71 Telecaster bass value?

drbassman · February 11, 2012, 10:36:50 AM

I'm looking at a really nice 71 tele bass, I think the last year they used the old single coil pup. It's in 9/10 condition and I seriously want this thing. What do you think it's value is? I know it's not sky high being a 71 (I could never afford a 60's version), but I was thinking $3000 or so? Am I off or on target? Opinions are welcome!!!

Dave W · February 11, 2012, 12:56:38 PM

Every one of the single coil ones I've seen in the past three or four years has been over $2000. I would say $3000 for one that's 9/10 probably isn't out of line.

Have you played it in person? All the first edition ones I've ever tried had big deep round necks that were also wide at the nut. The second edition (humbucker) versions were quite a bit smaller and also narrower at the nut.

godofthunder · February 11, 2012, 02:10:52 PM

I am not completely sure on the value but 3k doesn't seem to far off, especially considering condition. Bill I know you won't over pay

drbassman · February 11, 2012, 03:04:49 PM

Haven't played, it's online. It has the beefy pre-72 neck and I'm pretty sure a poly finish which wouldn't surprise me for an early 70's Fender. It as a mint case with a few decals and original manual. I'll have to think about an offer..........

Thanks for the input guys!

dadagoboi · February 11, 2012, 03:20:19 PM

Really sloppy neck pocket.

godofthunder · February 11, 2012, 03:32:50 PM

LOL Just like my '79 Tele!

Quote from: dadagoboi on February 11, 2012, 03:20:19 PM
Really sloppy neck pocket.

Dave W · February 11, 2012, 04:57:41 PM

Finish will definitely be poly. Just wanted to be sure you knew about the neck size.

drbassman · February 12, 2012, 06:04:49 PM

Sloppy neck pocket? Can't imagine that on a Fender!! Thanks for all of the input guys! I'll have to mull it over some.

godofthunder · February 16, 2012, 04:52:43 PM

Bill, Don't worry it doesn't affect the value

drbassman · February 20, 2012, 02:54:51 PM

Still mulling. The bigger neck has me hesitating.

godofthunder · February 21, 2012, 05:30:41 AM

For a Thunderbird/Hofner guy the big Fender necks could be a issue. They sure change/limit the way I play.

drbassman · March 07, 2012, 05:50:58 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on February 21, 2012, 05:30:41 AM
For a Thunderbird/Hofner guy the big Fender necks could be a issue. They sure change/limit the way I play.

Yeah, I'm not buying just to collect, I want to play it too! Big necks are out for this guy.

drbassman · March 29, 2012, 06:04:55 AM

Quote from: drbassman on March 07, 2012, 05:50:58 AM
Yeah, I'm not buying just to collect, I want to play it too! Big necks are out for this guy.

Well, I forced myself to overcome my aversion to big necks. Playing my new 4003 is helping me see that I can adjust to different neck profiles if I put my mind to it.

I pulled the trigger on this 68. I've been gassing for one of these for a couple years and the depressed market presents opportunities you just can't pass up. I know it has a C neck, but that just comes with the turf on these. I'm collecting and hope to play it some too! More news after it arrives. There's an identical 68 at the local shop (with lots of finish flaws) and they want $3895 for it and I told them they'll be owning that bass for quite awhile!

godofthunder · March 29, 2012, 06:32:12 AM

Bill you can talk yourself into anything!

I'm guilty of it myself

That is a seriously cool bass!

Dave W · March 29, 2012, 07:49:10 AM

You two are proof that the economy in Rochester can't be that bad!

Looks nice, Bill, hope you can adjust to the neck.