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Post subject: 73 p-base
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:26 pm
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Hello
I am new and appreciate (in advance) your help. I am going to be at a local auction next week where an all original 1973 fender p-base is coming up, natural ash, top condition. I would like to own it and don't mind paying market value but would prefer not to get skinned. What's a fair mrket value for the base as described.
Thanks very much! Pete


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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 12:17 am
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eagleye wrote:
Hello
I am new and appreciate (in advance) your help. I am going to be at a local auction next week where an all original 1973 fender p-base is coming up, natural ash, top condition. I would like to own it and don't mind paying market value but would prefer not to get skinned. What's a fair mrket value for the base as described.
Thanks very much! Pete


Hi Pete, Welcome to the forum.

Many factors impact value beyond the info given, which is why there are so few replies. It could be fake, in which case it is relatively worthless. If genuine in 9 out of 10 condition or better it could be worth $4,000 or even more depending upon factors that impact value such as celebrity player ownership with documentation of provenience. One non-original solder joint lowers value, any non-original part drastically lowers value, any refinishing more severely lowers value, missing pickup/bridge covers lowers value.

Cases came standard with these instruments. Knowing which case logos were used in particular years is helpful. The case logo 72 till 75 is somewhat distinctive. The case that came with a 73 P-Bass primarily had a black tolex exterior with white piping bordering smooth black leatherette case end trim. It had chromed plastic Fender script logo on the outside of the case with a small "R" in a circle signifying registered trademark and there should be no swoosh or tail under the Fender script on the logo. The case interior is a red colored plush. Not having the original case would lower the value and calls authenticity of the instrument itself into question. Also the condition of the case itself plays a bit into value. Cases of this vintage can be worth $500 or even more if in 9 out of 10 shape all by itself. Even a beat up case with one or two broken latches is worth a couple of hundred bucks.

If you don't know what to look for in these instruments you can get seriously ripped off and wind up owning a bogus instrument made out of spare parts that is essentially worthless other than for the parts.

Not trying to be a wiseguy or anything, but someone who spells bass as "base" likely should take someone along who knows something about them. It may be best if a newbie thinks twice about buying a vintage Fender instrument without first-person guidance by someone who has some chance of telling whether or not the thing is actually what they say it is and can advise you on the value of this particular one.

It sometimes is nearly impossible to tell a real one from a fake or non-original one. In an auction you may or may not be able to examine the instrument in advance. Many things that need to be checked to accurately authenticate and thoroughly appraise a vintage Fender bass are not visible without partial disassembly and hardly ever is this possible in an auction setting.

So it could be worth it's weight in firewood, or it could be worth $4K or even a bit more. Be careful, be very careful. Buying vintage instruments in an auction setting is gambling. As in a dice game, don't gamble more on a "Maybe Fender" than you can afford to lose.


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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 11:24 am
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An auction is a difficult place to purchase a bass unless it has a authenticating appraisal from a reputable source with it. There are a few of those, but George Gruhn is one of most frequently used and most respected. Otherwise, it does require disassembly, by someone with knowledge, to authenticate. Believe me, there is nothing more disappointing than getting home and learning your purchase was not as represented. Unfortunately, I speak from personal experience.

The information from Brother Dave is spot on, but let's clarify the value a bit by removing celebrity player status or any unusual item the would raise its value. In other words, let's look at ordinary 73P with a natural finish in excellent and original condition. Using the Vintage Guitar Magazine 2013 Price Guide as a reference, the value is $1800-$2200. To support the accuracy of this information, I would add that I recently purchased a 74P natural in near mint condition for $1800.

If it is from a celebrity player, or has any other unique issue that increases its value, make sure that is well documented too.

Welcome to the forum and let us know how this turns out.

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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 2:09 pm
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affprod wrote:
An auction is a difficult place to purchase a bass unless it has a authenticating appraisal from a reputable source with it. ... Using the Vintage Guitar Magazine 2013 Price Guide as a reference, the value is $1800-$2200. To support the accuracy of this information, I would add that I recently purchased a 74P natural in near mint condition for $1800.
...
Welcome to the forum and let us know how this turns out.


There are several currently in the USA collector market with asking prices over 3K but they are not in natural finish. I think the 1800 figure you recently paid is about the range I'd go myself on one unless it was distinguished in some regard.


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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 10:26 pm
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I agree Dave, you are completely correct. I should probably expand a little.

In 1973 there were four recognized finish categories - again using my guide of choice.

Walnut (darker than the ash with a black pickguard) $1700 - $2100
Natural (ash) $1800 - $2200
Sunburst $2000 - $2500
Solid (Common) Color - $2500 - $3500

It is kind of interesting that Sunburst, which many times is the least valuable finish (because more were produced/popular) , holds well here. I guess the wood finishes were just more popular at the time.

There are several "guides" that can be used for pricing, but this one has always treated me fairly well. Personal preference I guess.

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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:28 pm
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Thanks for all the help and the welcome. I will post pictures if it follows me.


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Post subject: Re: 73 p-base
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 8:57 pm
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Wow, I just looked back and I actually got that puppy for $1700.00.

Image

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