Time machine '52 Precision?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by ModuMan, Dec 25, 2014.

  1. ModuMan

    ModuMan How many is too many? Supporting Member

    Feb 23, 2007
    Bristol, CT #19
  2. Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
    For something that purports to be that early and original, you think they would put the bridge cover on the right way around!
     
    hsech likes this.
  3. One Drop

    One Drop

    Oct 10, 2004
    Swiss Alps
    People would play them that way to unmute the strings.
     
  4. Assuming this bass is all original as the way they detail it in the posting - WOW!

    Say what you want Relic and Roadworners - that right there is the deal. A super virgin, complete with original vinyl gig bag.

    Screen shot 2014-12-26 at 1.12.17 PM.png

    That is what it is all about to me - and what it has always been about to me on the vintage Fenders. Of course, it would be an ornament for me to look at - as I don't spend any time on full scalers, nor will I ever - they simply don't fit me.

    It appears it was tucked away for years, but whoever played it when it WAS being played, obviously treated it with the utmost repect. I for one, admire someone who honors their instruments - and keeps them in pristine condition like this one. You only seem to see the ones that looked like they were dragged behind a tow truck - and then amusingly watch the folks swoon over them. Pretty interesting actually, when you really think about it. One person's jewel is another person's yawn - but I would bet - price aside - this is something we could all agree upon.

    Too bad all the collectors and famous players scarfed up all the good ones which look like this. Even the players who scored the nice ones are afraid to take them out of the house due to the appraised value. They may sneak them in and out of the studio somewhere, but you rarely see this kind of vintage perfection on a tour. Many are locked away in a vault somewhere.

    For a limited time only - and for a mere $20K - you too can join the "I-own-an-original-pristine P Bass" club.

    Remarkable - thanks for posting!
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2014
    Rocky likes this.
  5. Runnerman

    Runnerman Registered Bass Player

    Mar 14, 2011
    Wow, what a time machine. Thanks for posting.
     
  6. bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    Funny, it's on the right way in the top right pic, reversed in the rest. Now, if it were in the tobacco burst color.... (nah, still wouldn't go for it, but...)
     
  7. lfmn16

    lfmn16 Inactive

    Sep 21, 2011
    charles town, wv
    OK, you don't like relics. We get it! We get it! We get it! We get it! We get it! We get it! We get it! We get it! :thumbsup:

     
  8. Hey ifmn15

    You have me all wrong. Nope, I love Vintage Fenders which have been coddled and taken care of - simple as that. One person's jewel is another person's yawn, and although I am yawning big time with relics, I totally embrace your right to fawn over them.

    Not a huge deal or a problem for me - and certainly NOT trying to pick a fight. As I said they would be on exhibit in a case somewhere untouched in my studio while I play mine - the ones that fit me:

    51-P-Bass Sideways.png

    1954 Sideways.png
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2014
    Rocky likes this.
  9. Fender didn't make tobacco burst in '52, the burst finish came in 1954 with the body contours.
     
  10. Baird6869

    Baird6869 Supporting Member

    If this played well and sounded good (and I had $20k), I would buy this in a second.

    One of the first Fender basses made, in near mint condition and basically 100% original.... $20k is actually a VERY good price. An early Strat or Tele in this condition would be untouchable under $100k. Could be over $250k for a great example.

    Amazing piece of history in crazy good condition. Cool!
     
    Rocky and BassHappy like this.
  11. bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    Ah ok, and the one I'm remembering is indeed a '54 (my brother's, that I learned on). I didn't remember it being a pure slab, but couldn't quite remember what the contours were. Still had the single coil and tele headstock though.
     
  12. LOL - no problem - but that slab can be a pretty uncomfortable monster until you get used to it! Some people never do - they are usually the ones that played a 54 first!

    When I move from the 51 to the 54 there is always a comfortable sigh of contentment coming from my lips....

    Not to mention my rib cage.

    Thanks for the comment!
     
    bholder likes this.
  13. Baird6869

    Baird6869 Supporting Member

    I agree with that for sure, but the '52 sure would look great hanging on my studio wall!
     
  14. I would love to come over and see it hanging on your studio wall!!!!!!
     
    Baird6869 likes this.
  15. ROOTSnFIFTHS

    ROOTSnFIFTHS Low-end Lover since '78!

    Oct 25, 2012
    NJ to Sin City
    The condition of that bass is unbelievable. Actually I wonder. The metal parts shown in the pics are almost too clean. You would think there would be some kind of patina or some signs of age. There also seems to be no fading on the finish. The bridge cover in the first pic is in the correct position but the strings are removed. Looks like they just layed the cover on for that pic and screwed it back in (upside down) after installing the strings. Not a big deal but whoever strung her up missed the string guide on the D string at the headstock.

    If it lived most of its life with the cover reversed, I would have expected some difference in the finish where the cover sat for years. It is almost like it was kept in a special climate controlled room its entire life. Remarkable example, if it is real.

    It does have the correct slotted screws on the pickguard, covers and control plate and tug bar. The tuners do have philips head screws but Fender was starting to move to those. Even the logo looks brand new.

    There is buckle rash and some nicks on the edges but I would expect paint fading and signs of metal aging even if it was played sparsely.

    This would be worth getting appraised/authenticated for sure, wow.
     
  16. lfmn16

    lfmn16 Inactive

    Sep 21, 2011
    charles town, wv
    My apologies, I misread your post.
     
  17. Hey we are cool - it't the holidays ENJOY!

    Best to you....
     
    lfmn16 likes this.
  18. lfmn16

    lfmn16 Inactive

    Sep 21, 2011
    charles town, wv
    We're bass players so of course we're cool!
     
    BassHappy likes this.
  19. bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    I want that '54 back, but last I heard, it was hanging on Gene Simmons's wall! :rage::sour:
     
  20. bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    I've never been cool. I can provide references on that.