Rick's Fine '52

Before you ask, yes, its mine, the only reason its not on the for sale section here, is because i don't know how much to sell for, no idea, and you need a price to post, so its here instead, have a look, and a bid if you fancy it. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FENDER-PRECISION-1953-RELIC-Blonde-Blackguard-beauty-/220847112061?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item336b837f7d"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FENDER-PRECISION...=item336b837f7d[/url]

[quote name='Johnston' post='1362157' date='Sep 4 2011, 08:25 PM']Only thing is if the insurance is needed you'll have hard job getting refunded at proper value.[/quote] Word of warning if thinking of asking the seller to declare lower value, firstly, if the seller is genuine and honest, and the item gets lost/damaged, then you'll only get the insured value in compensation. Worse still, if you don't know the seller, as will often be the case, [i]this[/i] could happen (Assuming item is high value wihich is the majority of US purchases, cheaper items dont tend to be much different, certainly not worth the added risk of it flying half way round the world); Imagine you buy a bass for $4000, you ask the seller to declare it as a $500 bass. This save's you about a grand on fee's. The seller, puts an empty box in a carton, and sends it to you, you pay £50 charges and get the package home, open it, have a heart attack, then contact the seller, who says he packaged the instrument, you claim, and get $500. He gets your $4000, gets to keep the guitar he never sent, worth $4000, and pays nothing. Nice work fella!! You hear about this more and more in the vintage market, simple rule, dont risk it, if you want it, buy it, declare it legitimately. Or better still, fly yourself for £500, have a few nights in the US, carry it back, tell 'em its yours, spend all the potential duty fee's on more guitar gear!!

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='1359259' date='Sep 1 2011, 09:34 PM']Ted Weber does a leather dogbone handle. May be worth dropping him a line to see if the brackets match up - or if not, just use the leather bit with your existing brackets. Looks quite promising from the pic. [url="https://taweber.powweb.com/store/tolexord.htm"]https://taweber.powweb.com/store/tolexord.htm[/url] (handle-d) PS the failure rate on the traditional leather straps is high - thats why they were changed for the dog bones. Just looked at your sig. That's some collection.[/quote] Looks promising indeed, thanks for the info! Not worried about longevity, it doesnt get moved about too often, the plastic just doesnt look right now i've relic'd and amber tinted the tweed. Thanks again, and for the comments on the collection, house isnt big enough sadly, theyre all over the place, can't open a cupboard anywhere without a bass falling out....much to the good ladies annoyance!! Cheers, Rick

[quote name='Subthumper' post='1359244' date='Sep 1 2011, 09:12 PM']Hi.have a look on www.hotroxuk.com they've got quite a good selection of amp parts for fenders. They got lots of other goodie too so watch for gas. Cheers Just[/quote] Thanks so much, i'll have a gander. Rick

I have a '59 Tweed Bassman, that i am looking to replace the plastic dogbone handle with a leather handle. I've bought two of these now, after checking the details, and they hav eboth been wrong when they arrived. The issue is the fixing screw hole centres on the holding bracket (See pic below), I cant seem to find brackets with correct, wider, spacing. They must exist surely??? Anybody seen this before, or know where to get wider holding brackets? I obviously dont want to add extra holes to the top of the tweed casing. Thanks [attachment=88426:bassman_handle.JPG]

[quote name='TheGreek' post='1356793' date='Aug 30 2011, 08:24 PM']have a look..don't be falling off your chair though.. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1962-1966-VINTAGE-FENDER-PRECISION-BASS-PICKGUARD-USA-/370537236566?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item5645bd8856"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1962-1966-VINTAG...=item5645bd8856[/url][/quote] I think you're being unfair.....he does offer free shipping!!!

