Should I buy this old P bass?

[Mikey O'Brien]

**EDIT** Thank you everyone for your help. After long debating and reading of your comments, I have decided to not buy the bass for these reasons:
1. The color is a butt fugly shiny red. I'd prefer something like white or mint green.
2. Pickups are not very responsive (hence, the bad electronics some of you mentioned)
3. The guys at this place usually check the action on their basses before they put them out, so chances are, it's not going to get much better.
4. They are a small business, so not only will they not make another offer, but it would probably be dickish of me to ask for a new one.
5. I don't have money to blow

At my local music store, they are selling a used precision bass. It is a shiny red color, has Fender strat style volume+tone knobs that look pretty old (which probably weren't on the original model, although it is questionable because the bass is in VERY good condition, so they may not have modded it), the bridge is relatively small, the action is HIGH (idk how much buzz it'll get on adjustment, I'm going back today to check), there is no model number or name but it says made in Mexico next to the Fender logo.
It's going for $350 which is relatively low for a regular Fender bass, so it's either a good deal or crap.

 

[mattbass6945]

it's hard to say without pictures, but it could also just be a parts bass. any serial number? possible pics?

 

[Mikey O'Brien]

I will try to get a picture later. Not sure about serial numbers though.

 

[mattbass6945]

if it's a good player, than it might be worth it regardless. however, if it is in badly need of a setup, it may be hard to tell. look forward to seeing an update!

 

[bolophonic]

Might be a great bass, but who knows? I couldn't hang with those Strat knobs, though. I'd ask them to throw in some Precision knobs, for sure.

 

[joel406]

The vendor should do a setup on the spot. Mine do. Check and make sure the neck isn't twisted. If you do get it make sure you can return it should you find problems later. But $350 for a Mexican P isn't bad. If I needed one that would get my attention.

 

[ScarfFace]

I said yes, but with a caveat. Even if it is a true MIM Precision, that price is still a good deal higher than what can be had here and on ebay. If you can assure that the truss rod works, the neck is in good condition AND you can get the price down a good deal, then go for it!

 

[bholder]

There have been times I've taken a tool pouch with me to the store, to (with permission) see if a bass is even reasonably set-uppable.

 

[mattbass6945]

any decent music store will usually do a setup if they think you are serious about buying.

 

[RED J]

Strat knobs were standard on earlier Mexis.

 

[2saddleslab]

Absolutely! Well, not really sure. On second thought, no.

 

[RED J]

Strat knobs and slug pickups were standard @ that time.

 

[mattbass6945]

if it is an mim p with no upgrades, for $350 i'd want them to throw in a case, maybe tell me i looked pretty. you can find those in my area with a case and maybe even a pickup mod at that price on craigslist.

 

[Gorn]

$350 is not relatively low for a Mexican Fender. You can find plenty others for about that much or less, unless there's something about that one that you love.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Strat knobs were standard on earlier Mexis.

Strat knob P bass is definitely a 90s. I am guessing the label is black and there is no S/N because somebdoy removed the S/N and "Squier Series" from the headstock.

Price quotes are for supporting members only but for $350 you could do a lot better than a 20 year old Fender standard. You should be able to find a newer used Standard for $300 with case.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Pick it up, plug it in, play it...if you like it, buy it. It's only $350. Don't be afraid- just do it!

 

[Justice]

my 1999 MIM P bass was stock with Strat knobs.

 

[Biggbass]

It's hard to beat a $350 Fender bass if it's genuine Fender, no matter where it originated.
IF it's a parts bass that's still a good price...you can't build a good one for less than that.

 

[gnarlyWarlock]

....or you could save up a couple hundred more and go with an American, a step up. Or save a hundred and go with a Squire, which, personally, impress me more with their intonation and build quality...

 

[Doublesixes]

....or you could save up a couple hundred more and go with an American, a step up. Or save a hundred and go with a Squire, which, personally, impress me more with their intonation and build quality...

On that Squier note, I have recently auditioned a few of their Affinity basses which supposedly are the entry-level for any Fender branded basses. I was pleasantly surprised by the decent quality and the reasonable prices. Are there better basses? Sure, but with some TLC any Affinity could become a lovable instrument, IMHO.