1980 P-bass?

[slave]

Hi peeps,

So I'm thinking of getting a birthyear bass - and I love P-basses (who doesn't).
I've read a few differing opinions on the build quality of 1980 P-basses though, so I was wondering if anyone out there knew much about basses around that time period?

Is there a certain model to go for?
One to avoid?

Cheers guys.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='slave' timestamp='1363730881' post='2016853']
... I love P-basses (who doesn't) ...
[/quote]
Strangely, quite a few people don't, you've clearly been not reading certain threads.

Good luck finding the birth-year model.

[Musky]

Precisions made in 1980 were made pretty much the same way as they had been since '76, with all that entails. There are plenty of nice ones about from that period, but also plenty about that reflected CBS's loosening of quality control. Weight can be an issue (although mine from that year was[i] really[/i] light), but some claim they prefer the tone of heavier basses. Check the neck pockets for tightness, and whatever you do play the thing first. Despite the light body, the neck on mine "should never have left the factory" as the luthier who looked at it pointed out.

[yepmop]

I'd have to re-mortgage the house to buy my birth year bass - damn it

[Cat Burrito]

From 1979 to 1981 they used the S9 serial numbers so you'll need to ensure you have your birth year and not be a year out. I have a 78-79 and regularly enjoy reading some of the criticisms of old Fenders - some people having tried one 30yrs ago and others who haven't actually (I suspect) actually played one but seem quite happy to dive right in with an opinion. My limited experience in late 70s / early 80s Fenders has been entirely positive.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1363731625' post='2016862']
Precisions made in 1980 were made pretty much the same way as they had been since '76, with all that entails. There are plenty of nice ones about from that period, but also plenty about that reflected CBS's loosening of quality control. Weight can be an issue (although mine from that year was[i] really[/i] light), but some claim they prefer the tone of heavier basses. Check the neck pockets for tightness, and whatever you do play the thing first.
[/quote]

Yep, that`s it. I`ve had a 77 & 78, so similar period, both around the 10lb mark, both cracking basses, but you do hear some horror stories, so play first is the thing.

[Roland Rock]

My 78 is two tonnes of fun

[Cat Burrito]

Just to redress the balance 3 of the 4 Fender basses I had from this era were lighter than average. There are some heavier examples but this is certainly not always the case

[AndyTravis]

My 77 is a lightweight winner.

[cocco]

I had a heavy old 78 that was pretty cool. Neck was lovely and the tone was killer.

[Lozz196]

Yes they can vary a lot in that period. As said, my 77 was about 10/10.5lbs. A mate of mine has the exact same bass, from 77, and his weighs 13lbs. And as we`ve seen, there have recently been late 70s Precisions for sale on here weighing 7lbs-something. So it`s all about the actual instrument in question, it`s far too varied to label them all as heavy.

[wateroftyne]

1980 is just prior to the management buy-out which dragged the company out of the doldrums. if you'd only been born a year later...