Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1318283402' post='1400170'] Nice but not exactly original... unless you've never seen a Jazz bass dipped in toffee before. [/quote] Not for me at all I'm afraid, wouldnt give it a second glance in a bass shop, or first glance for that matter, anything remotely woody looking just doesnt do it for me, they always look home made, like someones dad has been busy in the garage with his new router, and destroyed your aunt mabels favourite dining room chair. One mans meat etc.....

[quote] Which takes us back to what I was saying before, the way to correct this is to either fit a different bridge with better lateral adjustment or you reposition the current bridge correctly ie. plugging the holes and re-drilling - which would be my personal preference. [/quote] Just like i said then, if packing doesnt work, re-locate the bridge.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1318196041' post='1399177'] Well, on a 57 RI I don't recall but the gold guards on the old American Deluxes are not drilled. I realise that's a different guard/different shape. [/quote] Completely different guitar, I'm talking about a '57 reissue guard.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1318194530' post='1399156'] Ok, but this one has the pickguard holes for tugbar and pickup cover but the body is not drilled beneath the pickguard. What do you make of that? [/quote] Normal. The scratchplates are made pre-drilled, I've never seen a gold anodized guard appear un-drilled. All the replacement ones you see advertised all come pre-drilled, maybe becuase they are metal, dunno, never really thought about it. I've never seen an un-drilled gold guard though. Have you?

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1318193237' post='1399131'] Hi Rick. I'd be very interested in hearing you're technique regarding fixing this with a screwdriver in 15 minutes. [/quote] [quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1318193237' post='1399131'] Hi Rick. I'd be very interested in hearing you're technique regarding fixing this with a screwdriver in 15 minutes. [/quote] I think you know anyway, as you mentioned it in earlier post, just re-align the bridge. Before re-drilling though, i'd put two matchsticks in each of the existing screw holes, located on the side of the hole you want to move the bridge over, this will give you a 2mm gain, then , when stringing, put them as far over on the threaded saddles as you can, they won't slip once under tension, and see how that works. If it still needs more, then it will mean re-drilling additional bridge fixing holes, not the end of the world though, and not visible once the bridge is back on. I've only done this once before (Not on a Fender), and it didnt take long, and worked perfectly. The holes may be in the black section of the burst, so easily filled, painted, fine spray of nitro aerosol on the top, nice buff, and should be masked quite well. One thing i will say, is if you're paying top dollar for a bass, then you wouldnt expect this problem, and i wouldnt advise buying one at full price that needed this doing (re-drilling etc), but if you are potentially getting it at a very good price, then it would be well worth this small mod.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1318177471' post='1398879'] It's not drilled for the tugbar and for the pickup and bridge ashtrays. Should it be? [/quote] Domestic JV's, certainly after May '82 didnt have thumbrests or chrome covers fitted. Export JV's had these features until May '82, when Fender USA put a stop to it, and switched the large fender/small squire decals round, at the same time.

This is a very rare, 1st year, JV Precision, it's a domestic version i know, but even so, very sought after, especially in this condition. 15 minutes with a screwdriver, and a little care will have this problem sorted, and for the current price of £500, is still a great buy for someone. Well spotted though, i looked at this when it was first listed (I hoped it was going to be an export model with small Squire decal), and totally missed that!!

[quote name='LemonCello' timestamp='1318169480' post='1398726'] One of Norm's basses in on sale at Andy Baxter Guitars, the shoreline gold one. No price on it so it's bound to be bucks! [/quote] Offers, upwards of £10k is what he told me!

Here's my two penny worth. I agree with other posts, its over priced. The pickguard is definitely a new reissue, looks nothing like an original. The problem with these 'partser' instruments, is that you never quite now what else has been swapped out etc. I'm sure this bass plays, and sounds fine, but it's a £2K bass, tops. If you want a vintage P for around £3k, try New Kings Road, they have a lovely refin sunburst (All original except that), for a very reasonable £3495, I've played it and it's really nice, lovely correct refin too. Shop around, theres loads around better than this one for the same money. Happy hunting.

[quote name='BigAlonBass' timestamp='1317072509' post='1386506'] Well, I'd like to know what the hell they're playing at with me, then! Every time I've paid a Gift by Paypal, I've been told how much the fee is BEFORE I've been allowed to send it! It's straight from my Bank Account as well, so the 'Credit Card' argument doen't work. [/quote] Same here, always been charged for sending PayPal 'gifts', even when it comes straight from account, not aware of any method of using PayPal where at least one party isnt clobbered.

