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Post subject: Can anyone identify this???
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:49 pm
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I accidently posted this in guitars so I reposted it here in bass.

Just want to say hi to everyone first, I am new to the forum and
this is my first post. I am sure I will learn alot from all you Fender enthusiests and hopefully I can share some of my experience
as well, I have owned dozens of fenders througout my musical
carrer. However, this one has me plum stumped.
I bought this bass to play and not for resale, it is pretty
cool looking IMO.

I think this is a potentially rare used Fender bass but I paid very
little for it. The headstock says "Fender prodigy made in usa",
the serial number is N1 plus 6 digits, I imagine it is a 91 or 92
USA model. I would like any information about this bass
that is available as an internet search did not yield much
result as far as authenticity, if anyone would be so kind.

My main concern is that this bass
(basically a percision body w/ an active circuit in it)
has an odd pickguard. I have never seen a pickguard
like this before (it only protects from above the top
pickup to base of the neck and follows the contours
of the top of the bass (both "horns") and has 2 curved
notches on the bottom on each side of where the strings are.
It is black 3 ply with 8 screws. The bass does not have a
switch mounting plate like a typical Precision or Jazz..the
switches are mounted through the body and access to them
and the electronic circuit/battery is through a cover plate
at the lower back side. The pickups are PJ type
(2 pickups and 2 stacked black control knobs).

Bear in mind the circuitry does have "fender"
printed on it and the bass looks identical to the
few pictures I could find online of this "Prodigy"
model, sans the strange pick guard. One knob is
main volume, the outer of that is pickup blend with
a center detent if using both, the lower knobs are
bass and treble (also "stacked" with an inner and
outer so it looks like a 2 knob but it's actually 4).

Since it is so difficult to find any info, very few pictures
are online and the few pics I could find did not have a pick
guard I am wondering if the pick guard was custom made,
aftermarket, or an actual fender piece, which would make
this extremely rare.

The bass itself is in overall mint condition and works flawlessly.
The color is like a transparent blond (slight sunburst
effect at the right angle, like a pinkish hue to cream/blond).
It sounds like, well...too awesome to put into words (well you already know that about Fender USA basses I assume), but this one is kinda special.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Image[/img]

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Last edited by ebaysux on Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:00 am
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I know it's only been a few days but no one has replied...

Not even to welcome me as a new member to this forum
hence I kinda have a bad feeling about this, is this one of
those "attitude" forums?

I assumed there would be at least one fender expert here..seems
like more interest in squires.. ok vented, feel better :twisted:

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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:10 am
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Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:08 am
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Location: Louisiana
No attitude forum. It is slow on weekends and probably the ones who are online now know more about guitars than bass. BTW Welcome to the forum and I'm sure someone will help you out this coming week. Peace! 8)


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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:27 am
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Thanks, I really appreciate the welcome.

In all honesty, I generally prefer no response then
a bunch of unqualified people giving inaccurate info..however
it is only common courtesy to welcome a new member. There
must be a few experts here I would think.

I hope someone can help with some info about that
bass and whacked out batman pick guard..it is driving me nuts
with curiosity. My band is like "why do you care, it sounds amazing,
just enjoy it"...but I just can't do that, lol.
However I don't expect an answer to this enigma wrapped in a
riddle, judging by all other research it seems Fender only made a
few of these and only 3 or 4 exist (embelishing of course but
who knows..seems no one does).

Glad there are no "attitudes" here, well mine is the exception..
sorry about that.

Thanks again.

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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:10 pm
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Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:08 am
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Location: Louisiana
No worries!! Just hang on as I know there are some expert bass players/techs on this site. The site just recently opened on weekends for a trail basis. I'm sure next week you'll meet them. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, they are probably watching football as I think the season started today . Later my friend! :wink:


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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 4:28 pm
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Wow, take it easy, you got here on a weekend. Welcome to the forums. I know nothing of the prodigy except someone had post a pic of it somewhere in the forum. Try cking with Jlarocho or ally, even CAfeathers might now something about it. Sorry can't help.

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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:43 pm
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Welcome to the forums.
Like PJB said, I also know nothing about your bass. It reminds me of a 90s P-bass special though.

See this thread, particularly 3rd post down.
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... ht=special

or this one.
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... ht=special

The "Search" button on here might not be the best, but it can help you.


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:03 am
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Welcome, ebaysux.

This forum isn't as "fast" as some. It's fairly new and there aren't tons of members yet.

