Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1333925303' post='1608434'] The inference is that no returns would be accepted whether it was delivered personally or shipped. If I decided to hand over £9K after I had personally inspected it, I wouldn't expect the seller to take it back. However, had I asked for it to be shipped and it arrived not as described I would expect differently. Whether it would be foolhardy to pay for it without personal inspection is another matter entirely. In any case, it's a lovely example and I hope it makes it's new owner very happy indeed. [/quote] Agreed, on all counts, and yes, it would be foolhardy to pay for it without personal inspection.......in my opinion.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1333920770' post='1608354'] hoooooeeeeyy, that's a good looking bass. truly first of the class and no mistake, for sure. I fall in love with it shortly. [/quote]

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1333918721' post='1608327'] [center][font=Arial]all sales are final.[/font][/center] [center][font=Arial]no returns.[/font][/center] [font=Arial][size=3]I seem to remember reading that somewhere before....[/size][/font] [/quote] Fair comment, but I think if I was offering to travel to another country to hand deliver it personally, I wouldn't welcome returns either! Lets be honest, if you have ever paid £9k+ for a bass, and I have, then you wouldn't be buying it based on a few pics alone, so a meet and full inspection, as the seller has offered, would give all the confidence a buyer would need.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1333908373' post='1608108'] *Cue exciting car chase music* [/quote]

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1333907796' post='1608093'] I look like I'm in pain or something [/quote] The pain is probably from playing a Gibson!!! ...........................(Taxi!!!!)

Here's a real rare bird. I've had dialogue with this guy a few times, lovely fella, loves his basses. I love his use of the English language, and how he expresses himself. Despite his English not being perfect, he manages to describe the bass perfectly, and what a bass it is. Worth a read, and look at the pics, not many of these out there. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Orig-Fender-Precision-Bass-Made-1965-Shoreline-Gold-mint-condition-Orig-Case-/270952363958?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3f1604f7b6#ht_2178wt_1185"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Orig-Fender-Precision-Bass-Made-1965-Shoreline-Gold-mint-condition-Orig-Case-/270952363958?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3f1604f7b6#ht_2178wt_1185[/url]

Great thread, and info. The pics have gone though, which would help me, is there a way of getting them back? Also, when initially unscrewing the truss rod nut, is there not a danger (If the nut is afixed tightly to the rod), that the whole thing can become detached from the holding section at the headstock end (Where it's screwed into, and, presumably screwed in the same direction!, so when you turn the nut anti-clockwise, the whole thing becomes detached), in which case you're buggered??? Any comment would be greatly appreciated. Rick

This all looks right to me, and the fact that the serial number sticker is still on the back of the guard, matching the one on the headstock would add to that. Pots wise, i think he's quoted the wrong numbers, having said that, the pickups sound right, so even if you had to buy some 78/9 pots, for about £70, then it would be a great bass for someone at that price. My guess is, as has been suggested above, that it will go north of £800. Last of the 70's basses, before they changed the specs on a grand scale. If it go's for less than £600, then someone will be very happy i think...............and it won't be the seller. By the way, I have no affiliation with this instrument, i don't do modern!

My blue flower and pink paisley basses were bought by the original owner on the same day in December 1968, as an early Christmas present for himself. He was a fairly well-off, working musician in Los Angeles. He originally went into the store to buy the Pink Paisley Telecaster Bass, but whilst in the store, he said the Blue Flower one was also there, and was catching his attention, after much playing, he couldn't decide which to buy. The store owner, who he casually knew, said he'd had it in the store a while, and wanted rid of it, so he made him a deal, which he said, was almost as good as '2 for 1'. He said he played them alternately for a couple of months, but he then changed bands, and they stood out far too much from the other band members gear, and despite them seeming like a good idea at the time, as with all 'fashionable' things, they soon became unfashionable. He still had a soft spot for them, and didn't need to sell them, so they went back under the bed, where they stayed, except for the odd, rare outing, for almost 40 years. I saw the pink paisley one advertised in the USA (I was actively looking to buy a paisley at the time), on consignment, it was almost mint, and i decided to take it, it was only during the negotiations, that i became aware of this story, and the guy said he was also selling the owners' blue flower. Despite the fact that i couldn't really afford it, i simply didn't have the heart to seperate these twins, after they'd been together forever. I'd always wanted a blue flower anyway, they're far rarer than the paisley versions, but didn't think i'd tick two boxes at the same time. Anyway, i made a couple of quick sales here in the UK to generate the extra cash, and after having them checked out in detail, secured them, and they were promptly shipped, and received. Its not necessarily a great story, but its nice to know the full history of something that you own, especially as it applies to two, very rare birds. Anyway, thought I'd share. The dilemma will occur when i need to sell, and whether i have the heart to seperate them, its unlikely i'll find someone who can buy both. For those that know about these, they'll know that the wallpaper reacted to the lacquer, causing the finish to crack beyond repair, especially on the flowers, and most ended up with large sections of finish gone, or because of the damage, ended up being stripped to natural (Especially as the finish was not popular), so finding two examples in such condition, is pretty rare. They also come with original cases, tags, leads and straps, and one has the original cloth,all bought with the basses. Here's a few pics.

