NBD: the one granny to rule them all.

[MrFingers]

Some things in life you know are bound to happen somewhere along the road, you just don't know where, or when. Today was that day for me. By sheer luck everything aligned: the instrument itself, locally for sale, within budget, generous tax return which sweetened the already more than fair deal, and a feeling of "If I don't do this, I'm going to regret it massively later". So, since today I became the proud 2nd owner guardian of a September 1966 P-bass. Fully original, including the case, except the missing bridge cover, and some filled holes where someone installed other tuners, but the ginormous Klusons 546's cover those up very nicely. In a very, very good condition (buckle-rash the size of a coin), frets at de-facto factory condition, slightly faded red, but still plenty present,... And that patina, that's something you can't fake (nor the smell). Rather lightweight, very resonant, a bit neckheavy due to those tuners and the very light body, it has that extremely pleasant 60's C-shape (wide, but thin). It has the newest additions that were introduced in 1966: Indian Rosewood fretboard, a 45° bevelled pickguard and the wide frets. Made by the same people that made the early 60's ones, using the same methods, and virtually identical materials... just under a different contract.

 

It has seen some action, but it was also very well babied and cared for. And given it's a '66, it's an absolute growler. There's something about '66/'67 basses that gives them more raunchy punch compared to 1965 or 1968 onwards. And if it's good enough for James Jamerson, it's good enough for me!

 

Going to install an old set of LaBella's tomorrow, see if I can reduce the action a bit.

Also: going to thin out the heard a bit. Given I've now got "the original", the "American Original '60s" may leave the premises, my Jazz Bass as well, my 500/1 that hardly saw any use, maybe the EB3, although: that's so quirky I might just keep it. But with this, I kind of arrived at the end of the line.

 

 

Edited 5 hours ago by MrFingers

[Mudpup]

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Edited 4 hours ago by Mudpup

[MrFingers]

Works now?

[Lozz196]

Lovely looking bass

[42Hz]

Nice. Congratulations. It certainly looks really nice and in good shape. Must be a proud feeling, being 2nd owner on an almost 60year old bass.

[Reggaebass]

Very nice indeed, congrats that looks a beauty, I’m normally into 68-72 Precisions but I’ve been looking at a few 66’s lately 

[HeadlessBassist]

Congratulations, MrFingers. Make sure you have an Air Tag hidden in the case. Looks like a lovely bass, a great talking point and something to enjoy and be proud of. 😎

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

nice!