Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='jackhammer' timestamp='1337088915' post='1655182'] I despise p basses in every aspect, however there is something about this, its really really nice [/quote] How does it differ from a P-bass that you despise all aspects of?

[quote name='Jono Bolton' timestamp='1336689609' post='1649715'] How early did they change to plastic? [/quote] They were wooden (Cherry or maple), single screw from 1951 to 1957. These were painted black, and lacquered, some early versions from '51/2 were left plain wood, and lacquered; They changed to 2-screw black plastic in July '57, when they released the 3rd variation of the Precision. Same style used from then to now. Positioned below the strings from '57 to around '69 (transition examples exist up to a year either side of this), and above the strings after. There was a short period around 1972, when they appeared as a deep burgundy colour, that appeared almost black, but was a very deep red when you shined a light through it, like this; They used gold or silver metal ones on the P&J Bass Specials in the early 80's, with Fender embossed, short lived special edition, normally with P/J pickups, and thumbrest was positioned above the strings.

'78, March, probably the 18th?

[quote name='Grandad Paul' timestamp='1337008460' post='1653883'] Its his Uncles. He found it in his loft, but knows nothing about them. [/quote]

[b] Not quite what i was expecting... [/b] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ORNATE-VINTAGE-FENDER-/261019177444?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearths_Back_Panels&hash=item3cc5f491e4#ht_506wt_1185"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ORNATE-VINTAGE-FENDER-/261019177444?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearths_Back_Panels&hash=item3cc5f491e4#ht_506wt_1185[/url]

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1336926819' post='1652834'] I expect quite a few similar comments. The ultimate Marmite bass perhaps? [/quote] The same colour too!!

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1336923441' post='1652768'] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230790211682?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649"]These[/url] don't come around too often. [/quote] Thank God for that!!

Another one on the bay now..... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gretsch-broadkaster-Bass-Guitar-MINT-2004-MODEL-G6119BO-COUNTRY-CLASSIC-/130695944668?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e6e15d9dc#ht_707wt_1185"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gretsch-broadkaster-Bass-Guitar-MINT-2004-MODEL-G6119BO-COUNTRY-CLASSIC-/130695944668?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e6e15d9dc#ht_707wt_1185[/url]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1336863494' post='1652177'] Fender might have beaten you to it. [/quote] Isn't that an early Squier-series model??

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1336856706' post='1652110'] Stared at that for ages waiting for the picture to load properly and not be stretched. [/quote] Fine on mine, that's how they are!! They're not one of Leo's finest moments!

Personally, I think Fender basses with maple necks and black blocks are truly ghastly, but many love these, and this has to be the rarest bass with this configuration. I've seen a lot of vintage gear over the years, but never one of these! Not everyone's cup of tea, including me, but worth a look, a rare bird indeed. (Not sure how much is left on that truss rod though! ) [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1969-Fender-Bass-V-unique-custom-black-maple-Fingerboard-case-/130682045515?pt=Gitarren&hash=item1e6d41c44b#ht_17373wt_1033"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1969-Fender-Bass-V-unique-custom-black-maple-Fingerboard-case-/130682045515?pt=Gitarren&hash=item1e6d41c44b#ht_17373wt_1033[/url]

[quote name='mushers' timestamp='1336815353' post='1651379'] i have to ask why does that bass on ebay have a strap button on the bak of the headstock ? was that the norm [/quote] As Luke says, this is for people to wear the stap long, like acoustic guitar players, which also aided balance, not that Fender basses ever had any neck dive issues. [quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1336825843' post='1651599'] It was so that upright bass players could play the bass in the upright position if they desired, more than likley to persuade doubtfull upright players to switch to the "new" style. I have never seen a pic of anyone using one like that though. Jez [/quote] This is actually a myth and completely untrue. If this were true, and it was to help players adjust during their transition from the upright bass, then it would have been introduced almost 10 years earlier. The rear strap button didn't appear until late '59/early '60, over 8 years after the Precision was first available.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1336780931' post='1651157'] It surprises me that the original Fenders were red rather than brown - every one I've ever seen is brown rather than red (unless it's been replaced). I am 100% sure the 62 was 4 ply though. It is on every reissue Fender (as opposed to Squier - I am well aware of the CV having 3ply) have ever made and I am surprised that the Squier JV 62s ever came with a 3ply as that is such a basic error. Mine was definitely manufactured with a 4ply plate. The one in your pic in the left looks 4ply to me I can see a black line splitting the white. - or am I seeing things? [/quote] The one on the left in my pic is an original from '60, and its 4 ply, as should be W/B/W/T, as would a '62, as you say. The first JV's (I'm talking first 2 months here), were 3-ply. I've never seen a brown tort guard on an original vintage Fender, and I know my vintage Fenders. I think you are just describing the originals as brown yourself, which is maybe personal interpretation (To be fair, when looked at alone, they could easily be described as brown, but when put alongside a reissue brown tort guard, the difference will be obvious). The red ones (Whilst not very accurate still), are far more a match for the originals than brown. Brown just looks wrong. Fender have never managed to accurately make good torty guards though. I've seen Custom Shop stack knob Jazz's for sale at £2500, with a shocking brown guard, that just looks terrible. They still sell 'em though!