Vintage Fenders. Why??

[tb-player]

I mean, yeah, it’s cool to hear someone say “this is my ‘64 jazz” or “this is my ‘59 precision,” but unless you’re selling one for $15,000 what do you believe is the appeal of classic Fenders versus a new Fender or FSO?

A while back, I bought a ‘65 P bass from Chicago Music Exchange for about $7k. It sounded fine and played okay. But the truss rod was maxed and it wasn’t nearly as nice as my Nash PB57 or my Olinto P bass (both pricey but significantly less expensive). I’ve also played a couple of vintage jazz basses that were in good shape, but none came close to my Bluesman Vintage jazz.

Despite all that, I’d still love to own an early 60’s jazz someday. Who knows? Maybe I’ll stumble across one at an estate sale or something. But with prices now officially at ludicrous levels, I’ve pretty much stopped looking.

Those of you who own one, why do you love yours?

 

[Jim C]

I've had good and bad older Fenders. I won't go past 1974 and many of the 70's had problems right out of the box.
I bought my 70's during the 70's and 80's and they were cheap, had a lot of soul and sound and played great.
They also fit my hand perfectly.
My 60' is a refinish and was very affordable.
When bought correctly, they are like a blue chip stock. You may not make much but the resale is very good.
OTOH, these days my go to is a Marco bass!

 

[beatdatthang]

The only reasons I can think of is that so many people were influenced by players who played those old Fenders because in the 60’s it was Fender, Gibson, or Rickenbacker and a vast majority played Fenders. I think folks want those old basses to feel they can recreate the “vintage” vibe of the old 60s and 70s which for many were the golden age of music.

The real question is, if the players back in the 60s and 70s had the kind of choices we have today, would so many have played Fenders?

 

[creaturegods]

Nostalgia plays a larger part in the appeal than most people would like to admit.

Also, the big headstock logo and text from the '70s just looks really cool.

 

[Ronnie Thunders]

It's a mojo thing

 

[Bruiser Stone]

I’ve got a late ‘78 from a much maligned Fender era in my avatar that should defy all logic: it’s heavy, the original PU’s are kaput (Fralin’s +10% replaced them), but that neck is PERFECT, and something about the tone is just right…firm and tight. It was a very fortuitous birth year impulse. It will be the last to go if the need arises.

 

[ebo]

I wouldn’t pay for one now with the prices the way they are, but if it’s an instrument with a provable history there’s that. I’d like to find a beat up old bass that turns out to be the bass on (name those records). Show me the bass on stage at Woodstock. 56’ Chevy’s are awesome because they were only made in 56’. They’ve made Pbasses every year forever. By itself, the year means nothing to me. It would have to be THAT bass for me to pay the big big bucks.

 

[JRA]

what do you believe is the appeal of classic Fenders versus a new Fender or FSO?

the appeal? = it's mythological in the minds of those who have more money than experience (or the time it takes to compare to something better).

edit: you can make your own FSO to play better, but you have to buy a fender to have a fender. play better vs."7ender"...you decide.

 

[Masbutch]

Old fenders can definitely have some mojo, it’s also important to point out that you have much higher chance of getting an expensive piece of fire wood back then versus a new instrument. Sometime you can find a vintage fender that really shines! I personally own a 73 p bass that sounds, feels and plays better then all 20 p basses I’ve ever owned

 

[REMBO]

They’re Just Magic! Something About An Old Fender Just Does It For Me! They Are Timeless As Far As The Designs (Pick Your Favorite Model)

And, Then There’s The Tone! It’s Timeless!! ️

 

[Jaygetsreal]

Seems a blind test would generate interesting results. Has this been done?

 

[MynameisMe]

At this point Vintage is more than 20 yrs old. I lean towards 90's models. Many reasonably priced, playable and excellent shape. I have several.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Some people like antique furniture. Some find it uncomfortable and overpriced.

 

[Paul New]

I have a 1968 P, and my first bass was a 67 Jazz which I no longer have. The 68 plays and sounds incredible, so much better than my newer P basses, and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s in my head?

This is not mine.

 

[Admiral Akbar]

I have vintage fenders, and have owned many newer fenders, including custom shop.

the only basses that come close to my vintage fenders are those made by Jon Maghini or Jimmy Coppolo.

the vintage are broken in, have that “look”, and have that “sound”. It is true I will sound like me on any bass that I play, but it is the vintage fenders that inspire me to play my best and to become a better player. Even after 34 years of playing bass.

 

[BargeOn]

Historically Informed Performance?

 

[Moving Pictures]

I doubt it’s in your head. There are great players from every era and some of them are almost magical. There are a lot of vintage basses that are also dogs, due to not being cared for properly or they were just terrible from the factory (mostly I think stuff from the early 70s here).

If you feel you got a great vintage bass just enjoy it.

 

[Ronnie Thunders]

Had my hands on a black fretless jazz from 1971 at the music store expensive but so good

 

[stringthrough]

All other things being equal, old, desiccated wood tends to sound better.

That said, you can probably get close to that "effect" by roasting the body. A much cheaper, but "soul-less" solution.

 

[ChetChetney]

I mean, yeah, it’s cool to hear someone say “this is my ‘64 jazz” or “this is my ‘59 precision,” but unless you’re selling one for $15,000 what do you believe is the appeal of classic Fenders versus a new Fender or FSO?

A while back, I bought a ‘65 P bass from Chicago Music Exchange for about $7k. It sounded fine and played okay. But the truss rod was maxed and it wasn’t nearly as nice as my Nash PB57 or my Olinto P bass (both pricey but significantly less expensive). I’ve also played a couple of vintage jazz basses that were in good shape, but none came close to my Bluesman Vintage jazz.

Despite all that, I’d still love to own an early 60’s jazz someday. Who knows? Maybe I’ll stumble across one at an estate sale or something. But with prices now officially at ludicrous levels, I’ve pretty much stopped looking.

Those of you who own one, why do you love yours?

it’s real simple. The early to mid 60’s Fenders, at least the good ones, smoke the majority of the junk made today. Overall they were better instruments, from the wood, the components and the attention to detail. Deny all you want - they were better instruments hands down. I’ve owned a bunch across all eras, the early ones are the best hands down in my opinion.