Trying to ID a 90s Mexican Fender

[woomerbt]

I've had this bass for over 20 years. Bought it in college at a second-hand/vintage shop and used it in a blues band for a couple of years. I know it is Mexican and was made in the 90s from the serial number, but the pick guard and concentric controls have me stumped. I can't find another one like it for comparison. Anyone have any insights?

 

[sailri]

Ask around in the Cowpoke Club. The Few, the Proud, the Cowpokes. (official Fender Cowpoke club)

 

[jackn1202]

Definitely a '95.

*EDIT* '95 Cowpoke P Bass. Semi-rare. I'd never heard of these before, pretty cool.

 

[saabfender]

1994-1996 is definitely my favorite era of Mexican Fenders. I also have a couple. That one you have looks really good - as good as current-production MIA.

 

[woomerbt]

Wow! That is awesome (and fast!). Thanks for the link, too. It's a great bass, but it always bugged me that I didn't know exactly what it was.

 

[two fingers]

Google Fender Cowpoke bass and read to your heart's content.

And welcome to TalkBass @woomerbt !!!!!

 

[Warhawk]

Shouldn't the MN4 serial identify the bass as a '94? If not, removing the neck should show date stamps.

 

[Oren Hudson]

Now you're "an old cowhand." I have a red one.

 

[woomerbt]

Google Fender Cowpoke bass and read to your heart's content.

And welcome to TalkBass @woomerbt !!!!!

Now that I know what to search for I definitely will.
And thanks! Love the forum!

 

[woomerbt]

Shouldn't the MN4 serial identify the bass as a '94? If not, removing the neck should show date stamps.[/QUOTE

MN4 + 5 or 6 digits = 1994-1995. Ive read removing the neck will show a time and date stamp. Just haven't got around to looking yet.

 

[jackn1202]

Shouldn't the MN4 serial identify the bass as a '94? If not, removing the neck should show date stamps.

Normally, yes, but that year MN4 was '95. The '94 serial numbers started with a V (I think).

 

[mikewalker]

Hybridized out of leftover "Mexi-Urge" parts, it looks like...

 

[Warhawk]

Well if woomerbt would kindly remove the neck of his instrument (I assure you, it will do no damage as Fender's were designed to have the neck removable). Looks like on some of the strings they need to be rewound on the tuners anyways. On all tuners the string should exit as low as possible, so they should be strung high to low as possible on the tuners. Oh yeah, to remove the neck you need to take the strings off the tuners.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I've had this bass for over 20 years. Bought it in college at a second-hand/vintage shop and used it in a blues band for a couple of years. I know it is Mexican and was made in the 90s from the serial number, but the pick guard and concentric controls have me stumped. I can't find another one like it for comparison. Anyone have any insights?View attachment 2991124 View attachment 2991125 View attachment 2991126 View attachment 2991127

Just like the one I had and stupidly sold (one of six basses in that category). I was not totally wild about the preamp.

 

[woomerbt]

I definitely plan to take the neck off and look. I'll post here when I do. Thanks for the tip on the strings. I just put them on and thought I had them low enough, but I'll check it out when I do the neck.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Comeon over to our little roundup at The Few The Proud the Cowpokes and you'll find everything you want to know.

 

[quickfix]

I like that bass!

 

[gjbassist]

I had that same bass in red. It was the first bass I bought when I started playing in the mid 90's. Found it in a local music store and got a really good deal on it because it had been knocked off the wall and had a small chunk of the finish missing off the back.

 

[gjbassist]

Here is one like yours that sold on Reverb last year:
1994 Fender Precision Bass Special "Cowpoke" P/J Bass

 

[ashtray]

I’ve had 3 cowpokes - red, black, and sunburst. One I had to shim the neck - I used a piece of business card and wrote “ashtray @ talkbass” on it, should anyone find it.

I sold all 3 about 8 years ago. I meant to keep one. Very comfortable, lightweight, and great tone.