Fender P-Bass

[Oli]

Hi,

since I know that here are a lot of "vintage" fans and experts around I would like to ask  if someone knows a good store to get an old, heavy Fender P-Bass (ca. 1972..79). Since I use the old Sunn Stuff I prefer a classic 4 string Bass - so I just sold my Phantom Mephisto I 5-string and got some spare money.
I know everyone is looking for a good old Fender, that' s why I'm not going into e-bay - I've seen so much rubbish out there . I need a seller I can really trust. I'm going to use a dropped tuneing with D G C F, so there must be some "space" in the tie rod.

Though I've seen that Fender offers the Reissue of a 62' P-Bass, maybe someone could compare this to an really old horse.

Thanks & Greetings

Oliver

[EdBass]

Oliver-
I know they aren't "vintage", but I bought a new American Standard P about a year ago and it's very nice indeed. IMO, the fit and finish are easily on par with the pre CBS basses and superior to any 70's P I've had. The tone is good but not the same as vintage P's, I can't say I personally like the tone any better or worse, but it is different.
Probably nothing a Lindy Fralin couldn't fix...
At least you would know what you're getting, no "surprises"!

[Zulubilly]

You might try Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.  If you Google it you can go to their website.

Zulubilly

[CLD]

You might also try looking at the listings on Gbase.com, which includes many good independent vintage shops around the country.

[Oli]

Hi,

thanks a lot for the quick answers! I'll check out the mentioned sides. Thanks for the input Edbass. I tested a Fender P 2008 model, I think getting rid of the S1 switching was a good idea. And you are right with the surprises. I just got a Fender Japan 70R model. Though it has a heavy body (app. 4,8 kg! = 10,56 pounds)...uuh! The sound is really good but the neck is horrible. I worked on it for four hours till I could rather "play" on it - the frets are really a turn off. If this horse would have been a new one it would have met the seller again!

Thanks & Greetings

Oliver