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Health of maple fretboard on a fender precision bass


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Hi everyone 

 

I’m about to buy my first vintage bass with a maple fretboard but I’m a bit in over my head. The bass in question is a 89’ MIJ fender precision. 
 

It’s in amazing condition apart from the fact the lacquer on the maple fretboard is peeling slightly on some frets on the G side of the fretboard.

 

I have attached a picture. 
 

1. Is this a problem in general? Or is this normal on vintage maple fretboard basses? 
 

2. If it is a problem, what is the harm to the value of the bass? The current listing price is £950.

 

3. Can this be repaired non-invasively? Or does it involve something stupid like removing all the frets and redoing the lacquer of the entire neck? 
 

thanks so much!!! 
 

Best,

Matt 

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11 hours ago, matthewkeyss said:

1. Is this a problem in general? Or is this normal on vintage maple fretboard basses? 
 

2. If it is a problem, what is the harm to the value of the bass? The current listing price is £950.

 

3. Can this be repaired non-invasively? Or does it involve something stupid like removing all the frets and redoing the lacquer of the entire neck?

 

1a. Nope.

1b. Yep, because it's lacquered.

 

2. Not a problem per se, and the price tag is a tad high for that year.

 

3. Nope. With Fender fully lacquered maple neck, it implies a lot of work.

 

It's an old bass, so it can't be as new or it hasn't been played at all. 😉

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^^^^^ these comments are spot on.

 

You could try a non invasive touch-up of the affected areas using an automotive clear coat paint stick. While it seals the damaged area it tends to stay a slightly darker shade on the worn areas. However, it will slow down or stop it getting worse.

 

It’s a nice used instrument with some mojo. Enjoy playing it either way.

 

 

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As said, it's not a problem but just normal wear and tear, I'd leave it as is, it doesn't look excessive to me. Makers charge more to put artificial wear on instruments, this is genuine and all-natural...

 

I agree with @Hellzero, it is overpriced. The MIJ Fenders are good but everyone seems to think they equate to the legendary JVs (which tbemselves have gone a bit mad with prices). What model is it? i.e. the PB number?

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Japanese Fenders are great quality but £950 for a MIJ is a bit steep.

 

Of course if you've played it and really like it, then value is in the eye of the beholder and it's your choice what you pay.

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Posted (edited)

Hi everyone! 

Thanks so much for the input. The serial number for the bass is actually C008452, which would make this a 85-86’ bass, right? The seller seems to think it’s an 89 for some reason. 

 

I agree it’s a little overpriced, but I am located abroad in an expensive country. On the other hand, he’s delivering it for free as he happens to be passing through my town on Sunday. 

 

I like my instruments to have an interesting history. That matters as much to me as it being a good instrument. My other bass is a 90s Yamaha TRB6II, also Japanese made. I’ve wanted a MIJ p bass for such a long time, but they always get snatched up before I can get my hands on one. It’s my 30th birthday soon so this is really fortuitous timing that this popped up at this moment.

 

 

 

 

Edited by matthewkeyss
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It's what you've always wanted and it's your big birthday so it seems as if you'll be hanging on to it, go for it! If they are hard to get and pricey in your country, then even more reason to get it.

 

I wouldn't worry about the possible discrepancy with the serial number and date, the MIJ serial numbers don't always match the manufacturing date. I had a MIJ Strat that had a serial number that was several years earlier than the date pencilled on the end of the (original) neck.

Edited by KevL
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5 hours ago, police squad said:

I would just play it. I like the feel of bits of laquer missing. It helps me know where I am on the fingerboard. My '73 P bass has loads missing

Likewise, it’s all part of the history and mojo of the instrument. Old instruments tend to have dings and wear, unless they’re case queens and I’m suspicious of old basses that haven’t been played, i wonder if they’re not so great, therefore, unplayed. As to the cost, if you’re happy with the amount, it’s all good. 

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That wear on the neck wouldn’t bother me on that year of bass, as long as everything else is as it should be then there shouldn’t really be any problem, if it’s something you’ve wanted for a long time then sometimes being a little more expensive than some others doesn’t really matter , I’ve overpaid for basses before because I really wanted them and don’t regret it at all, good luck and hope all goes well 

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On 24/06/2024 at 22:47, matthewkeyss said:

Hi everyone 

 

I’m about to buy my first vintage bass with a maple fretboard but I’m a bit in over my head. The bass in question is a 89’ MIJ fender precision. 
 

It’s in amazing condition apart from the fact the lacquer on the maple fretboard is peeling slightly on some frets on the G side of the fretboard.

 

I have attached a picture. 
 

1. Is this a problem in general? Or is this normal on vintage maple fretboard basses? 
 

2. If it is a problem, what is the harm to the value of the bass? The current listing price is £950.

 

3. Can this be repaired non-invasively? Or does it involve something stupid like removing all the frets and redoing the lacquer of the entire neck? 
 

thanks so much!!! 
 

Best,

Matt 

IMG_0820.png

IMG_0813.jpeg


nice find. I’ve been looking for a fender mij pb-70 from the 90’s with no luck. 
 

How the bass feels on hand is the mist important. When you see wear of an instrument it shows it’s been played which to me is a good thing. See how you get on with it and also if you like the tone it produces. The lacquer to me isn’t an issue but everyone is different 

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19 hours ago, police squad said:

I would just play it. I like the feel of bits of laquer missing. It helps me know where I am on the fingerboard. My '73 P bass has loads missing

Fender P bass 1975 009.JPG

Fender P bass 1975 010.JPG


When it feels right, it feels right. 

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