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Post subject: 1972 Precision bass string tree
Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 12:21 pm
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Let me start by saying that I did a search for this but couldn't find anything.

I recently purchased a 1972 P-bass fretted maple neck. The seller, however, removed the original machine heads (which is fine) along with the string tree, which he's currently selling for $49 (that's just for the string tree).

My question is this: do I spend $49 on the original string tree, which feels like a rip-off in all honesty, or can I just buy a new one from Fender for considerably less? If I buy a new one, what's the proper kind to get? I keep reading stories on amazon.com about how someone bought a string tree for their P-bass only to find out that the screw was too long/short or wasn't the "right kind" in some way. Also, when I was searching these forums for "string tree" and "precision," I read some comments like, "That's not the string tree they used for that year," and "I can tell that string tree comes from a Mexican-made P-bass," etc. I'd prefer to avoid all that.

To sum up: Is there anything special about a 1972 P-bass string tree, and if I were to replace it with a new string tree that costs, say, less than $15, what should I buy? While I don't care if it looks vintage, since the machine heads will be brand new, I do want it to look and perform like a 1972 P-bass string tree. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.


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Post subject: Re: 1972 Precision bass string tree
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:18 am
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Shredtastic wrote:
Let me start by saying that I did a search for this but couldn't find anything.

I recently purchased a 1972 P-bass fretted maple neck. The seller, however, removed the original machine heads (which is fine) along with the string tree, which he's currently selling for $49 (that's just for the string tree).

My question is this: do I spend $49 on the original string tree, which feels like a rip-off in all honesty, or can I just buy a new one from Fender for considerably less? If I buy a new one, what's the proper kind to get? I keep reading stories on amazon.com about how someone bought a string tree for their P-bass only to find out that the screw was too long/short or wasn't the "right kind" in some way. Also, when I was searching these forums for "string tree" and "precision," I read some comments like, "That's not the string tree they used for that year," and "I can tell that string tree comes from a Mexican-made P-bass," etc. I'd prefer to avoid all that.

To sum up: Is there anything special about a 1972 P-bass string tree, and if I were to replace it with a new string tree that costs, say, less than $15, what should I buy? While I don't care if it looks vintage, since the machine heads will be brand new, I do want it to look and perform like a 1972 P-bass string tree. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.


I would only have bought this as a complete original intact instrument because originality is crucial to value. Building one a part at a time will usually cost more than buying a complete original instrument too. Since it is no longer original any other Fender string tree should work. Or you can upgrade to something like on the premium models.

Instruments are frequently parted out because they have irreparable issues and nobody would buy it as a complete instrument, often truss rod issues will be the reason. Other times it is just greed.

Fender Pure Vintage Bass String Guide, Fender part number 0994913000 is possibly what you need for it. It is a recreation of the stock P-Bass guide used from Pre-CBS through today on USA instruments. It costs about $5 or $6.


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Post subject: Re: 1972 Precision bass string tree
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:13 am
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That's actually a great point, brotherdave. The neck already doesn't have the original machine heads, so not having the original string tree won't matter, either. FYI, I'm not looking to maintain value on this, which is why I'm building it piece by piece. It'll have EMG pickups, for example, not to mention the battery route that goes along with them. And then there's the SS frets I plan on putting in...that right there pretty much kills any resale value, but it's fine; I'm building this bass for me, not to resell. I've never sold a bass.

As for it costing more to build it piece by piece, we can agree to disagree, seeing as how a 1972 Precision Bass in good shape costs > $3,000 typically, $2,500 if you don't mind something less than good. And if you want a specific color, like I do, good luck if it isn't black, white, or some kind of burst.

Anyway, thanks for the tip on the string tree. I just bought one for $6.50 :D


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Post subject: Re: 1972 Precision bass string tree
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 1:42 pm
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Just buy a standard string tree for your 72 P-bass. No string tree is worth $49! Just buy a new one and let it corrode a little and no one will ever be able to tell the difference.
New Fender (Schaller) machine heads will fit your old neck perfectly and they are much better than what came on the bass.
You have to realize that string trees and machine heads are often replaced and can easily be changed back when originals present themselves at attractive prices.

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