GuyR

The 64 you are referring to is a refin. An original finish one would be worth significantly more, although your overall point is an interesting one.

What a ludicrous notion. That’s for your children to do once you are dead, surely? Nobody actually buys a vintage bass as an investment, it’s a convenient delusional justification.

There is a great deal of sense being spoken in this thread. IMO, You might generally make more by using the value of a fine vintage bass or three as the deposit for a buy to let property, which may pay for itself by the time you retire and give you an index linked income in perpetuity, as well as a legacy. On the other hand, moderate sums of money which would otherwise lie unproductive in an account or investment product, effectively diminishing in value and making some other bugger richer, are proving a better return, while also improving the quality of your life tied up in an item of pre-CBS eye/ear candy. Vintage basses are not currently subject to capital gains tax and I am not aware of any plans on the part of the chancellor in that direction. With houses, pensions and investment products, sadly you are a sitting duck for unwelcome HMRC fiscal pickpocketry, the tax laws changing with the wind. Of course, no guarantee of future value on anything you do with your money, but if you have a rack full of fine vintage basses and/or guitars, the feel-good factor might insulate you against a sizeable slice of fiscal vicissitude.

Bass gallery usually has a decent number of early-mid 70s examples. Andy Baxter is worth a look too.

A further thought re refretting; If you continue to use your bass with low frets, wear on the fingerboard is greatly accelerated. At some point you are going to have to replace the frets. Don’t necessitate replacement of the fingerboard too.

50-70 years on from manufacture, there aren’t too many vintage basses of any merit that haven’t been refretted. As time goes by, the number reduces further. If you intend to do more than look lovingly at your bass, it’s going to need a refret at some point or become an expensive ornament. All my vintage basses are refretted (I assume, I care so little, I don’t actually know) The only vintage instrument I acquired with the original, very worn, frets in place is my 66 Tele. First thing I did was order vintage correct replacements from Fender CS, fitted without any planing of the fingerboard. The original frets are in the case, In the event that whoever my kids sell it to when I’m gone might be interested. I’m not. I am fastidious about other aspects of originality, insofar as any vintage bass or guitar I have has first and foremost to Have the original finish and pickups, and be fully functional, so an irreparable switch or tuning machine would receive a period correct replacement. I am immediately suspicious of mint original instruments, either that they are not authentic, or not good players. All mine are fairly grizzly, because they are good enough to have been regularly used.

I can absolutely help with your question, lowdowner. I was fortunate enough to acquire Pino’s 79 stingray fretless sunburst backup bass, direct from Pino on commission via bass gallery a good few years ago. A magnificent bass in all respects. Sadly, it failed to endow me with any godlike chops or groove and unbelievably, when recently sold on, my ownership was not deemed sufficiently relevant to be mentioned in the gallery’s online description, only the former keeper’s.

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself........

If you had any expectations of high ticket sales, that sentence has rectum

I don’t think there is a massive value in instruments owned by the types of players generally most popular with the members on a specialist interest bass-centric community. Bass has a much narrower appeal as an object of veneration than guitar. I would expect something like John Paul Jones’ jazz bass, or Roger Waters’ precision would make big numbers.

Now that is funky!!

In addition to his unparalleled technique, he was also the most lyrical and expressive player. My elderly tablet doesn't allow me to post a link to Jeg gik mig id en sommerdag from "the eternal traveller" album, but it is a thing of beauty.

I have an 80s Tokai Jazz sound which has quite precision like neck dimensions and is also a great bass. Fender custom shop relics can be surprisingly chunky also. Haven't tried any of the other brands you mention. precision neck on a Jazz body might be a solution?

Bass Gallery. As you say, 15% (inc vat) sold four basses in the last 2 years, for a total of £10k. Mainly took a couple of weeks, one a couple of months. One sold for considerably more than I expected. Zero hassle, comms good, funds immediate. 10/10.

You are right. When the ghastly spectre of logic raises its ugly head in relation to a bass purchase, all chance of a favourable outcome is lost. I bought an all original 62 custom colour jazz bass around 2000/2001 for £3.4k. I have had 20 years wonderful use out of it. I spent an hour playing it this evening. I'd probably not lose money in the unlikely event of selling, although that was absolutely irrelevant to me when I bought and still is. I never think of it as a collectible.

G As time goes by, it is inevitable that the proportion of vintage instruments with replaced electrical components and frets will increase and that those changes will become more acceptable, as the stock of completely original instruments decreases. There are few Italian vintage violins that have not been substantially repaired, re-necked, fingeboarded, refinished etc. The inevitable repairs are completely acceptable and do not seem to significantly deter buyers. It seems logical to me to anticipate the market for vintage guitars/basses will follow, but who has a crystal ball. Maybe electric guitars/basses will completely fall out of favour. Authentic original instruments have been trading at premium prices since the early 1980s, so the market is well established. On another subject, it does seem a shame to denigrate the choices of others, or assume the motivation of others in making their choices as unsavoury. We are all just bass players making our choices, enjoying our instruments. I'm pleased for anyone, anytime they acquire a bass they enjoy. For me, the very best basses I have played have been vintage.

Lovely looking bass. Godins are excellent value. I have an A5 which has the perfect neck profile for me and a flat ish fingerboard. What is the neck profile like on this?

Certificate or not, a lovely looking bass and a sensible price. CS prices seem to have risen strongly in the last year.

Have never dealt with BD but it is always good to hear about positive experiences.

I have only skimmed this thread after the first page. I don't understand why you would have an opinion or make judgements about about other people or their motivation based on their choice of instrument.

I thought all the options for phrases to downplay "refin" had been exhausted.

That's a lovely bass. ACGs shapes are a little "out there" perhaps, but they are original, which is not easy 70 years into the evolution of electric basses. The blue against the burl is reminiscent of of natural opal. Overall, a thing of beauty and I expect it will be not too shabby to play. Thanks for sharing.

Have sold two relatively high value basses recently via bassgallery. Both sold quickly for a decent retail value, so 15% commission was excellent value and zero hassle factor.

You would be most welcome Jon. I could probably get a box of some description from bass gallery, which is near my work. There is someone at home 24/7 currently for collection so I'll PM you my address.