Fender Price in 1950s?

[KiOgon]

Just wondering - how much were the original '51Ps - in USA when they first came out?

Edited December 30, 2010 by KiOgon

[wateroftyne]

$170 rings a bell? Can't remember where I read that though.

[Mr Rabble]

I can check my Fender Bass Book this evening, stay tuned

[wateroftyne]

That's where I read it!

$200.

[Sibob]

Which, according to dollartimes.com, is worth about $1727.59 in 2010.

Interesting

Si

[KiOgon]

Cheerz, I just dug out the Fender Bass book & it does indeed show, " List price of the new Fender Precision bass is $199.50. The new Bassman Amplifier lists at $203.50, subject to usual dealer discount."

I imagine most working bass players had to save long & hard to pay for their kit, or more like 'God bless Hire Purchase!'

[dlloyd]

[quote name='Sibob' post='1072531' date='Dec 30 2010, 10:34 AM']Which, according to dollartimes.com, is worth about $1727.59 in 2010.

Interesting

Si[/quote]

Which is getting towards what an NOS custom shop reissue would cost... which is probably the closest current model in terms of how it is constructed in the factory.

Edited December 30, 2010 by dlloyd

[Cat Burrito]

[quote name='Sibob' post='1072531' date='Dec 30 2010, 10:34 AM']Which, according to dollartimes.com, is worth about $1727.59 in 2010.

Interesting

Si[/quote]
This is what I was wondering when I saw this post. My folks had a mortgage for £2k in 1970. It's easy to forget about inflation. My 1978 Fender Precision bass has the original receipt. It was £254 on November 27th 1978 and the original buyer paid cash.

Edit - According to the Bank of England website my bass would now cost £1086.36 as of 2009.

Edited December 30, 2010 by BurritoBass

[tarcher]

In 1978 my wages were about £180 per month.
My house I was buying was £9000 the mortgage payments were about £60 per month.