The Last Bass Outpost

Thinning the herd guys - figured I'd let my fellow bottom-end dwellers know first about this bass before I turn to Ebay (Harry actually got a first hand look on Friday).

This is a completely 100% stock and original 1977 Mustang Bass.  Bought it a few years ago, but then found a 1966 Mustang Bass that was more along the lines of what I was looking for (color and weight) - so after being in storage a few years, this one is up for sale.

When I say all original I have to explain - last night was the first time this bass has ever been opened up or disassembled.  How can I say that so authoritatively - well - there was still a big dried out splotch of buffing compound UNDER the guard - on the flat surface (oh Fender Fender Fender ...) - and the screws made that "we have been moved since this thing was painted" sound when I loosened them.  The case is also in excellent shape - outside has some scuffs but the inside is a crazy brilliant orange, with the little "Victoria" emblazoned on the neck hold down strap.

I put together a post on it on my blog - you can check there if you're interested.  The neck dates to the 31st week of 1977, pots date to the 18th week of 1976:
http://guitargarage.blogspot.com/2008/06/for-sale-1977-fender-mustang-bass-very.html

I'm asking $1400 - I know thats at the high end for a Mustang Bass from the 70's, but this is truly in collectors condition.

I will be updating the blog with more pics - of the case and fretboard for example - and info, like the weight.  Drop me a line in the next few days if you're interested !!

Hey guys - I'm looking at a local EB-2D bass - its in the original sparkling burgundy - in nice condition, appears to have all the original parts - even the covers and mutes - BUT has one big ugly, dark colored patch at the headstock/neck joint where apparently 2 different repairs have occurred over the years.

Asking price is around $1400 - which is high enough to give me pause - but there may be SOME bargaining room.

I was contemplating taking it on as a project - refinishing and blending the repair area - and then reselling it (while of course representing it as repaired !) - so question is - how much does an unrepaired, complete, clean Sparkling Burgundy EB-2D go for in today's market ?

I figure even with everything else perfect - because of the headstock repair this bass would sell for around 50 - 60% of an unrepaired bass.

Oh yes .. and your estimates do not constitute an obligation to buy this bass from me down the road !! 

thanks!

Krishna

Another project - nearing completion - is a 1964 Fender Precision refinished to Fiesta Red.  This isn't one of mine - doing it for a customer - a very nice bass that had been stripped and beaten-down over the years, but still played great.

What's different about this refin for me is that I decided that rather than deal with the kind of costly ReRanch cans of lacquer, i'd have a local company custom mix me a gallon of Fiesta Red nitro.

The paint came out perfectly - they matched a refinished 69 P-bass I have - and goes on SO easy.  So now I have enough Fiesta Red for about another dozen Fenders.

Based on how good the Fiesta Red was, I had the company (Eastern ChemLac of Malden, MA) mix me a gallon of Dpahne Blue as well - which I shot onto a 66 Mustang guitar yesterday - also excellent quality.

So don't be surprised if you see a profusion of Fiesta Red and Daphne Blue Fenders from me over the next year or two ...

Before ..



After ..

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a potential project - for a customer that is - that involves a headstock that had been doweled to cover up past damage from "extra" tuners on a Fender headstock - I don't have the bass in hand to see what was actually done, but sounds like someone wanted a 6 string or 8 string (like the idea I was exploring) Fender - but they decided to do this experiment on a real '63 P-bass.  DOH !!!!!

Anyway - the headstock has been veneered once - and right now the bass sports a matching headstock and body, but the owner would like to put the bass back to a classic 3-color sunburst - with a natural headstock.

I may be able to strip the headstock and it will look ok - or - I may have to peel off the veneer and re-veener it.

So my questions:
- has anybody done this in the past, or seen the end results, and how good can it look ?
- any advice on what kind of maple veneer to look for ?
- I'm assuming contact cement to glue it on - any other suggestions ?

I will be heavily ambering the headstock to make it look like a 60's headstock would now - so that does do some coverup.

I welcome your advice and observations.

Krishna

Maybe I missed something on the signup page - but what's the protocol on putting "for sale" postings up here ?   I completely understand if its a big no-no - I'd hate to suddenly see millions of spam posts for Stagg P-bass copies or ads from Musician's Friend.

Just asking as I'm planning on selling off a few pieces - I'll probably do Ebay, though selling directly to my bass playing bros (and sisters) is preferable in my opinion (wait .. that wasn't some kind of un-PC racial comment before any jumps on me !!).

I await your opinions and guidance,

thank ye,

Krishna