cheers
Davo
 
#10
Recently, I went through a similar exercise; I wanted to buy an early 70s P-bass and I was ready to spend $3,000-3,500. However, I was not sure about the authenticity of the few ones that I saw in NYC and few of them were at the limits of their truss rods with a bow that I thought could not be fixed with the existing rod. I ended up buying a Custom Shop '59 relic. I find relic work quite cheesy in general, but the tone of the bass is to die for! Since I am more of a player than a collector, I am happy with my decision.

So, unless you are into the whole vintage thing, Custom Shop might be a good option as well.

Best,

Alper
 
#11
I'm not really a collector, per se, but I do like P-Basses and the idea of owning one that's as old as me is kinda cool. If I could just scratch a check and buy one, without selling my others, I would.

As for a wear/mojo...I don't really care too much either way. If its old and genuinely worn, that's cool, but I don't dig the fake relic too much. One thing worries me about vintage is authentication. I know a bit, but not enough to be SURE sure. I've also heard folks say to stay away from pristine old basses, because there must be something wrong if they're almost 50 without a nick.
 
#12
My vote is with the two Jazzes and BB that you seem not so attached to. I would also get rid of the T-40, but you have a sentimental attachment to that, so I guess that's out. Lakland Duck Dunn already is a P, but if you're not attached to it, it can go.

You may like them, but if you don't really use them (other than for wall decor), why have them? I'm a recent convert to ONLY owning P basses for this reason, and I really like my sound best with just Ps.
 
#13
ggvicviper said:
My vote is with the two Jazzes and BB that you seem not so attached to. I would also get rid of the T-40, but you have a sentimental attachment to that, so I guess that's out. Lakland Duck Dunn already is a P, but if you're not attached to it, it can go.

You may like them, but if you don't really use them (other than for wall decor), why have them? I'm a recent convert to ONLY owning P basses for this reason, and I really like my sound best with just Ps.
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Well, to be clear...I like them all (especially the 70s Classic Jazz). I would not have bought them, otherwise. I play them all frequently, with the exception of the MIA Jazz V, because my band doesn't play many tunes that drop below E.

The only reason I would part with them is this crazy '66 P GAS I have. Totally irrational, I know, but the only tone I'd really be missing would be the Jazz.
 
#14
Engine207 said:
Well, to be clear...I like them all (especially the 70s Classic Jazz). I would not have bought them, otherwise. I play them all frequently, with the exception of the MIA Jazz V, because my band doesn't play many tunes that drop below E.

The only reason I would part with them is this crazy '66 P GAS I have. Totally irrational, I know, but the only tone I'd really be missing would be the Jazz.
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Then I would go for the Jazz V, Duck Dunn, and BB. I'm not sure selling all that will get you to the price of a '66 P.

However, if you have so many attachments to these instruments now, to the point where you are posting a list of 8 but only willing to MAYBE get rid of 3ish, then I think you should reconsider selling anything and either just try to save or skip it - it seems like you have a hard time parting with any of these guys.
 
#15
ggvicviper said:
Then I would go for the Jazz V, Duck Dunn, and BB. I'm not sure selling all that will get you to the price of a '66 P.

However, if you have so many attachments to these instruments now, to the point where you are posting a list of 8 but only willing to MAYBE get rid of 3ish, then I think you should reconsider selling anything and either just try to save or skip it - it seems like you have a hard time parting with any of these guys.
Click to expand...

I agree...that's my dilemma. There's no dissatisfaction with any of these basses. It's a straight up financial. I'm nowhere near the cost of a '66. I'd be saving a bunch for it any way it's sliced. For those three, I bet I'd get maybe $2000-$2250 max. Saying I did include the 70s Classic, maybe I'm flirtin near $3000.

Damn...maybe a refin of an old P-Bass can be had at $3000?
 
#19
EagleMoon said:
My opinion? It's GAS due to your trip to CME. I'd hold off and see if you change your mind in a month. You don't want to sell something you have and then regret it.
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That's so true!! Those vintage basses just feel so cool and play so easy. And I really love those C-width necks, and the history that's in them.

Funny thing is that's the whole reason I have my current T-40. I had one of those as my first bass, and sold it to buy the Ric. I actually bought my SiennaBurst because I wished I'd kept that first one. On the upside, if I do pull this trigger, none of the basses I'd sell are too tough to replace if I do regret wind up with some regret.
 
#20
Engine207 said:
That's so true!! Those vintage basses just feel so cool and play so easy. And I really love those C-width necks, and the history that's in them.

Funny thing is that's the whole reason I have my current T-40. I had one of those as my first bass, and sold it to buy the Ric. I actually bought my SiennaBurst because I wished I'd kept that first one. On the upside, if I do pull this trigger, none of the basses I'd sell are too tough to replace if I do regret wind up with some regret.
Click to expand...

I guess since I've been through the same thing I can recognize a kindred spirit. :D Only thing is that I don't think older basses are necessarily better. If I had a hankering for a bass like that, I'd see if I could build one to the specs I like. Most of the time old basses are just old, nothing really special. Plus who wants to play something that's got 40+ years of old sweat on it. :p
 

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