I remember the Prodigy bass and I think there were guitars with that name too. I bet yours has a black headstock.

I can't answer your question about the pickguard being original, but try posting at www.fenderforum.com in the Bass section and I bet you'll get some quick answers.


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:34 am
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I want to apologize for jumping to conclusions regarding this
forum. I was pretty frustrated and became impatient, my bad.

Anyhow I figured out what I have thanks to the replies. First off
to member "George" you are correct as far as there being
Prodigy guitars as well. Seems they were more popular
then the Prodigy bass which apparently not many
were made.The headstock on this particular bass
however is not painted.
But it might have been an option, who knows with these
rare oddball fenders?

So, turns out my bass is a "frankenstein" so to speak,
or in other words it has the wrong neck.
I contacted the original owner and now have in my
possesion the original neck for this bass, which is a
made in mexico fender precision "p-bass special",
serial number MN5xxxxx, dates 95 or 96.
And as it turns out..it is even more difficult to find
any info about this model, then the Prodigy lol.

If you google "fender prodigy bass" you can find
a few if you want more info. As far as the particular
bass I have there is nothing at all...but if you scroll
back to the links Zod left you will find a pic of the
identical bass I have..one in the same color, one in black.
And they both have that oddball "batman"
pick guard as well.

Any other info that can be posted about the
made in Mexico mid 90's fender Percision bass
special will be appreciated (such as production
numbers, year(s) available, options if any, colors etc).

So in closing it seems this bass is a kind
of Fender built frankenstein.
The best description of this bass would be
"a made in mexico 51 reisuue neck on a P-bass
body with a transparent finish,
prodigy active electronics and a 51 "style" pickguard".
Leave it to Fender to find a use for
leftover odball parts lol. As far as the body, electronics
or construction I do not know if that is USA or eslewhere
and am curious. It may be or a combination,
(like they built it in the USA with a $@! body
and installed a Mex reissue neck etc). If anyone knows the facts
kindly post. The only other Bass I can find Fender with this
electronics setup is the USA Prodigy so it is
possible, and has been done before with Fender.

I will say I like the original neck better then the
USA Prodigy neck. (sorry USA built fender purists).
It is about the nicest wood grain I
have ever seen, plays like butter and
sounds amazing. Turns out the
seller thought it was warped and replaced
it with the prodigy neck. Fortunatly I just
needed to adjust the truss rod and replace
the nut..the neck is straight and the action is low.
I like this bass so much I have put my
Jazz up for sale..as well as a Prodigy neck
(although I have considered keeping the
prodigy neck in the event a body ever comes up for it).

Thanks again all..you are great and
keep me posted with any info on this rare
bass that is available.

_________________
I'm almost out of stuff to sell.


Last edited by ebaysux on Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:05 pm
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ebaysux,
Glad to see that you are slowly getting the answers you need.
Here are a few links from a bass-specific site, alot of knowledgable people on there. Maybe you can get more info there.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5700688

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archive/i ... 45774.html


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:20 pm
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Welcome to the forum ebaysux! sorry I'm late here !

To me those pbass specials dont come with that pickguard , its the first time I see one with a 51 like pickguard !

Fender still makes the Pbass special , the Aerodyne and the active pbass special .Both deluxe series.

And Squier makes the pbass special right hand and left hand and the black and chrome pbass special .

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1997 '51 P Bass Reissue
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2013 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Fretless


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:05 pm
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jlarocho, well better late then never :twisted:

Kidding aside I know what you mean. I have been
playing bass professionally since i was 17 (33 now)
and my Mom dated a guy from the musical instrument
industry when I was like 8 years old back east in NYC
so I had a "backstage pass" if you will to Mannys Music
where I got exposed to rare fenders at that tender age.
I thought I had seen everything.

But thanks to some replies here I know what this
bass is now and from the links left by zod see that at
least seveal others exist. I just wish I had some more info
on these. I don't nessecarily care what it's worth (but am
curious since this one is mint other then some sticker residue
which probably helped keep it that way)
but would like some info
about it if possible. Regardless this is now my main bass
that will be used for recording in LA and seeing some tour use.
It is sweet.

I also know about the current line of P bass specials since when
I google P bass special they come up as a current edition regular
looking P bass with active electronics. Mine uses a P bass body
with Prodigy active electronics (they both have the same cover plate
in the back..shape, size and location). However the main difference
seems to be the Prodigy is thinner then a standard P for weight
reduction and has a sharper contour edge (well check pics by googleing
"Fender Prodigy Bass"if you so desire).

