Rick's Fine '52

Their attention to detail is not always great, although better than Bravewood etc in my experience, they could do sooo much better though, with the resources at their disposal. For me though, it would be a '65 Jazz, dot neck, burgundy mist, matching headstock, white guard (they can't make tort guards for toffee, not that it should have a tort guard...just saying!), chrome covers, medium Relic. Black tolex case, red lining.

[quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1352900457' post='1869038'] A bang-on replica of the mid-60s slab Precision bass. [/quote] They've already made it.

Lovely. As Luke says, tuners are switched, but if it was sitting in liquid, head first, then they had probably rusted, nevertheless, rare bass, real shame about the headstock though. If the neck has survived any playability damage, then it will be a fine bass to play, one of the best, the headstock, tuners, and lack of pickguard will stop it reaching investment/collectors pricing levels, but certainly worth £700 of anyones money if it plays well. Nice find.

Not cheap, but what an item to own. 1st ever 'Ray. Holy Grail Lovely [url="http://www.andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=385"]http://www.andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=385[/url]

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1352817960' post='1867786'] It's just a 6 string though really [/quote] So, is that 2 more strings than you need, or 8??

[quote name='Graham' timestamp='1352632594' post='1865283'] My goodness Though I'm guessing you get that a lot [/quote] Thanks Graham, I'm fortunate to have this set up, took many years of searching, and upgrading, but worth the wait!!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1352552719' post='1864519'] Also Rick- A status shark in 1989? surely they only started making them in 93-94? [/quote] Really?, I must be older than I thought?, I remember where i lived when i had it, (Bought it from Musical Exchanges in Birmingham), and i only lived there for a year, perhaps my memory deceives me, I've had too many basses, clearly.

[size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]Starting from my first bass, in 1987, roughly in order of purchase, present haul in [b]bold[/b]. [/font][/color][/size] [size=2][font="Verdana"][color="#000000"] [/color][/font][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1980 Washburn (Don't know model, it was a thru neck double-cut type thing that weighed about 3 Tonnes!)[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1985 Aria Pro II, black. Nasty![/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1988 Warwick Thumb, won in a card game(Yes, really), didn’t know what it was, body was too small so sold it![/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1989 Status Shark. I know, we live and learn though![/font][/color][/size] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1982 Fender Jazz, JV 1[sup]st[/sup] Series, Sunburst, slab rosewood[/font][/color][/size][/b] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1971 Fender Precision, Black/Maple. YOB, very nice.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1963 Hofner Violin, Original, stunning condition[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1972 Fender Telecaster, Blonde, Humbucker[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1963 Gibson EB2, original, sunburst, nice, this one was just a bit too knackered though[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1990 Gibson Thunderbird, just wrong on every level[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1990 Ovation CC74 Acoustic, deep bowl back thing. Not bad[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1977 Musicman Stingray, metallic turquoise/maple, lovely bass to play. Miss that one.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1980 Gibson Flying V Bass. Rare, all black, impossible to play, sitting or standing[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1998 Epiphone Rivoli, sunburst, really nice bass to play, super light[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1977 Fender Precision, sunburst, rosewood, fretless. Hopeless, expensive slide![/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1976 Fender Jazz, sunburst, rosewood blocks. Lovely, but a bit heavy for me.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1960 Fender Jazz, original refin Fiesta Red, stack knob, stunning, refin bugged me though.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1980 Rickenbacker 3001, too small[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1968 Shaftesbury, Rose Morris, semi bass, 4005-a-like. Too light and then, looked fab though.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1965 Gibson EB3, original, cherry. Neck too thin, looked nicer than it played.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1961 Fender Precision, all original slab board, but refin’d.[/font][/color][/size] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1958 Fender Precision, original, sunburst/maple, gold guard. Plays amazing[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1982 Fender Precision, JV 1[sup]st[/sup] Series, Sunburst, slab rosewood[/font][/color][/size][/b] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1955 Fender Precision, original, really nice bass, refin’d[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1952 Fender Precision, all original, refin, lovely, but refin’d. No more refin’s for me![/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2005 Fender Precision, 1958 Custom shop relic. Lovely[/font][/color][/size] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1956 Fender Precision, all original, like Sting’s , but much nicer condition, big V neck. Love it[/font][/color][/size][/b] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2003 Fender Precision, 1953 Project relic, self built, Nice[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2004 Fender Jazz, 1961 Stack knob Project relic, self built, nice one this.[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2005 Fender Precision, 1958 Project relic, self built. Nice[/font][/color][/size] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2009 Fender Precision, 1955 Project relic, self built, loved it, miss it.[/font][/color][/size] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2004 Fender Precision, 1952 Crinson relic, loads of original parts added, stunner.[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2000 Rickenbacker 4005, project Mani-a-like paint splashed. Going nowhere.[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1952 Fender Precision, all original, near mint, gig bag. Crazy nice[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2005 Takamine, EG512, nice practice bass[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2000 Bravewood, 1960, slab rosewood, 3TSB. Really nice, lots of original parts added[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1968 Fender Telecaster, all original, blue flower. Rarest of the rare[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1968 Fender telecaster, all original, pink paisley. Best condition ever.[/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]1978 Alembic, Series 1, lovely neck, too many knobs, still trying! [/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]2012 Fender Precision, ’66 Slab project, self build, nearly there now![/font][/color][/size][/b] [b][size=2][font="Verdana"][color="#000000"] [/color][/font][/size][/b] [size=2][color="#000000"][font="Verdana"]Actually, just noticed I have 13 basses, clearly unlucky. Must buy another![/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1350587651' post='1841007'] That's probably the best that Rick has ever looked.. [/quote] This.

