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Precision Elite?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by ORTHO, Sep 10, 2001.

  1. Sep 10, 2001 #1
    ORTHO

    ORTHO Guest

    Sep 10, 2001
    What a kick ass site!! Hi everybody, this is my first time here, and I have a little dilema I'm hoping somebody might help me with.

    There's a 1983 Fender Precision Elite for sale at my local music store. The price is $415.00US. I haven't had a chance to plug it in yet, but visually guitar is in excellent shape. I've been trying to get some info about these guitars (original price, reviews) on the net but haven't had much luck. Has anybody ever owned or knows something about these guitars? Is $415.00 the right price?
    Thanks for any input guys.
     
  2. Sep 10, 2001 #2
    Chasarms

    Chasarms Casual Observer

    May 24, 2001
    Saint Louis, MO USA
    Elite is a US made Fender with two sets of P bass pickups. Also has a nice fine tuning bridge. I have ran accross a couple here and there. They are nice as long as they are put together well. Early to mid 80s isn't exactly what I would call the best of Fender's work.

    As far as price, that is a good one. I have seen two or three on ebay in the last few months. They have all sold for more than that. Do a search there if you are interested in knowing exactly what they sold for. I think between $500-600.

    Chas
     
  3. Sep 10, 2001 #3
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    $415 is way below the current going rate, most Elites go for over $600 these days.

    The Elite was the top of the line Fender bass at the time (1983-85) and sold for about $800-1000 depending on whether it had one or two pickups and whether it had the gold hardware or not.

    I've had a single pickup one for over 15 years, very nice bass assuming you like P-basses in general.
     
  4. Sep 10, 2001 #4
    boogiebass

    boogiebass

    Aug 16, 2000
    Elite II's have two sets of pups. An Elite only has one split pup.

    And yeah, that's a great price if it's in good shape.
     
  5. Sep 11, 2001 #5
    MrGump

    MrGump

    Apr 20, 2000
    A nice Bass with some quality features.Hi output.
    Some of these weigh a ton! What color is it?
    at that price,if its in good shape,you can buy it and if you dont like it make some $ on it!
     
  6. Sep 11, 2001 #6
    CrawlingEye

    CrawlingEye Member

    Mar 20, 2001
    Easton, Pennsylvania
    Welcome to Talkbass!

    From what I gather, that's an incredible price for the bass. I suggest picking it up before someone else does. Elite II's are also incredible basses, www.basspalace.com always has a few Elite II's in stock. I suggest comparing prices there... :)

    Hope this helps.
     
  7. Sep 13, 2001 #7
    ORTHO

    ORTHO Guest

    Sep 10, 2001
    Thanks for all the info guys!

    This guitar only has one set of p-ups. I was at the store today, I got a chance to plug it in. It sounds great and is super easy to play. As far as everything else, the frets are not worn out at all (you almost wonder if the guy used it as decoration or what), the neck is straight, and no scratches what so ever. What else should I be checking before buying this thing? I'll probably go pick it up friday :cool: .
     
  8. Sep 13, 2001 #8
    Spike

    Spike

    Mar 10, 2000
    Thailand. (expat from UK.)
    I had an Elite 1 a few years back. Very good bass.
    One great feature I remember was the fine tuners on the bridge.
    Seems like a very good deal. Wish I had of kept mine
     
  9. Sep 13, 2001 #9
    Turock

    Turock

    Apr 30, 2000
    Melnibone
    I have to disagree. IMO, the Elite line represents some of Fender's finest bass instruments.

    It marked the return of Fender's commitment to producing higher quality instruments (I read that somewhere and I agree).

    I own an Elite I and an Elite II. The Elite I is my main gigging bass (my choice out of the 19 basses I own). Both are well made, excellent quailty instruments, and cover all styles of playing very well. $415 is a very good price, assuming no major defects.
     
  10. Sep 13, 2001 #10
    ZoomBoy

    ZoomBoy

    Jul 24, 2000
    Sutton, Massachusetts
    I agree with Turock. I have an 83 MIA Precision that I just love! It's built well and sounds killer. I'd have to say that Fender's quality was suspect moreso in the late 70's.

    ORTHO, buy that bass! Oh yeah, one more thing. What color is it?
     
  11. Sep 13, 2001 #11
    boogiebass

    boogiebass

    Aug 16, 2000
    I also totally agree with Turock and ZoomBoy. I own a sweet '83 Elite and it's a superb bass, fully on a par with the best Fenders in my collection, which includes three pre-CBS basses.
     
  12. Sep 18, 2001 #12
    ORTHO

    ORTHO Guest

    Sep 10, 2001
    Well It's been a few days now since I got it, and what a sweet bass, man. Every good thing you guys said about this guitar is true and then some. No regrets at all. Thanks too all for your comments.