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1333313957' post='1600021'] That is the best vintage combination i have ever seen I would love to own and play that gear [/quote] Thanks Chris, it is pretty special. I've dreamed of getting a set like this for many years, the TV Bassman was the last piece, after searching for a very long time, they are near impossible to find, at any price. They only made this model for 6 months, so not many made at all, possibly no others in the UK. This is serial number 0051. If you're ever in the Midlands, feel free to drop in and have a plonk, you're more than welcome. Rick. Rick.

[quote name='S9_S12_Bass' timestamp='1333312859' post='1599998'] Beautiful [/quote] Thanks man, I'm a very happy bunny today!!

[quote name='BassBod' timestamp='1333302029' post='1599771'] I've always thought they looked like a good design - be nice if someone made a high quality copy out of some of the modern fake leathers, with good zips etc. I know it wouldn't be cheap but I'd buy one! [/quote] The design[i] is[/i] actually very good, excellent quality zips, and detailed stitching, 2 large pockets, for music books, and cables etc, they are not cheaply made at all. Large sturdy protective studs on the end would stop it getting worn when rested on the floor. The only thing is the lining/padding isnt the thickest, but then they weren't designed for containing your £20k bass!! I think a reissue would sell very well, as you say, they wouldn't be cheap though, not when compared to a £20 tweed bass bag.

[quote name='BassBod' timestamp='1333300631' post='1599734'] And the original plastic leather bag for the Pbass....now that's impressive - don't they just decompose with age!? [/quote] Many do yes, if they're exposed to the elements for long periods, this one is remarkable though, just like the bass. The plastic tends to crack, and the lining go's musty and rot, not this one, although it does smell musty, the bass is not stored in it, i use a hard shell case for protection. It also still has the 'Artistic Products' label sewn inside.

how tiny is tiny?

Having just taken delivery of a '52 TV Bassman, thought i'd post a pic of it with my '52 Precision, nice set, the original complete Bass Rig, all in remarkable condition. Thought I'd share, as I'm a happy bunny today, now i've paired these two together....

Got my newly acquired '52 TV Bassman back from tech yesterday after a once over, so thought I'd take some pics in the sun with the other '52 Precision bits. Nice set, Bassman sounds ace with the slab!! Happy man.

Great to see you back 'on the road' Clarky! Hope all go's well, great news, just checked out the web site, looks right up my street, i'll have a listen later.

[quote name='ripper1888' timestamp='1332915519' post='1594706'] [i]Well : THAT'S outdoor porn !!! ....ubernice collection mate[/i] [/quote] Thanks man, I'm very fortunate to have acquired these fine examples over the years.

That's not a fender, at all.

There are refin'd '61 & '63 P's on The Bay at the moment, both £3500. Haven't looked to see how original the rest of the parts are? If I were you though (Which I'm not), and you already have an original finish '65, I would keep that over an earlier refin, every day of the week. Why are you thinking of selling when it sounds like you already have what you're looking for? Most '65's are considered pre-CBS by most players/collectors, as they are made with the same parts, by the same people, on the same benches as 'true' pre-CBS. It wasn't until '66 that the 'changes really came into effect, and materials and quality of finishes changed significantly. Check out the prices of '65's compared with '63's, not a great difference, the difference will be more in the condition/originality, than the year in that case. '66 onwards, and yeah, it will start getting significantly cheaper. There's tons of choice out there at the moment, to suit all pockets. New Kings Road have a stunning '64, not cheap, but it is gorgeous!

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1332789817' post='1593191'] How about a Warwick Alien - not bad for just under £350... [/quote] Where are these £350?? Looking to upgrade my Takamine.