Been watching this since it listed, surely it cant sell for £1200?? Arent these regularly fetching £3K?? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alembic-Mark-King-Bass-/160641068020?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item2566f42bf4"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alembic-Mark-Kin...=item2566f42bf4[/url]

[quote]I think that sums it up nicely, and I suspect the author has some experience in the area [/quote] Thanks Beedster, I do have a bit. I used to be a player, who collects, as the years have passed, and i play less, my primary interest has changed and I've become a collector, who plays. I know the market as well as anyone, both vintage and otherwise. All my 'rare' basses are very playable, none of them are original, but not playable. In my experience, the ones with 'original' tyres, filters and oil, are as playable now as when they left the factory, thats the only difference between comparing vintage cars and guitars. Guitars dont have oil that becomes unuseable, tyres that get dry and break up, or have moving parts that need to be turned regularly to make them function. If you keep a guitar in a good environment, there is no reason why you cant store it for 30 years, and then find it in the same condition when you re-discover it 30 years later, and, unlike with a car stored for 30 years, you can just plug it in and play it, and it should work the same as when you left it. For the record, i take all my basses for a spin quite regularly!

[quote name='4-string-thing' post='1354265' date='Aug 28 2011, 12:44 PM']Agreed.... would you pay more for a vintage Ferrari if it still had the original oil and spark plugs in the engine? Of course not![/quote] I'm afraid this is not the case at all. The reality of the vintage market is simple, if an otherwise all original instrument has been re-fretted, then it is worth less....fact. Many collectors only buy 100% original instruments, especially the rarer ones, so a re-fretted instrument would probably lose 50% of its buyers market. If it already has originality issues, particularly regarding finish, then a re-fret will alter the value marginally, if at all though. To relate it to your post, if a vintage ferrari had original plugs, then it would certainly be worth more. If it had original tyres, then again, worth more, i think its an obvious no-brainer personally. Same logic applies to any antiques, which is what these instruments are. With any collectable antique, there are; well used examples; examples with originality issues; examples that comprise of parts from different items put together; there are restored examples, and there are fine condition, all original examples. Values are relative to all this, and will reflect every single permutation. If a bass is a refin'd player, and the owner wants to continue playing it, then it needs to be playable, whether thats re-fretting, new pickups or whatever. I would always advise keeping original components in the case, as it may help to re-sell, should that need arise.

[quote name='KiOgon' post='1353878' date='Aug 27 2011, 08:43 PM']To me - it's all part of a setup, especially after a bass has been in transit, who knows what sort of knocks it's had, nothing to do with being a P-bass, anything with a bolt on neck - it's adjustable.[/quote] I don't think being in transit would cause that level of problem (As in the fotoflame one i mean), unless during shipping from the states, it arrived by parachute! Youre right though, nowt to do with being a P-Bass, and they are pretty adjustable. If it was me, i'd just slip a shim between the top (or bottom, depending on the swing) of the edge of the neck heel where it fits the body, this would solve the issue. I still think it wouldnt happen on a factory Fender (Maybe Indoneisan issue?) though, or any other bass for that matter, it wouldnt pass through factory Q.C. surely? I think it would be an obviously common problem where necks are added to bodies though (As in parts not originally manufactured to match each other i mean).

[quote name='TheGreek' post='1353834' date='Aug 27 2011, 07:23 PM']Less than 24 hours to go... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-Fender-Precision-bass-guitar-Vintage-NO-RESERVE-/130565645003?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e6651a2cb#ht_500wt_1156"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-Fender-Prec...b#ht_500wt_1156[/url][/quote] Looks like it was founda t the bottom of a swamp. Could be nice with some work, barely worth the start price though i think. I think he's put a high buy now, to try and entice buyers into thinking the start price is a bargain. If it plays nice though, could be a good player for someone at £800, worth a gamble though?, not sure, we'll see i guess?

