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Post subject: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 10:05 pm
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Just purchased ANOTHER P Bass to try and want to do some homework up front before I receive it and tear into it to discover how original it is. This bass was sold to me as a 1981, the (maple) neck headstock has an S9xxxxx serial number, it looks to have a multiple layer 15 screw white pick guard (not positive on multiple layers yet), has white pick up covers, no thumb rest or holes where the screws were (seems strange, unless the pick guard is replaced and holes are in the body underneath), and has correct looking chrome bridge and pickup covers for that era. It was advertised as having original pick ups. The neck is 1.639" at the nut, and I was told it is a rounder "C" shaped neck. From my research, the Sienna Burst was an "international" color in '81-'82. Does anyone know when the Fender P basses had no thumb rests and still had the 2 chrome covers? I have read that late 70's/early 80's basses could have been a combination of parts from different years, hence the '79 serial number. Is there anything in particular I should check to verify it isn't just another cloned "parts" bass being sold as an '81? Was this possibly some special edition bass at that time? Would this be referred to as a "Fullerton" bass? Thanks


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:36 am
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Look at the pots, years are often write on them.

More important to help you ; pictures front and backr and electronic / pots


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 7:54 am
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Thanks, I will be able to get some pics in about 5 days. But for now, just some general questions I have for someone with experience with/knowledge of P Basses, before I can look at pot, neck, pickup, and body dates, are in regards to how this Sienna Burst P-Bass would have come from the factory in 1981 (assuming it is an '81 for now). How many were produced this color, what years they offered this color with white pickup covers, were they made in the Fullerton Plant, when did they stop putting chrome covers on P-Basses, when did they stop putting thumb rests on them, etc. I would think someone on an "official" Fender forum might have those answers. I will have 72 hours (from when I receive it) to figure out what this instrument is all about before I have to make a decision whether to keep it or not. Even if it plays and sounds great, I won't keep it if it is cobbled together from parts from who knows where for the price I am paying. I can build my own parts bass for less, but I prefer an original vintage P that's still affordable to me that might appreciate in value eventually.


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 8:02 am
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cimchazz1 wrote:
I would think someone on an "official" Fender forum might have those answers.


We're not "official" Fender historians, not even "official" Fender employees. We're just enthusiasts -- like you -- and we do the best that we can to help out. You'll find that a little humility will go a long way on this forum.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:03 am
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Well, thanks Arjay, looking forward to hearing /finding out what this bass might be about, I was originally looking for a transparent Ash w/maple neck/fretboard bass, but I really liked the look of the Sienna Burst when I saw it, it's still somewhat transparent, and if it is ash and a rare color combo, all the better!!!! BTW, I am assuming these were Ash??


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 10:39 am
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I *think* they were all ash bodies but I wouldn't bet the ranch on that. Wait for "brotherdave" to check in here......he's about the closest thing to a Fender bass encyclopedia as there is. And if he doesn't know it, he'll know who does.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:08 pm
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http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh27 ... _18161.jpg
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh27 ... _18171.jpg[
Until I get it delivered, here's pictures taken with phone from web site and saved to pbucket, so not that good


Last edited by cimchazz1 on Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:25 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:11 pm
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Picture do not work, please post picture on the forum.

Use Preview button to check before Submit


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:36 pm
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Thanks, think I finally got them posted. More to follow when I get the bass in hand(s)


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:35 pm
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Why not post them directly......?

Image

Image

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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:41 pm
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Well, I don't know how to post directly yet. But....I noticed the ad said the pickups and tuners were original and the pots were 137811x numbered (10th to 19th week of 1981). The neck has an S7908xxx serial number, I read somewhere that production dates ran from July 1st of the production year to June 30th of the following year. If that's true, and I see a neck butt date prior to June 30th of 1981, and pickup dates prior to June 30th of 1981, is it accurate to say this is a late 80's bass assembled with a '79 neck or '80 neck with a left over '79 decal?
Just wonder when that color scheme started. Right now I am guessing the 3 ply white pick guard might not be original, unless they had that bass with white pickups in 1980/81 with no thumb rest. So, for now, that's about all I will know without the bass in hand.


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:51 pm
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Each of your images uploaded to Photobucket will have a small menu to the right side of the pic offering four link choices. Click on the bottommost option and it will be saved to your clipboard. Then merely put your cursor somewhere within the body of your forum post and right-click to paste it.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:01 pm
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Thanks, I used the choice above it on the top right, I will try that on the next ones!! BTW, from what you see, would you say that body is some sort of Ash wood?


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:10 pm
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Honestly, the grain figuring doesn't seem to be dramatic enough for ash. It looks more like alder but perhaps that's what it's supposed to be. We need brotherdave to make an appearance and render an opinion. Sit tight -- he usually shows up on weekends.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Questions regarding 1981 P Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 7:40 pm
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I see your point. Actually, I don't know if it could be possible, but the piece on top looks like it might have some of that figuring though. Its more hidden by the dark color. Odd looking wood combo.


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