I can tell you this bass is an enigma still but bottom line is
I love it and it's really different, I wish you all could get to
try it out..I also have a mid 90s J-bass and 2 musicman stingrays, one vintage and one
early 90's and this blows them away tone wise.

Thanks and once again if anyone has any info
on a 90's MIM P-bass special I am all ears.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:23 pm
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Before I joined the forum I contacted Fender directly
about this bass and someone was kind enough to get
back to me this morning. Since at the time I believed
this bass to be a Prodigy he sent me all the info available
on the Prodigy..which sadly is only the spec sheet....

But, more then we had before. I have them now looking
into a "mid 90's MIM P-bass Special" or as I call it
"a 51 MIM p-bass style reissue with Prodigy active electronics and a batman 51 stlye pick guard".

As far as the info on the Prodigy I realized there is another mystery.
If you read the spec sheet below it states "pickguard: 3-ply black" is
used. However as far as any pics and info from forums and online
I researched..no Prodigy bass ever came with a pickguard..strange...ehh?
Most likely an error on the spec sheet..ok, I'll go with that lol.

When I get further info from Fender or elsewhere I will post it as well.


Model Name: U.S. Prodigy Bass (Active Preamp)

Model Number: 014-4200

Series: U.S. Prodigy Series

Body: Poplar

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

No. of Frets: 20

Scale Length: 34” (864 mm)

Width @ Nut: 1.625” (41 mm)

Hardware: Chrome

Machine Heads: Standard

Bridge: Standard

Pickguard: 3-Ply Black

Pickups: 1 Standard Precision Bass Pickup (Mid), 1 Standard Jazz Bass Pickup (Bridge)

Pickup Switching: Pan Pot

Controls: Master Volume/Pan Pot, Treble Boost/Cut Bass Boost/Cut

Colors: (702) Lake Placid Blue,

(706) Black,

(725) Crimson Red Metallic,

(780) Arctic White (Polyurethane Finish)

Strings: Dynamaxx 1200L

Unique Features: Active Preamp

Source: U.S.

Accessories: Case, Strap, Cable

U.S. MSRP: $599.99 in 1991, $649.99 in 1993

Specs: Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice

INTRODUCED: 1991

DISCONTINUED: 1993

[img][img]http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/rongold5/prodigybass.jpg[/img][/img]

Image

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:28 pm
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Ok more good news. Fender got back in record time to me
and authenticated my bass via the serial number.

It is a P-bass Special in Vintage Blonde, build date 4/26/95.

So at least the mystery about my bass is solved, I am relieved.

If anyone so desires I am posting the spec sheet below.

Thanks again all.


Model Name: P Bass® Special

Model Number: 013-5400

Series: Special/Deluxe Series

Body: Poplar With Ash Veneered Top

Neck: Maple (Bolt On)

Fingerboard: Rosewood

No. of Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo

Scale Length: 34"

Width @ Nut: 1.625" (41mm)

Hardware: Chrome

Machine Heads: Special Tuners (licensed by Schaler)

Bridge: Standard P Bass

Pickguard: 3-Ply Black

Pickups: 1 Precision Bass (Mid), 1 Jazz Bass (Bridge)

Pickup Switching: Pan Pot

Controls: 2 Concentric Knobs with active EQ

1. Pan Pot , Master Volume

2. Bass Boost/Cut , Treble Boost/Cut

Colors: (506) Black,

(507) Vintage Blonde,

(528) Crimson Transparent,

(532) Brown Sunburst* Add $50.00*

(Polyester Finish)

Strings: Super 7250ML, #073-7250-005, (.045, .065, .080, .100)

Source: Mexico

Accessories: N/A

U.S. MSRP: $569.99

Specs: Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice

INTRODUCED: 1994

DISCONTINUED: 1998

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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:03 am
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Your bass has a Pbass 90's style body while the Prodigy is like a cross between a P bass and a Jazz bass . And the reason for not seeing one around is the short time it was manufactured ! As for the pickguard from the spec sheet you can not tell the style . But I know that Fender virtually eliminated pickguards from 90's models . All I can remember from basses built during the 90's apart from the classic series , is that those were without pickguards .

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1996 50th Anniversary Jazz 5 (012 0f 500)
1997 '51 P Bass Reissue
2012 American Standard Precision V
2013 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Fretless


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