Real American P?

[Anachronism]

A deal came up on a used American P with an abused finish, and before I hand over my cash I was hoping that the good Fender aficionados here could help vet it for me, as I know little about Fenders. I can check for a twisted neck or the like, but might not spot a fake.
Thanks.

 

[MtManiac]

Nope - truss rod access is not at the headstock on 2003 MIA Fenders. MIMs look like that, as do some third party necks.

Tuners are wrong for a 2003 MIA, but correct for MIM. I can’t see the bridge clearly, but it also looks MIM - the intonation saddle screws on the 2003 MIA’s were black IIRC.

You can look up that serial on Fender’s US support pages and if it’s a legit serial, it’ll show a pic of the bass to which it was assigned. Guaranteed it is not this bass.

 

[MtManiac]

A deal came up on a used American P with an abused finish, and before I hand over my cash I was hoping that the good Fender aficionados here could help vet it for me, as I know little about Fenders. I can check for a twisted neck or the like, but might not spot a fake.
Thanks.

Offer $250-300, assuming the neck is not f***ed, and see if they take it.

 

[tindrum]

Could that possibly be a Highway One model?

 

[MtManiac]

Could that possibly be a Highway One model?

Ah, yes, probably exactly right.

 

[Anachronism]

Thanks, a Highway 1 seems to fit.

 

[wvbass]

Yep. That's a first-generation Highway 1 bass. They share a lot in common with the Standards made in the same timeframe. Mine is an exceptionally fine example of a P bass. That one is a bit worse for wear.