To vintage or not to vintage . . .

[medgeking]

I've just inherited a chunk of money and while the majority of it will be dutifully spirited away into reasonable investment, I've decided to treat myself to a new bass. Nothing extravagant, but I'm thinking somewhere under 2k and closer to 1k if possible

My immediate thought was to order a Carvin to my own personal specs. I spent countless hours in my teen years pouring over the Carvin catalog constructing my dream bass(es). 20 years down the road and I've yet to actually place an order.

However, I'm also considering a 70s era Precision bass. If I order a Carvin, it will be their PB model because the precision sound is at the top of my want list. I'd love a vintage Fender and it seems from quick research that I should be able to buy a mid-70s Precision for under 2k. My thought is that the Fender will probably increase in value over the years where the Carvin will not. On the other hand, I can have a bridge humbucker installed on the Carvin, which will give me more tonal range.

What advice do you all have to offer?

 

[DavidBassista]

I'd go for the 70s bass. You might try shooting for 71-74. I would think if you're patient you can get one for under 2k.

 

[king_biscuit]

I'd go for the 70s bass. You might try shooting for 71-74. I would think if you're patient you can get one for under 2k.

+1

 

[Ric5]

Buy a Rickenbacker ... they never go down in value.

 

[godofthunder59]

For 2k you can find a nice 69-73. Heck you could buy two nice 73-74s for that. Carvin are nice but they have virtually no resale value.

 

[Franklin229]

I'd go for the 70s bass. You might try shooting for 71-74. I would think if you're patient you can get one for under 2k.

I couldn't agree more-re vintage P Bass-and-if you find one that's in decent shape, it will likely hold its value years down the road.

 

[mongo2]

Ditto early 70s P basses. Do your research (I've seen numerous mismatched parts instruments). Try before you buy and get what you feel is a good one.

 

[dmac1961]

Yep, vintage. Since you inherited the money, someone will inherit a vintage bass from you sometime down the road.

 

[Jaco D]

Are you buying for investment purposes or for the pleasure of playing the instrument?

 

[Fuzzbass]

Are you buying for investment purposes or for the pleasure of playing the instrument?

Bingo.

If the playing part is more important, get the bass you prefer and forget about resale value.

 

[devinp17]

I'd go for the 70s bass. You might try shooting for 71-74. I would think if you're patient you can get one for under 2k.

+1

 

[jmpiwonka]

if you're buying for investment then do your research and wait it out, i just saw a 74 precision sell for 1275 on ebay.
i don't buy basses to collect so i'd have to play any bass before i spent money unless it was a hell of a deal. i put together a parts bass (precision) that plays and sounds awesome and i can take it out on the road and not worry about something bad happening to it.

 

[Vintage P]

Never buy a bass for the resale value. If that's what you're interested in start collecting baseball cards.

 

[Noot]

Depends if you're a pro or a bedroom player. Bedroom players like to have nice basses to play and look at whenever they feel like it, and maybe put together a little collection. Pros need to have whatever sounds and plays best.

 

[mark beem]

If you go the vintage route I'd definitely try before I buy. Aren't 70's era Fenders known the be hit or miss in regards to QC?

 

[interp]

I would go for the Fender, but be sure to try before you buy. IMHO the quality of 70s Fenders is spotty.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

If I was looking at a 4 string I would pick a Fender every time, not even a thought about it.

That being said, I would probably buy a current used Fender before I bought a vintage one. I like modern innovations, plus, I don't like modding vintage gear.

 

[gregmon79]

If you want more tonal variety, I would go Carvin. You are all right though, dont expect to get your money back. Ever. But if you just want a bad a** Jazz, go with the Fender. Its sort of a hard spot to be in, wanting a custom Carvin for that many years then having the money to get it and be torn. Me? I would go vintage fender every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I played a, may have been a '72, vintage jazz at Chicago Music Exchange a month ago. Friggen dream. That bass played SO sweetly and it sounds even better. I sort of understood what guys were talking about with vintage Fender stuff before I played that bass. But after, I REALLY understood and totally agreed! What a beauty in every way!

 

[oldfclefer]

vintage is really hit or miss...and high maintenance...you might want to check one of these out...http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...7e026e3da99e&gclid=CK_EnMmHu78CFQMMaQodSJ8AYg

 

[Luckydog]

While I have several vintage Fenders 60's through 70's, my Sadowskys get ALL the play time. The sound, the feel, evenness, everything about my Sadowskys are why I cannot justify taking out my Fenders. I'll prob sell all my vintage basses, since they cannot come close to the quality of Sadowsky.