wateroftyne Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 There are some very nice basses from that era. Fender had scaled back, and weren't throwing them out the door in silly numbers like they did in the late 70s. I always liked the siennabursts... they're very bonny. Quote
Conan Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 If the seller can't explain the strange pixellation issue on the headstock, I wouldn't go anywhere near it. £650 may be reasonable for a thirty year old Fender, but it's a lot of money to waste! Quote
noelk27 Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1329823691' post='1547834']My concern with this example is mainly that the serial number appears to have been removed... was this done because it was stolen at some point?[/quote] Removed, or just obscured? I'd say the seller has obscured the serial, to protect the identity of what he owns from potential fraudsters. As for the bass, at circa £650, I think that's a reasonable buy. It looks in good order, and these usually sell for more than what's being asked. The bodies and necks, pickups and electrics were all reliable, it was just the plastics and the mix and match attitude at Fender that caused any issues. It's why you'll see some with the 3D style tuners, some with a metal control plate, some with five screw bridges, none of which make these bad basses. Quote
charic Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Some people block out serial number so their pictures can't be used elsewhere like with car licence plates Quote
noelk27 Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1329829145' post='1547966']If the seller can't explain the strange pixellation issue on the headstock, I wouldn't go anywhere near it.[/quote] One person. One opinion. And he admits he's not a forensic photography expert. Seriously, what's odd about a seller disguising a serial number? Quote
Conan Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1329829442' post='1547975'] Seriously, what's odd about a seller disguising a serial number? [/quote] More to the point, why would anyone want to? But if it can be explained (rather than just "oh, it was like that when I got it") then maybe there is no problem. Quote
wateroftyne Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 I think the serial number has just been Photoshopped out. We'll know for sure when the seller replies to the OP. Quote
dlloyd Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1329829238' post='1547969'] Removed, or just obscured? I'd say the seller has obscured the serial, to protect the identity of what he owns from potential fraudsters.[/quote] Could be [quote]As for the bass, at circa £650, I think that's a reasonable buy. It looks in good order, and these usually sell for more than what's being asked. The bodies and necks, pickups and electrics were all reliable, it was just the plastics and the mix and match attitude at Fender that caused any issues. It's why you'll see some with the 3D style tuners, [b]some with a metal control plate[/b], some with five screw bridges, none of which make these bad basses. [/quote] That being the case, it probably wouldn't cause too many problems if the OP were to tweak the aesthetics with a replacement scratchplate plus metal control plate... (personally I'd leave it alone) Quote
icastle Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1329829442' post='1547975'] One person. One opinion. And he admits he's not a forensic photography expert. Seriously, what's odd about a seller disguising a serial number? [/quote] Very true, I'm not. I only looked because I was intrigued at what had become of the serial number. It's enough to put me off buying it blind though. Quote
q_of_doom Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 (edited) I've just spoken to the seller, an elderly gentleman who seems genuine. The serial number has been destroyed, and that was how he bought it off a reputable dealer many years ago. I forgot to ask if he still has the invoice. Even he suggested that he didn't know why the serial number would have been destroyed, also suggesting that the guitar might at some point in its history may have left an owner's possession by dubious means. We have no way of telling. He did say that he will be in my neck of the woods in a month or so if I cared to inspect the bass. If all's seems kosher, I'm tempted again. *sigh* Edited February 21, 2012 by q_of_doom Quote
Prime_BASS Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1329832793' post='1548070'] That being the case, it probably wouldn't cause too many problems if the OP were to tweak the aesthetics with a replacement scratchplate plus metal control plate... (personally I'd leave it alone) [/quote] Me too. I don't really like the chrome plates on a jazz. This isn't pimp my ride. Quote
RhysP Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='q_of_doom' timestamp='1329837503' post='1548215'] He did say that he will be in my neck of the woods in a month or so if I cared to inspect the bass. If all's seems kosher, I'm tempted again. *sigh* [/quote] If you can get to try it out without the 1000 km round trip & find you like it, then why not get it? It almost certainly won't depreciate in value, though the missing serial number might put some people off should you choose to sell it at a later date Quote
dlloyd Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 [quote name='q_of_doom' timestamp='1329738300' post='1546458']The Fender Bass book by Black and Molinaro didn't mention this particular version. [/quote] Page 76. Standard Series basses. Quote
q_of_doom Posted February 23, 2012 Author Posted February 23, 2012 [quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1329936667' post='1550086'] Page 76. Standard Series basses. [/quote] By Jove! Right you are! *Hangs head in shame.* Quote
dlloyd Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 [quote name='q_of_doom' timestamp='1329993734' post='1550874'] By Jove! Right you are! *Hangs head in shame.* [/quote] Easily missed! Quote
rednose200 Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 I think this is definately a Fender. I have seen these before but they are a pretty rare beast. Seem to remember a Ventures reissue was like this but might be mistaken. Definately 80s. If you really want to make sure then have the seller remove the neck and see whats in the pocket and on the back of the neck base. If theres nothing there then its a fake my friend. If its genuine then you are probably in the money. As I said pretty rare to say the least. Well worth pursuing IMHO. Good luck Quote
wateroftyne Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 The Ventures bass was a MIJ special edition... A different kettle'o'fish to this one. :-) Quote
73Jazz Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 Though they arereally nice I have seen them for sale twice the price in this link http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-fender-jazz-bass-ventures-1996-black-b Quote
dlloyd Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 [quote name='rednose200' timestamp='1330162677' post='1553466'] I think this is definately a Fender. I have seen these before but they are a pretty rare beast. Seem to remember a Ventures reissue was like this but might be mistaken. Definately 80s. If you really want to make sure then have the seller remove the neck and see whats in the pocket and on the back of the neck base. If theres nothing there then its a fake my friend. If its genuine then you are probably in the money. As I said pretty rare to say the least. Well worth pursuing IMHO. Good luck [/quote] Not all Fenders have a neck stamp. Quote
charic Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 [quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1330338451' post='1555764'] Not all Fenders have a neck stamp. [/quote] And not all neck stamps have a fender... Yeah... I have nothing useful to add to this conversation Quote
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