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Vintage Fender Experts! I need your help.

Tslicebass

Tslicebass

Commercial User
Jun 12, 2007
1,602
340
Chicago
www.lowdownbass.net
Disclosures
LowDown Bass Guitars
#1
Hey tb'ers. I recently decided to sell my Valenti 5 String Jazz Bass and had a potential trade offered instead.
Let me preface by saying I know almost nothing about vintage instruments in general.
This guy hit me up on craigslist with a trade offer. I attached the info below...

I am offering a 1976 Fender Jazz Bass for trade. Attached are some pics.
It's all original except for these changes:
1. I bought a Fender 1976 Precision Neck ($1,000) and had it bolted on because the original neck was twisted. I also like the Precision 1 5/8" nut width versus the Jazz 1 1/2" width.
2. I had the bridge replaced with a Schaller adjustable bridge but still have the original bridge.
3. Some of the control pots were re-soldered.
4. It's hard to tell if the paint had been removed and it was stained or if it is original. It looks to me like the body was sanded and stained. I don't think there is a clear coat, just stain.
The frets had some denting in the usual areas when I purchased it. I have been playing it for two years.

So I have a couple of questions and would appreciate some help

1. What would you guys estimate the retail value at of this bass. I searched the classifieds but since it is a P/J combo it is pretty unique. I just want to make sure I am getting fair trade value (FYI. I would ideally like to get 1400-1500 for the Valenti for a straight up sale.)
2. I would eventually like to get a jazz neck back on this thing. He said he paid $1000 for the 76 P neck. Is that a fair resale number? And would I even be able to find a 76 jazz neck on the vintage instrument market?
3. I am not crazy about the finish... looks kinda crappy. Do you guys know anybody who specializes in 70's style refinishes. And what would a refinish do to the sale value of the instrument.
4. How would I go about making sure this bass is original and not a fake? I trust the guy but once again, know nothing about authenticating a vintage instrument.

Also, if there is any other advice you guys could give me I would appreciate it. I haven't played the bass yet but just want to try to get some info before I make the trip out to the burbs to check it out.

Here are the pics he sent me.
DSC01229.gif

DSC01230.gif

DSC01233.gif

DSC01235.gif
 
#2
From a vintage standpoint, that thing is a mess. The body was refinished, holes were drilled in the body when the 3-bolt neck was swapped for a 4-bolt neck, and it probably needs at least a partial refret.

Value on that bass as is would be in the $800 range. And that's being generous. A decent paint job on the body (why you'd want a "70's style" refin on that I can't understand) would run you $350-$500. As the seller pointed out, that isn't the original bridge, and I'll bet anything the pickups aren't original either.

Sounds like the owner is being straight up with you, but the reason he's offering a trade is probably because he can't sell that thing. No WAY would I trade your bass for that catastrophe. Sell your bass outright and you won't be that far from being able to buy a 70's Jazz bass in nice condition (they run anywhere from $1,500-$2,200, depending on color and condition).
 
#3
I'm NOT a vintage guitar expert by any means, but...definitely not the original finish, and with the resoldering and various replacement parts, this bass doesn't have a ton of vintage value. I wouldn't give you $1500 bucks for it. Also, not sure, but I THOUGHT that 1976 Fenders had 3 screw necks, not 4 (but I could be mistaken, check with a Fender expert). I doubt that neck is worth $1000 either; I had a '65 P-BASS neck in "good" condition, and I only got $900 for it on e-bay...pretty iffy if you ask me!!
 
#4
Well, I'll let the experts chime in on how much the neck will hurt the value, but I can tell that the neck changed from 3-bolt to 4-bolts going to hurt the value and the refin will as well, although it is pretty common to se stripped basses from the seventies. It seems like he might have over payed for the neck, and you can find 70s necks for around 300-400 dollars. If it were me, I would probably want a little extra from him if you want $1500.
 
#6
With vintage gear, even a small change from the original condition can de-value the instrument sharply. These are not small changes.

Also, a P with J neck if a far more popular combination than a J with P neck. This doesn't add value for being rare, it makes the instrument slower to sell or trade.
 