Don't worry one bit about adding parts that cost more than the bass itself. Firstly, get the parts you need, as you want to play this bass, right? Use it, enjoy it. When youre done, if you cant sell it as a whole, then break the parts out again, and sell them off, providing you dont pay over the odds in the first palce, its a no lose, and you'll have enjoyed the bass in the meantime. For your info, i just added parts worth £1500 to a bass that was worth £600, but it is now everything i need on that particular bass, so i love it. Could i sell it on for £2100?? Definitely not, so when i come to part with it, if ever, I'll just swap the parts back, keep the expensive bits, and move on. Do what suits your needs. Good luck

[quote] Hey guys! Aren't you worried (what, with all the threads on the subject) that, with all this chopping and changing basses, [b]you[/b] won't sound like ...[b]you[/b]? Cos it's a well known fact that yer sound comes from yer bass. So, it stands to reason that if you change yer bass, then, [b]you[/b] won't sound like[b] you[/b] any more. [/quote] I'm so bad, whatever i played, it would definitely sound like me, trust me!! I think its more in the fingers than the bass, i think jack bruce could get a sound out of a wardrobe, if you put strings on it, and you'd probably know it was him, as for me, give me anything, and you wouldnt have a clue what type of bass i was playing, unless you were watching.....and weeping!!

I play all mine, some more than others if I'm honest, but each have their own thing that draws me to them, and each have their own distintive characteristics. I've often got a particular bass out, with the intention of selling it, but after opening the case, and taking it for a spin round the block, i instantly fall back in love with it, and remember what made me buy it in the first place. Personally, i don't think you can have too many basses, but thats just me, i love 'em!, but let's be honest here, you only [i]need[/i] one! If i had space, and money for a 100, thats how many I'd have...simple.

[quote name='Kong' timestamp='1316514543' post='1378937'] No, not my church, I don't agree. This planks are made to play on, and they deserve the right enviroment - dark, damp and smokey pubs. OK, mine is not as old as Yours, I've got a 1964 Precision, but I take to the places where I need it. It is already worn out a little bit (more than that, I'll add a photo soon), and every little ding or dong adds more mojo to it. I think, there are races for old cars, and even a Ferrari GTO 250 gets damaged at this races. I don't believe in making of things of dayly use a holy grail. They are made for using them, and they should be used. In the 70's an old Fender Pre bass, built in 1958, was nothing else than an old bass. Many of them, built in the late 50's or during the 60's, got violated in the early 80's by adding a Jazz-Bass pickup in bridge - Position. This is not the right way to treat such an instrument. (You don't use the wheels of a Ford Capri on a vintage Ferrari, do You?) But You have to use it! Standing in a corner (or behind glass) doesn't make things better. I apreciete Your point of view, but I don't believe in the "Fender-Vintage - hype". I use my old Fender in any giging - situation - but be sure, I have my eye on this brave, old axe while not hanging around my neck... [/quote] Horses for courses. In 1952 a Fender Precision was made for playing, 60odd years later, and a near mint, unmolested version, has, whether you like it or not, become an instrument of significant importance, and should be in a museum, not in the Red Lion Pub. Don't know anyone else who would think differently. Personally, i have over a dozen guitars i can use for gigging, and not stand next to, on guard the whole evening, the really rare stuff though, is still played, by me, but not down the local pub. That would be simply ridiculous, and only a fool would do so, or someone who doesnt respect the instrument enough to deserve to own it. Why would anyone do that?? Thank God i dont know any other players/collectors like that. Nonsense. If you have a worn '64, then thats a very different scenario. Nice bass all the same, great players those. Just out of interest, what current race do you know of, that includes all original, mint Ferrari 250 Daytona's??? I doubt it very much.

Bought a fabulous P-Bass from Owen, that is now my new toy, loving it to bits, nice addition to the arsenal. Easy deal, no hassle at all. Would definitely recommend. Thanks Owen.

[quote name='Donnyboy' timestamp='1316358156' post='1376871'] If The early Squiers were" Japanese Vintage" versions of 1950's & 60's Fenders & started in 1982(?) does that make them Double Vintage? [/quote] Ha, why not indeed, double vintage it is then, for '82 JV's.

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1316359008' post='1376886'] I have told this story before, but when i got back into playing bass about 10 years ago, a friend of mine bought me several precisions to try There were several 60's and a vintage reissue. The vintage reissue was vastly superior to the very tired 60's precisions in all respects and this is the bass i bought and still have - subsequently I realised that its a fullerton vintage reissue [/quote] the '82/'83 fullerton reissues are definitely superior to the later AV's, as they changed personnel and parts in '84, and went progressively downhill from there. Minor point though, this thread is about what year you consider 'vintage' to start, not about quality. There are many good reissues out there, are they better than a good original, in my opinion no, because out of the hundredes of reissues i've played, they have never been as good as an original, there [i]are[/i] bad originals out there though, but it depends entirely on the individual instrument.

