Rick's Fine '52

I cant see a single component on this being original Fender (maybe the reissue tuners?), let alone from 1961.....

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1458673715' post='3009759'] Wow, that is really something. Perhaps I could make the trip oop north and see it in the flesh sometime? Absolutely fantastic, a real piece of Fender history... like your rug. [/quote] Always welcome Mark, although despite its name, I've never heard it called oop north!! . (The rug is cool...it works in the Bass Place!)

Think this pic belongs here too, my '66 Slab Precision, 100% stock, and played (needed a clean at the time of picture) http://[url="http://s208.photobucket.com/user/rosesguitar_2007/media/Slab/image_2_zps24d15b06.jpeg.html"][/url]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1458602188' post='3009094'] Holy Mother of God Rick, I didn't know you had a real one! Which is it?? [/quote] Here it is, the pics were taking when i first opened it, and it needed a good clean, its one of the few 100% stock examples still known to exist, many have been modded or refin'd. Very special bass indeed. http://[url="http://s208.photobucket.com/user/rosesguitar_2007/media/Slab/image_2_zps24d15b06.jpeg.html"][/url] Pride of the pack.

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1458563356' post='3008555'] Actually, I meant Barry Matthew's book - d'oh... [/quote] Good little book, my bass is featured.

If someone has a regular, fully stock '66 Precision, maybe we should do a direct sound comparison with my stock slab? Maybe one for a bassbash?

I dont think there is any science to this. In my experience in buying vintage instruments, if its 100% original, then its exactly that. So if there are changed parts, then, if known, they should be declared. Its not always easy to tell with screws etc though, but it depends what you are looking for, or what instrument you are looking at. Prices will reflect originality, and some items affect more than others. Its certainly possible to find original, unmolested 50+ year old instruments with perfectly working components, and these are desirable. The exception, from my experience, is original factory strings. I've seen a few instruments claiming to have original factory strings, but personally have not seen this add any value, as its almost impossible to prove, and, its highly unlikely too, especially on a worn instrument. Someone else used the 'car tyre' analogy, which i would tend to agree with, although probably easier to prove an original tyre, than original string on something 50+ years old. If its not a highly collectible instrument, then a changed pot, or bridge, or strap button is unlikely to affect value too much.

I think there is a market for parts anyway, maybe more than a whole bass. They are normally common reissue parts. There are hundreds of whole guitars, but if you want a harness assembly, or a body, or neck etc, then they are far harder to find. I'm currently looking for a neck, but i wouldnt by a whole bass because overall its cheaper. As has been said, i think the majority are '2nds' or poorly matched parts, which are sold in mass by factories for next to nothing. GAK also do it, offering no warranty too. If it suits buyers, and they make money, then its just business. If there wasnt a market, they would go bust pretty quick.

Hows that tolex work coming along?, any more pics? Love these.

Whilst in New York several years ago, I came across this old Hartke cab (2000w 8x10 4ohm for those interested) in a vintage store with this plaque stuck on the top; [url="http://s208.photobucket.com/user/rosesguitar_2007/media/new%20york%20191_zpsbmcstavy.jpg.html"][/url] I then looked around the back, and noticed this sales receipt (Sold) attached to the back of it, look at the buyers name (Not bad for about £600, if legit); [url="http://s208.photobucket.com/user/rosesguitar_2007/media/new%20york%20188_zpsyz6ufssd.jpg.html"][/url] Apologies for this, but its not often you get to drag out a 7 year old pic of Jaco's ex-gear, and this is one such moment!!

[quote name='colgraff' timestamp='1453894542' post='2963863'] I'd buy it but am afraid that it might encourage aimless noodling. [/quote]

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1453671115' post='2961691'] And who would have thought it? [/quote] Hold the front page! This should be pinned.