Rick's Fine '52

Recently bought an EUB from Mark, who was gigging in my area, and kindly offered to bring it down, which saved me a trip, top man, and loving the EUB, even if i can only play one song on it.....at the moment! Thanks Mark, nice 'n easy!

Personally, i think this will sell. In this case, i think the seller is adding £4-5k extra for the Pino link, although in my experience in this field, i dont think the Pino link adds any value whatosever in this case, as there's no association. If it was Macca's Violin, or Pino's 'Ray, then it would be different. With this P, the value is on the rarity of the instrument, and the very early serial number. In the UK in particular, these blackguard P's are extremely scarce, especially all original ones. Granted this one has been played alot, and shows alot of wear, maybe because its an exceptional player? I think its a lot of money for one though. I'm not going to get into debates about the value of vintage instruments, as its pointless, as numerous posts on basschat have proven, but, i think a blackguard P in this original condition (Original finish instruments, regardless of how worn, are worth far more than refinished instruments, ballpark guide is double the price on vintage Fenders), would fetch at least £10k in the UK, add to this the very early serial number, and collectors would probably add another £3k+ for that, and then if someone wants the added Pino connection, then you could maybe add another £3k for that. So its not majorly over-priced. So, all things considered, a vintage shop would always start out punting such a rare instrument at a top price, to see the reaction. The last blackguard P I saw in the UK, was 6 years ago, also at NKR guitars, and it was up for £21,500. So they arent exactly widely available. Its obviously not for everyone, but its a piece of Fender bass history, one of the very first, and for that reason alone, it will be desirable. Personally, I'd rather buy a much nicer example of a blackguard, for a little less money, but we all like and want different things. Its a very cool bass though. Rick.

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1403204044' post='2480827'] Rick, you lucky boy. Please bring it to the Herts Bass Bash for the P bass shoot out [/quote] Unfortunately I'm unable to make this event, but I'll keep my eye out for other Midlands events, and try and bring along some gear, if I'm able. Shame though, would be a great forum for comparison. Rick.

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1404066143' post='2488948'] Thank you so much Rick! I am blown away to be honest , seeing all those original , beautiful examples of Fender periods all in one picture is just incredible. It is the most impressive bass guitar collection of original vintage Fender basses that I have ever seen! Could this be the best collection of original 100% stock Fender basses in the world ??!! [/quote] Probably not even the best collection in the Midlands, but I'm very fortunate to have found some truly fine pieces. Appreciate the comments Chris, you'll have to pop in when you're next at Little Billing!! Rick

For Chris Horton........ OK, a hastily taken shot with my iphone, after work; '53 build; '82 JV; '60 P ;'66 Slab build '61 J '52 P; '58 P; '66 Slab; '68 Tele

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1403811739' post='2486794'] WOW! I am gob smacked! Just incredible Rick. Is there any chance that you could post a group picture of your original basses please? I'd love to see them al together. [/quote] Thanks Chris, I'll try and organise that.....

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1403783323' post='2486272'] Good for you Rick, the wait and negotiating must have been worth it. Would love to have a play on that [/quote] You're welcome to drop by..........

Here's my latest addition, which is the result of a 20 year quest, and 3 years of negotiating......and almost begging, on this particular example. 1966 Slab Precision, maple-cap. 1 of 16 examples left, and 1 of only 8 examples that are 100% original stock.

[quote name='ukulelelab' timestamp='1400877552' post='2457907'] My '66 LPB [/quote] What a fine example, lovely, lovely transition bass!

Hope you're better soon Howard! Rick.

The problem is, the value of the parts are probably more than people would pay, so I may have to strip many of the parts out to make it saleable, I need to think on it.............

As you can see, the fretboard needs a clean, its a bit grimey, as is the body, and the strings are ooooooold, but I quite like the charm of all that!

OK, here's a quick pic, not great, as its by iphone, but gives a taster. I'll be taking it apart at the weekend, for a full autopsy.

I've just bought one, after 3 years of harassing the owner!! Playing it today, it is definitely more responsive, and brighter toned than my other P's. I played another one late last year and that was also much brighter. I took pot readings on that one, which I will find, and i'll do the same on this, once I've finished noodling, and dribbling on it!!

Just bought a real 'slab', very happy boy, so this one will probably be for sale soon.