[quote]I have a few custom shop bass, vintage style and from different years I have also try a few real old fender bass and of course the reissue series The CS are the best bass you can own in terms of finish and sound If you are concerned about the resale value buy a used CS [/quote] I agree. I wouldnt buy a US Vinatge reissue, because for the extra little bit of cash, you can get a Custom Shop, which form my experience, they are alot better, better pickups, better hardware, lighter bodies, more time spent on the finishing etc. A good nick US AV will cost about £1000, for an extra £250 you can get a CS NOS, and for an extra £400+ (depending on model), you can get a CS Relic, and for alot less you get a Roadworn. Regarding your comment about appreciation/depreciation and possibly investing in a 70's model instead, my opinion, for what it's worth, is this; Investment wise, the AV will lose a small amount every year, as will the CS models, they won't increase, although good scarcer model CS Relics, tend to be around the £1600 for the last 5 years or so (In the UK that is). A 70's model, if original, and nice will continue to appreciate over the coming years, but it may not be as nice to play during that time. As I always recommend, play as many as you can, and if its to be used as a player, pick the one that plays/sounds best to your taste/requirements, if you're looking for an investment guitar, then an original one, again, if nice and original, will be the best bet. Tread carefully with vintage guitars though, some are the best, and command top prices, some are far from it, especially mid to late 70's models. Remember a nice 70's bass will always be saleable, but if it plays crap, with bad joints, poor intonation etc, then it won't. If i had £1000 to spend on a really good playing/sounding/quality Fender bass, that was to be a regular player, i think i'd go for a Roadworn Jazz, for around £500, and leave the other £500 in the bank, or even better, buy a roadworn P, [i]and[/i] a Roadworn jazz, the ones i've played have been every bit as good as the AV models, for half the price (Although you don't get a tweed case ) , and you dont need to worry about the odd knock and scratch. The AV models only retain value if they are Mint, which means you have to be careful with them, if you are also in it to maintain investment, for possible future sale, otherwise it doesnt matter of course. Happy hunting, the hunt for the [i]right[/i] bass, and the eventual, successful catch, can be much fun. Rick

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1316252824' post='1376246'] This is missing the point for me though, You have already bought into the scene without realising to some extent, Why do they make a AV62? (and endless Ri models) Because they are not readily available as such. Why have EBMM released the ClassicRay? Because some people (more than there are pre EB's to go round) want the older neck feel, the chunky body, the muted bridge, the good old 2 band EQ etc and the look of an older bass without having to hunt for a good pre EB and not be scared to use it. If there was no genuine market for the old items the market would wind itself down and Fender would have a bash at making a totally new bass, The fact they have not and if anything them and other companies are making a tidy sum making retro models suggests a very different story. If I had found my old Ray in a shop for £600 with no idea of what it was it would still be the best Ray I have ever played so thats a bonus. The general rule as I see it is this and most proper collectors will tell you to only buy a bass you like personally ( I think Rick will agree?) rather than just for the words in the advert or its history (unless its Elvis's or something). If some folk want to get caught up in the wording thats their problem but if they then sell it on for twice as much a year later to the next mug why not? Also these for many people are an indulgence my 2002 is quite capable of doing what the old one does really but have I asked any of you lot to pay for it, no. Can I afford it, yes. Anyone wanting to sell me a nice 77 MM bass in rootbeer brown for the right money can call it whatever they like for me [/quote] Exactly, you should only buy an instrument because you like it and want it for whatever reason. I collect 'vintage' basses, but i never enter the word 'vintage' into a search box, because it means nothing to me when looking for particular things. Other collectors are the same I'm sure. Its not about sellers trying to make something sound more desirable than it is, they are just describing an old guitar as 'vintage', which in this business, that is totally legitimate and acceptable, certainly to me. The thread is about what we determine is the line (Not abouts whats better, or whether prices are reasonable), when tagging something as vintage, and from all the responses (Thanks everyone), it is now clear where that line is. Its 1973, or was it '83, actually it could be '92, OK, does it still have shrink wrap on the pickguard, and tissue paper still wrapped around all the strings?, No, then it must be 'vintage'!

[quote name='hubrad' post='1376008' date='Sep 16 2011, 10:15 PM']The headstocl pic looks to have MN7.... as the serial no.. can 14 years old be described as 'Vintage'? I think there's another discussion going on as we speak...[/quote] Don't get me started again!!!