OffsetGuitars.com

I'm looking at this auction for a Bass V:

http://cgi.ebay.com/rare-original-1971- ... dZViewItem

Really expensive, and a couple things concern me.  First, the neck doesn't appear yellowed at all.  Second, the decal is missing "Bass V" and the patent numbers, the black with gold trim looks more like what would go on a painted headstock.  Olivia's told me via email that the neck finish is original (checked with a blacklight - ?), and that this was one of the last Bass V's made so they had probably run out of decals and just used what they had.

Since only 200 or so of these were made, you'd think they would have been stuck with surplus decal inventory. This is really pricey, but looks pretty nice.  I have purchased a refin beater to restore and don't need 2, but if this is all original it might be nice.  If it is a replacement neck or a refin with a replacement decal, I don't think it is worth what they are asking.

Any opinion from the rest of you?

I've seen a few Bass V's with only the "Fender" part of the decal.

Yes, I imagine it is possible as I've seen photos of a few like that as well.  I also just noticed that there doesn't seem to be a screw hole for the strap peg on the back of the headstock.  Weird.

DB

Hi this  is typical fender I think..I have two of the last bass VI's made they have a very similar decal missing the bass vi and they are definitely 100%  Check it out:

eggwheat wrote: Hi this  is typical fender I think..I have two of the last bass VI's made they have a very similar decal missing the bass vi and they are definitely 100%  Check it out:

oh.

my.

god.


check out the black one!       


*faints*

And I didn't even consider the Bass VI 
Sell the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To me the finish on the neck and the little bit of wear looks consistent with the condition of the rest of the guitar.

Also Fender didn't put the "Swinger" on quite a few of ther Fender Swinger headstocks, so I wouldn't be alarmed about the decal.

In my opinion -  it looks original.

Thanks for the feedback folks.  It is good to see other examples with similar decals.

DB

And just to make the thread complete...

mjet260 wrote: And just to make the thread complete...

That's the decal I expect, though from the comments here and some searching pics on the web there are other examples of original guitars with just "Fender"

I've seen more than several pics of early Coronados that were "Fender" only.  (and a few with sunbursted necks too.)

this place still has a Bass V decal for sale

linky

sookwinder wrote: this place still has a Bass V decal for sale

linky

Thanks for the tip, but I think there is an unfortunate situation with the owner.  This notice has been on the website for quite a while:

            "Sound Chamber Repairs is temporarily closed due to illness
              Please check back later for our reopening"

A sad situation indeed.

DB