First impressions: I like it, from a buyers, and sellers perspective, it certainly allows a clearer description of the item, with at-a-glance pic and price, but I do feel as a result, its a bit clinical, and as has been mentioned, takes away some of the '[i]chat[/i]' part of these ads, which many of us enjoy. Clearly alot of hard work has gone into it, which I'm grateful for, and this should be acknowledged (the work that is, not my gratitude!). Time will tell how it works in reality, but I'm also concerned that its a bit [i]gumtree[/i], where there's no connection to the seller/buyer at all (The questions box helps a bit) You can form relationships with people on here (Albeit not a 'real' one), simply by exchanging comments/opinions on one item listed, as the thread expands, which can eveolve into all sorts of knowledge sharing etc. This to me, is the appeal of forums like this, and I worry some of that may be lost, but we'll see, I hope everyone beds into it, and it works for the better.

[quote name='chrisd24' timestamp='1352204918' post='1859980'] rick I'm sure i saw a jaydee in phoenix soundworks in Earls Barton the other day.....not sure wether that helps or not! [/quote] Appreciate that, just had a chat, sounds like an odd one, and it's the owners.....and not for sale. (Fender headstock Jaydee apparently??). Thanks for the heads up though!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1352159819' post='1859643'] He has an alembic. He wants a Jaydee Mark King and now he's being tempted by Trace elliot stuff..... What happened to the RIck we used to know? [/quote] I think I need to see a Doctor, I'll make an appointment now!!!

Looks in great nick too?? Half a mile away?? Do I really need any more gear?, No, as tempting as it is. Great little set up for someone though.

