Rick's Fine '52

Depends what it is? Brass strap buttons? Just replace like for like with new versions, and leave the originals in the case, then give the new owner the choice if you decide to sell. Shouldn't affect the value if the holes aren't altered. Even on a vintage Fender, which I'm assuming this isn't, if a part is no longer functional, then you need to replace it. If your concerned about original appearances, try and be as sympathetic as possible with the replacement bits. Simple as that.

Ha, maybe not! I didn't mention the price. We may all have our opinion on that. Prices listed, and actual sale prices can sometimes vary a bit (Not hugely though on rare items in my experience). If they want £17k for a '57 though, then £23k for this is probably proportionately right. Its all relative isn't it. These are rare things, and seldom turn up, especially in the UK. Another dealer in London has a '55 Precision for over £16k, so again, its relatively comparable. In my experience, they (All of them) list with high prices, which, if you have interest in something this scarce, will prompt contact from you, and start dialogue. If I wanted a '52 Precision, and somebody listed one at £50k, it wouldn't put me off making contact, and starting a discussion, despite me having no intention of paying £50k. You might see one '51-'53 Blackguard Precision available every couple of years on these shores, so its normal to list high on such things, as there isn't a regular stream of comparable recent sales to gauge market value. It's probably on consignment anyway, and the owner may have an expectation of what he wants, add 20% to that and it bumps up their retail listing. Having said that, I don't think the price is a million miles away as a package (From a London shop), although I'd want to see the bridge area of the body with that cover off! This particular seller is known for high price listings though.

Its a nice one, I've seen many better, although I imagine the reason the bridge cover is on the wrong way is because its been like that a while, and the fading to the body shows through, and it looks terrible corrected. Seen a few like that, and they look awful. The rare thing with this one is the case though. Uber rare.

Fab bass in the OP, I have a near mint '53, it looks like its never been played, the neck is brand new. Investment wise, you can't go wrong, the best examples of the rarest things will always appreciate. And you get the pleasure of owning and playing it in the meantime. Here's mine;

Mike, sincere apologies for the slow response, sine the basschat changeover, my notifications were turned off, so didn't pick this up, you must have thought me somewhat rude! Here's the pedal. To be honest I don't know how scarce these are. you wouldn't think so, as they probably came with all the heads back in the day? https://imgur.com/a/TTFjd

Always welcome.

Latest purchase, 220 Head and 402 cab. I love the slimline cab, some of the others are just too deep and bulky, but this is a great little rig. All original, and fab condition. Has the wooden pedal too.

Fabulous bass, nice grain too, congrats, I love these single coil contoured P's, very similar to my '55.

Quiet morning, so thought I'd dust off some of the gear, and give them a spin, here's a bunch of my '61 stuff, and their various bits of case candy.

Met up with Mark today, to handover my Tweed Bassman he'd bought, couldn't have gone to a nicer bloke. Can only echo what others have said, it's all good. Enjoy the amp.