[quote name='Immo' post='1353828' date='Aug 27 2011, 07:18 PM']I mean, the dot inlays are not right in the middle between A & D strings and the E string is farther from the edge of the neck than G is. Many fenders have the issue with neck tilting up and down. When I bought my P-Bass it had the neck tilted upwards and it looked like this: You can clearly see the E string being too close to the edge. The only benefit was the vibrato possibility for G string increased, but the string tension was not perfect and the PU's magnets were not underneath the strings. I set the neck properly and tightened it a bit and now it's OK. Your bass is really cool and because I was watching it so closely, I've noticed the same issue with it No hard feelings.[/quote] I must be honest, I've never seen this on a Precision before?, all mine are pre-70's though, and if it did need a tweek, then i'd just slide the string along the saddles until it was perfectly straight (Early 50's have 2 smooth saddles, and late 50's have threaded saddles, so easy to do). On the 70's, single slot saddles, it doesnt give you this option. I have 13 Fenders, and it isnt a problem on any of them. The example on the one in this thread looks to be camera angle though, as the strings are in the middle of the pickup poles. On your example though it looks really badly put together, like someone swapped the neck, or bridge, and wasnt too careful. Yours has a body finish i havent seen on a Fender, and non-Fender pickups, so maybe itsa bitsa, may explain your problem? Never seen it before personally, perhaps i've been lucky, although if i did see it, i wouldnt be buying it.

[quote name='Immo' post='1353562' date='Aug 27 2011, 01:52 PM']But isn't the neck titled down a bit? I love that 'feature' in Fenders, most P-Basses have this 'loose neck problem' as well.[/quote] ???????

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1353310' date='Aug 27 2011, 08:39 AM']I was expecting the BIG 4x10 & 1x15 (vinyl covered) with the MAHOOSIVE amp with the UV light... that rig's the baby one! I had both of the above set ups (way back when, and the compact rig was the first generation vinyl covered) and I'm sure my present rig is every bit as good as those rigs at half the weight and size but time plays tricks on you and I would love to blast through those old rigs one more time... so long as I didn't have to carry it back out to the van. [/quote] I don't remember calling it a 'baby', as I hauled it up the stairs! You're right though it wasn't the biggest one they did, i was just a sucker for the green carpet, must be a kinda bass gear fetish thing!! As you say, I'd love to have another blast through it, i'll never forget that classic Trace tone, every time, never failed ya! Time does play tricks, and its easy to get nostalgic, but i think you're probably right, you can get a similar quality rig now, for half the weight. What you need is a strong roadie.....and casters!!!

[quote name='Stingray5' post='1353187' date='Aug 26 2011, 11:45 PM']I'll vouch for that! That's almost my set up, except I have the 15" combo GP12 SMX with an older series 2x10 (w/2x5) cab. Funny thing is I've been toying lately with finally letting it all go in favour of something a little more lightweight but am just not sure. Whenever I go out with it, it just does what I need it to do. Ah well... maybe I'll hang on to it a little longer... [/quote] I wouldnt have sold it if i was still gigging. Like you say, does everything you want, reliable; responsive, simple controls; sturdy, brilliant kit. Heavy, but then most bass gear is isnt it?!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1353183' date='Aug 26 2011, 11:33 PM']Haha, I agree mrs stingray I'm sure prefers me to have the Genz shuttle to something like that although I do have a nice little stack of cabs growing in the dining room [/quote] Bass gear does actually [i]grow[/i], as I'm sure you tell your good lady too. As long as we all stick to that theory, then there'll always be someone to back us up. Some instruments dont just grow, they also pro-create too. Many a morning I've woken up to the sound of my wife, going in the spare room, opening up a cupboard, and saying "Were there always 4 guitars in there?, I'm sure there were only 3 the other day!". Its a fact. National Geographic Channel should do a series on it!!!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1353172' date='Aug 26 2011, 11:09 PM']With Flea using them I bet they will start to appear soon Rick?[/quote] I hope so! Personally, i always liked the simple/basic look of them, but they sounded poor, if the new ones are up to scratch (And the anticipated high price), they will be worth having a play on. Not sure I'd buy one though, big rigs take up too much space now for my current needs, and Mrs. Rick would definitely not be impressed with a new 'wardrobe', especially if it looks like an industrial A/C Unit!!!!!

Firstly, I have absolutely no affiliation with this sale. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trace-Elliot-/110733088523?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL&hash=item19c834d70b"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trace-Elliot-/11...=item19c834d70b[/url] I used to gig with an identical rig around '94/5. It was a fantastic rig, with perfect tone. Seeing this took me right back to lugging the heavy cabs out the car to the pub door, up the steps.....they werent the lightest, but they sounded fab. Someones gonna upset the neighbours with this great set up . Future classic vintage piece i think. Love 'em. Must be the green carpet!!