Welcome to basschat Nico...enjoy! Rick

[quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1352124064' post='1858975'] Late 80s I saw something like this when I was in the States. It was a 60s era Telecaster. Didn't have as many colours - from memory, yellow/gold, blue, green, red. The story I was told was that it was a test/practice piece. Bodies/parts that had been rejected for some quality control issue were used. [/quote] Very likely, the thing that bugs me about that though, is that it would probably stay in the factory for some time, and even if it did resurface, it would probably have a mismatch of parts. This bass had neck, pots, pickup, bridge, tuners, neckplate, pickguard etc, all from '65, which would suggest it was assembled in the factory after spraying and used for something (There lies the mystery). Of course its possible someone obtained period correct parts for it and built it up much later on?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1352119962' post='1858887'] To be fair, Rick - that happens on every forum. It's not unique to TB. [/quote] I'm sure, but personally, I find basschat far more 'honest', and people generally far more respectful than on other sites. I actually found talkbass quite laughable in the end. I don't mind people having varying degree's of knowledge, but when they imply otherwise, I just don't get it. for example, I know nothing about Warwick's, so it wouldnt even enter my head, to contribute towards a thread where someones asking for advice on Warwicks, when it is obvious there are folk far more knowledgable to offer advice and comment. Talkbass though is different, everyone has an opinion (One based on fact...apparently) on everything. Not for me at all.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1352112334' post='1858734'] There is that custom design/paint job Mustang that was done for a TV show in the Fender Bass Book. It could be that someone wanted a multi-coloured burst, and paid for a custom job. I guess to do a multi-burst, you'd simply spray each colour over the whole body?! Si [/quote] Also possible, who knows? I'd love to find out more, but think any previous owner would already have done all the digging possible, and as there's no 'evidence' for any explanation, I guess thats as much as we'll [i]ever[/i] get, shame really, as there's probbaly a really interesting reason behind it's production?

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1352112220' post='1858732'] Have you asked about it on TalkBass Rick? There's a few real Fender experts over there. Mind you, feedback for Rudy's is generally terrible. Poor customer service, way over-priced, lots of basses badly set up etc. The Americans seem to rate Rudy's & neighbour Sam Ash a bit like we do Denmark Street [/quote] I don't use Talkbass very often, full of 'experts', who actually know very little. This is true, I actually had an exchange with someone once on there, who said my '56 Precision was clearly a Telecaster bass with a changed serial number plate, because it had the single coil pickup, and not the split coil.......really. It is quite bad on there! I think most vintage dealers have a bad reputation, mainly due to their pricing, and elaborated stories behind each one (Like this one I started the thread with). If they just said, "It's a regular '62 Jazz, what you see is what you get", then we'd probably have more time for them, but every instrument they have seems to have an impressive 'history'!! I don't think anyone really buys all that though, and I'm pretty sure they don't pay those prices either. Most are consignment instruments, and they just pass the offers on to the owners, who accept or not. Most of their money is made selling new gear, (And accessories) which is intermingled with the oldies. If I was trying to sell a genuine $23k bass though, I'm not sure I'd want it hanging in the middle of someones shop for any old oik to bash around on?

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1352096047' post='1858576'] Did the salesman's nose grow longer as you were speaking to him? $23K - yeah right. [/quote] Ha, no it didn't, but it probably should have!! I think the story could well be true, it could also have been a practice board for a new sprayer (As stated in previous response), that was assembled and played later on, could be anything really. One things for sure, unless there's some proper documented evidence (Which they don't have), ideally with photographic proof also, then it's worth maybe a little more than a regular '65, for curiosity value only. I actually quite like it, but only if the story is true, without the evidence, it has little value other than the sum of its parts, which, purely from the sentimental fenderite in me, I think is a shame. Thanks for all the comments guys, thought it would be an interesting share on here. I was hoping someone was going to point me in the direction of a whole article about these famous 'custom colour sample guitars' from 1965, nonetheless, an interesting piece, and I'm glad I saw it. Rick

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1352071606' post='1858516'] I believe it's a '65 but if I heard Laurie telling me that poop I woulda just stood there smiling at him until he felt very uncomfortable if that story makes em a huge profit I suspect it'll come back to bite em in ass!! You can have my G&L George Fullerton Signature Models for £23k!!? Every man has his price I guess [/quote] I know what you mean, I didnt fully believe him either, hence the post on here, although nothing coming out of the early days of CBS would surprise me at all !!

[quote name='MrFingers' timestamp='1352071387' post='1858513'] They do exist, it's called a "sparkle" finish, and once in a while one pops up. Made on custom order, or for big fairs like NAMM. [url="http://www.shortscale.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40866"]http://www.shortscal...pic.php?t=40866[/url] [/quote] These sparkles are rare, but the whole guitar was the same finish, not a multi-colour sample job like this.