#7
smcd said:
From a vintage standpoint, that thing is a mess. The body was refinished, holes were drilled in the body when the 3-bolt neck was swapped for a 4-bolt neck, and it probably needs at least a partial refret.

Value on that bass as is would be in the $800 range. And that's being generous. A decent paint job on the body (why you'd want a "70's style" refin on that I can't understand) would run you $350-$500. As the seller pointed out, that isn't the original bridge, and I'll bet anything the pickups aren't original either.

Sounds like the owner is being straight up with you, but the reason he's offering a trade is probably because he can't sell that thing. No WAY would I trade your bass for that catastrophe. Sell your bass outright and you won't be that far from being able to buy a 70's Jazz bass in nice condition (they run anywhere from $1,500-$2,200, depending on color and condition).
Click to expand...

This is pretty much dead on.
 
#8
smcd said:
From a vintage standpoint, that thing is a mess. The body was refinished, holes were drilled in the body when the 3-bolt neck was swapped for a 4-bolt neck, and it probably needs at least a partial refret.

Value on that bass as is would be in the $800 range. And that's being generous. A decent paint job on the body (why you'd want a "70's style" refin on that I can't understand) would run you $350-$500. As the seller pointed out, that isn't the original bridge, and I'll bet anything the pickups aren't original either.

Sounds like the owner is being straight up with you, but the reason he's offering a trade is probably because he can't sell that thing. No WAY would I trade your bass for that catastrophe. Sell your bass outright and you won't be that far from being able to buy a 70's Jazz bass in nice condition (they run anywhere from $1,500-$2,200, depending on color and condition).
Click to expand...

+1

Not sure what the Valenti is worth, I think they're a couple grand, right? This guy might as well throw that thing on Ebay for a $.99 No Reserve auction.
 
#9
smcd said:
From a vintage standpoint, that thing is a mess. The body was refinished, holes were drilled in the body when the 3-bolt neck was swapped for a 4-bolt neck, and it probably needs at least a partial refret.

Value on that bass as is would be in the $800 range. And that's being generous. A decent paint job on the body (why you'd want a "70's style" refin on that I can't understand) would run you $350-$500. As the seller pointed out, that isn't the original bridge, and I'll bet anything the pickups aren't original either.

Sounds like the owner is being straight up with you, but the reason he's offering a trade is probably because he can't sell that thing. No WAY would I trade your bass for that catastrophe. Sell your bass outright and you won't be that far from being able to buy a 70's Jazz bass in nice condition (they run anywhere from $1,500-$2,200, depending on color and condition).
Click to expand...

+1
But $800 is too much!
So here is is a mutilated 70's ash Jazz body, with a bunch of random parts? If it sounds really great, and I mean really and if the neck is not shot or the pocket loose, I would think $500-600 is fair.

If you have a 70's 3-bolt neck, heel plate and tuners, and another grand to throw at it, it might be fun to restore it...:eyebrow:

Or buy a 70's classic MIM from Fender and mod that...:D
 
#11
Above posts are correct, the thing is not remotely original and has little resale value. You'd be trading down value-wise.

OTOH, I personally love the finish. If I were in your position, I'd ask for (significant) bonus cash if I ended up liking the way the bass played/sounded.
 
#12
IMO, an original mid 70's p bass neck that is straight with the original keys and string retainer is worth around $500.(the neck looks a little earlier than a '76 to me. more like a '72-'74)

the '76 j bass body isn't worth much due to the poor refin and mods done to it (and it's probably a really heavy one too). the '76 guard has been cut for truss rod adjustment access, the original neck plate is gone. i'd place the value of that bass at around $700-$800 (if the pickups are original and he includes the original bridge), so if it were me, i wouldn't bother with it. pass.
 
#14
The original bass was manufactured during a "low" point for Fender Musical Instruments. Ownership by CBS - fit, finish and quality suffered. Just that fact alone diminishes the value for a collector.I agree with the other posts, with all of the "improvements" , there is no value added. Look at something else. With most instrument manufactures, you can research the instrument on the company website using the serial number.
 

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