Nice purchase Gary, looks barely played!? Sunburst and maple, simple, and still the best combo.. Good job!

I agree with most replies already posted. You said its a player, so make it playable. A collectable vintage bass loses a considerable portion of its value if its been refinished, half the buyers on the vintage market will already have discounted it, adding a refret is going make almost no further difference in value, in fact, if its done properly with period correct frets, and you retain the old frets in a bag in the case, then it may make no further depreciation at all, as it is a great playable instrument. I'd definitely do it if it was mine. If it was all 100% original, and in fantastic condition, i'd maybe advise otherwise, depending how unplayable it is of course, maybe just making the action a little higher would help. Go for it, and enjoy playing it!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1353063' date='Aug 26 2011, 09:29 PM']I bet it sounds ace though![/quote] It certainly looks like it sounds ace, and i'm sure they do. The original 70's ones that Jaco is alleged to have favoured, actually sound pretty crap. I've tried a few original heads, as at one point a few years ago, i thought they must have 'something', they didnt, they were solid state, and were not great. The quality is refelcted in current prices for 70's heads and cabs, pretty reasonable. Would love to try these new ones though, havent seen them anywhere in the UK yet?

[quote name='molan' post='1352190' date='Aug 26 2011, 11:15 AM']That's exactly what I meant - well interpreted I definitely stand by this and have heard many, many people agree with this broad concept. Often it's the people who are less experienced and with less technical playing ability that would agree most. Some of them will find playing some things very difficult indeed but having something that generates that enthusiasm can help them break through a 'learning 'barrier'. As for playing the same riffs and patterns repeatedly I have to say I can't see an issue with this either. In my experience, the more you play the more fluid your playing becomes, the more you want to pick up an instrument = the better player you become [/quote] Agree on all fronts. How's the '[i]new[/i]' P coming along?

[quote name='Blademan_98' post='1348202' date='Aug 22 2011, 06:04 PM']I am thinking of adding an ashtray to my Squier Active Jazz. I am un-decided at present. There will be no going back because of the obvious holes! What do you think? If you have no opinion, I have a 'don't care' option [/quote] On your particular bass, no, it looks odd without the chrome control plate, as others have commented. In addition, the one you have isnt a Fender one, and is shorter than a real one, hence why the pickup is visible, which doesnt look good. Chrome covers look good if both are fitted, and the control plate is chrome. On my '62 Jazz, i have them both fitted, but when i play it (Not that often these days), i remove the pickup cover as it gets in the way of my style of playing. I used to remove it when i played gigs with it, and then put the cover back on when it was hung up. For yours, it's a no from me.

[quote name='Doddy' post='1351856' date='Aug 25 2011, 10:46 PM']I know it's about how much you spend....I was just picking up on the comment that if you have an expensive bass that you want to play,you will improve. I'm just saying that isn't the case-you may get the inspiration to pick up the instrument and play it,but that doesn't mean you will improve.[/quote] Disagree. I never said if you have an expensive bass you will improve? I said if you play more, you'll improve. I'm struggling to think of an example of [i]anything[/i] that you do more often, and fail to improve.

[quote name='Doddy' post='1351678' date='Aug 25 2011, 07:36 PM']If everytime you pick up the instrument you play the same licks and songs,there comes a point very quickly where improvement stops...it doesn't matter what bass it's played on.A nice expensive instrument may inspire you to pick it up but that doesn't guarantee improvement. Just what i said then? If you play and study stuff that is beyond you,that is how you improve as a player-by pushing yourself to play something that you can't already do.....just picking up and playing alone won't improve you.[/quote] If you understand it, yes, if you don't understand it, like i said, then it could have the opposite effect. This thread is about how much would you spend on a bass. No-one is saying an expensive bass will make you play better. If it makes you play more often though, you will improve, unless theres something wrong with you. [i]Everything[/i] improves with practice. Jeeez