gareth

[quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1360775875' post='1976313'] I've a couple of questions for the Fender experts regarding Precision basses from the 70s: 1: When did Fender start adding the plastic spacer / gasket behind the neck plate to protect the finish? 2: Is an "A" width Precision neck (a custom option) worth more than a regular "B" width Precision? 3: Was Candy Apple Red completely discontinued in 1973 or did a few custom ones still escape the factory? 4: Were the Fender factory doing so many random things that you get some odd combinations of things it's all irrelevant! Thanks in advance! [/quote] I've a couple of questions for the Fender experts regarding Precision basses from the 70s: 1: When did Fender start adding the plastic spacer / gasket behind the neck plate to protect the finish? MID 70'S 2: Is an "A" width Precision neck (a custom option) worth more than a regular "B" width Precision? YES - ITS A "JAZZ" SIZE NECK 3: Was Candy Apple Red completely discontinued in 1973 or did a few custom ones still escape the factory? DO NOT KNOW 4: Were the Fender factory doing so many random things that you get some odd combinations of things it's all irrelevant! ONLY TRUE FOR THE END OF THE 70'S THROUGH TO EARLY 80'S Thanks in advance!

[quote name='V4lve' timestamp='1358781421' post='1944852'] Sticking a Musicman logo on an OLP is a bit daft isn't it. I only paid 100 quid for my used mm3 and would expect to have to pay over a grand for the real thing. [/quote] false economy if you search you could be lucky and get a ray for £500 or a sub (usa made) for £300

I like G&L's They are after all the last leo creation Whether they are the best of his basses I would say not - that'll be the precision, then the jazz, then the ray G&L's are well made and I have tried a lot of them - all Fulerton USA made - L2000, L2500. L5000, L5500, L1500, SB1, SB2 and the L1000 I think everyone should try a G&L They are good value and if you do not like them you should be able to sell and get your money back

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1358710423' post='1943861'] I love Fender and they have pretty much been my brand of choice for 25yrs now. I've tried to move away and try / buy other basses but a Fender just feels right to me so I keep coming back to them. I do have issues with the company and definitely don't see them through rose tinted specs BUT they obviously do so much right when it comes to bass guitars as they have been so popular for 60 years. There are always going to be Fender haters on these forums but then to me rock 'n' roll music should always be about dividing opinion so they have that right too [/quote] yes this is my view too its just a fact that whatever other basses there, however much you spend on exotics, there's a 90% chance that the next band you see on tv will have a bass player using a fender it does'nt worry me that they are so popular - i don't see basses as a fashion item - i don't seek basses that are more exclusive i do agree with the OP that that photos, which is a fender endorsed publicity photo, does show a horrible neck gap - must have got missed when they were checking them

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1358603924' post='1942038'] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Jazz-bass-Pre-CBS-1964-/271140430240?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3f213aa1a0"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3f213aa1a0[/url] Nothing to do with me - just noticed it's in Bexhill - I'd love to see it but it's not cheap, I could end up in trouble What do you reckon? [/quote] go and see it, try it and then report back us and let us know if all that mojo stuff about pre-cbs fenders if true or not

its an expensive olp a sub wud be better bet

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1294315516' post='1079702'] Buy used - my most expensive MIA Precision was £550. Which was nice. [/quote] i agree with lozz - buy used - unless you want one of these [url="http://www.coda-music.com/fender-pawn-shop-bass-black-p-14639.html"]http://www.coda-music.com/fender-pawn-shop-bass-black-p-14639.html[/url]

[quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1355764202' post='1902416'] The only bass I have ever had that experience with is my Lakland 55-02. Basses typically don't live long with me before I get bored and move onto something else, but this bass has been a blessing to me since I bought it 9yrs ago. It was bought as a back up and quickly became my #1. I wasn't looking for my dream bass at the time as I thought I had already had it...an Overwater Progress III. When I played it at the shop I obviously liked how it sounded and played otherwise I wouldn't have bought it, but it wasn't until I spent plenty of time with it at home when I realised how dynamic and flexible it was. I have used it for funk, gospel, metal, folk, hip-hop...you name it! I can always find the answer I need. I had a collection of 6 basses when I bought the Lakland. All have gone except the 55-02, which speaks volume to me. At the risk of sounding corny, I have a strong bond with that bass. [/quote] Yes I feel the same about a Lakland 44-02 i have had for a few months now - and I thought I only liked passive basses!

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1357238025' post='1919658'] Hello folks, well, after a good long search I've bought a late 70's Fender Precision. Sunburst/Rosewood, 9lbs, tidy neck join (no gaps) and about a 9/10 condition. It's come from a mates uncle who's not played since the late 80's and heard I was on the lookout. It's great bass considering some of the horror stories/stigma attached with the late CBS era basses. But, need a bit of help, and I know there are some real encyclopaedia depth knowledge types on this era of Fender on here. As a working bass, it was flightcased and some of the more vintage appointments (case candy) are AWOL. 1. Thumb Rest. Long gone. I've seen 77's with both Black and Brown thumb rests, is it a matter of 'whatever was lying around'? Or should I seek out a particular one? 2. Chrome covers. Again, these are gone, and I'm aware that 60's ones were a squarer, sharper shape than the current reissue ones. Are the current ones I can order from Fender the same as they were on the 70's, or is it a matter of finding original 75-1981 ones? 3. Machine Heads. These are all original, but the large domed screws at the back of the headstock have been replaced with bolts, and look a bit crap, unsure as to why this was done, but apparently it's been like this since its last owner got it in the 80's. To maintain originality, should I source an original full set of tuning machines, or simply track down some replacement screws. Basically, think I'm asking if anyone had these bits in a box they'd be willing to part with, or if anyone has a reliable source for vintage bits? Apart from these 3 small things, the bass is totally original, and it's a good one, so I'd like to do it justice, and the price I got it for, I can afford to get it set right. Thanks Andy [/quote] Good to hear of someone with a good late 70's precision Despite the myths and scare stories they do exist