henry norton Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 Does anyone here own or ever owned one of these peculiarities? [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FENDER_BASS_V_view.JPG"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FENDER_BASS_V_view.JPG[/url] Or knows someone who does for that matter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigsmokebass Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 No but but it'd be the only fender I owned with my 51. Would like to see them reissue one but no doubt sell really fast. BSB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foal30 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 apparently James Jamerson had one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I reckon the fact they didn't take off is quite telling.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 Yes I know there aren't many out there, but there must be one or two in the hands of Basschatters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 If I one turned up, I'd have it. (We are talking about the 5 string, 15 fret one, tuned EADGC, aren't we?) I have a feeling that the bassline to "A Horse with no name" by America was played on one, as it's difficult to articulate correctly on a 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) I've always had a fascination for these, but they are big beasts (3" longer than a P bass) and I am not sure just how off putting the 15 fret neck would be. I certainly wouldn't want to put up any readies to buy one without trying it first, in case it turned out to be a horrible player. That said, they [i]are[/i] out there, in fact there are two on eBay right now, but I suspect the rarity factor keeps the price up rather than their playability. Watch 0:45-1:40 of this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agtztX9rlJU Edited July 4, 2012 by walbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='foal30' timestamp='1341386925' post='1717943'] apparently James Jamerson had one [/quote] ... apparently he hated it and threw it across the studio saying 'Never let me play that thing again'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 The third post down on this topic from the Fender forum gives some interesting background to the Bass V. Only 200 ever produced apparently. - http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42284 Gareth, I coudn't find any on ebay but would be interested to take a look, can you post links? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='ikay' timestamp='1341414290' post='1718611'] Gareth, I coudn't find any on ebay but would be interested to take a look, can you post links? [/quote] Nice sunburst 1967 [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1967-Fender-V-Bass-Sunburst-Rare-and-100-original-5-strings-HSC-/310410099956?pt=Bassi&hash=item4845e23cf4"]here[/url], and the same seller has a 1966 refin for sale which hasn't sold in ages but is currently unlisted. Also another one in the Netherlands [url="http://www.tfoa.eu/the_store/index.php?target=products&product_id=35672"]here[/url]. They have it listed on their eBay account as well, but I can't find the link just now.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Ah, the even rarer 'Fender V Bass' rather than Bass V, cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Now I don't [i]normally[/i] get all excited about basses. Sure, I [i]like[/i] them, but I've seen/owned/played so many.... .... However, that Dutch Black/Maple one is not only unusual, but looks "of a piece". I definitely like the lollipop tuners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 Yeah, not good looking but unique. I like it because it's a bit weird but was designed for a purpose at the time. Looking at the used prices though it's unsurprisingly been tarred with the 'vintage Fender' brush. I wonder how a low B would sit with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='henry norton' timestamp='1341428770' post='1718944'] I wonder how a low B would sit with it. [/quote] from the reports I've heard, just fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mckendrick Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) [quote name='foal30' timestamp='1341386925' post='1717943'] apparently James Jamerson had one [/quote] ....and Jack Bruce and John Paul Jones. Jack had a VI aswell. . Edited July 4, 2012 by mckendrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='mckendrick' timestamp='1341443331' post='1719329'] ....and Jack Bruce and John Paul Jones. Jack had a VI aswell. . [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1341413498' post='1718591'] I certainly wouldn't want to put up any readies to buy one without trying it first, in case it turned out to be a horrible player. [/quote] And now I have found one from my year of birth...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham1945 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Hi, I've posted this somewhere else on here. I've had one since 1972, purchased in Sound City, Shaftesbury Ave. It's been butchered quite a lot over the years, pickups, and paint finish, etc. Now it looks like the below pic, with the exception of new Bartolini P Bass pickup in the neck position. The original Fender one I always thought was very poor, probably bodged from Musicmaster or similar. I've even had John Birch multi pole steel guitar pickups on it (which sounded great). I love the bass and it'll be the last one I sell, so if Zad reads this, it's still not for sale I'm afraid!!! I've got it now tuned from the standard B upwards and it sounds fine. Lovely neck to play, with a bit of neck dive from the large head and heavy old tuners. Cheers, Graham [IMG]http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj578/graham1945/BassVresized_zps61981836.jpg[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 [quote name='graham1945' timestamp='1356630278' post='1911830'] [/quote] Looks lovely. Is this the one that was refinised by Paul Herman at Wal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 The only one I've seen on stage was played by "Boots" Slade with the Alan Price Set. Not one of Fender's finest moments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Always wanted one of those just cos they're a bit different. To me they almost look like the 5 string version of the Mustang given the size of the body/neck proportions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethFlatlands Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 [quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1341413343' post='1718585'] I have a feeling that the bassline to "A Horse with no name" by America was played on one, as it's difficult to articulate correctly on a 4. [/quote] I've seen a clip on youtube and it looks like the bassist has a P but it was a live clip so may not be what was on the record. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob's your uncle Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I've had three. Still own one. The Black one in Holland was mine, as was the 66 sunburst which was for sale in the same shop. Unfortunately I was scammed by the shop... the prices for which they sold were not my prices and I got only half of it.... The shopowner even had the guts to tell me he did me a favor! He made a 100% profit AND had a trade-in.. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS SHOP! I still have a 66 sunburst which is all orgininal (including the covers) Non original but perfect fitting case (G&G, slightly longer than a regular case). Really good condition. you can PM me if you're interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham1945 Posted January 11, 2013 Share Posted January 11, 2013 Sorry, only just got back to this. Walbassist, no, the refinish was done by someone in Shaftesbury, not a great job unfortunately. Mind you it started life as metallic blue and has since been every other since then. And Bob, above, I only have the bridge chrome cover with the large "F". Always had a problem finding a case to fit due to the length of the body, including the protruding neck joint. Am using a fairly basic teardrop case which fits it perfectly. By the way, mine isn't for sale. Cheers Graham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishIcouldplay Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 Yes I have one...Candy Red matching headstock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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