Reasonable price for a beat up early/mid 70s Fender Musicmaster?

[chilliwilli]

Found a guy with one about a 3 hr drive from me, so can't just pop over and try it out. Just looks rough cosmetically. Electronics and hardware work well and it has zero feet wear since it has just been sitting around for years apparently.

Worst part is the guy had clings on it that we're never removed. You know the decals you put on the fret board that tell you what the notes are. I asked him if it would leave a mark behind once he took them off. He takes them off and sends a picture:

The markers actually preserved parts of the rosewood fingerboard lol.

So what say you talkbass? Guy is asking for 300 OBO. Says it was built between 1973-1976. Has a red finish and white pickguard. I'm guessing candy apple red? There is no serial number on the headstock, but there is a pic of the neck plate that reads 697781. Is that where they put the serial numbers on some of these back then? Also the pickup doesn't have exposed pole pieces and the tuners are not the elephant ear ones I'm used to seeing on these.

If any Musicmaster experts out there could help me I'd appreciate it a lot. Maybe some general info on what features were present during what years too?

 

[A-Step-Towards]

Thats a early musicmaster, the serial number went from the plate to the headstock around 1976. The early ones also had those smaller tuners and logo like that.

That one looks like it has had moisture damage, it looks like it got wet, like very wet. Maybe left in a damp or humid place.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

I own a 72 Musicmaster refin...I am putting it back to black but it has all stock electronics and it sounds and plays excellent, though i do have big amps with plenty of power to push it thru.

I don't see these cheap anymore...I sold a near mint late 70's in red that was heavier and a bit deader tonally for right at $700 years back.

If you can get him down some more, I would definitely consider it if all is there.

 

[chilliwilli]

Thats a early musicmaster, the serial number went from the plate to the headstock around 1976. The early ones also had those smaller tuners and logo like that.

That one looks like it has had moisture damage, it looks like it got wet, like very wet. Maybe left in a damp or humid place.

What made you come to the conclusion of moisture damage? Is it the finish bubbling/cracking near the bridge?

 

[chilliwilli]

I own a 72 Musicmaster refin...I am putting it back to black but it has all stock electronics and it sounds and plays excellent, though i do have big amps with plenty of power to push it thru.

I don't see these cheap anymore...I sold a near mint late 70's in red that was heavier and a bit deader tonally for right at $700 years back.

If you can get him down some more, I would definitely consider it if all is there.

So were the earlier pickups punchier and brighter?

 

[buldog5151bass]

What made you come to the conclusion of moisture damage? Is it the finish bubbling/cracking near the bridge?

A poly neck with that much discoloration would make me want to look closely. But with some oil on the fingerboard, it may even out

 

[chilliwilli]

A poly neck with that much discoloration would make me want to look closely. But with some oil on the fingerboard, it may even out

Ah good thinking. What about the finish and the headstock. Any thoughts on that?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Body seems reasonable, but my first comment was directed at the headstock. I have a '73 P neck (on a '75 Jazz), and other than f ew marks on the edge, the finish is intact. He's asking what you would pay for a new Squier. I would go over with a cotton ball and oil. If it plays ok and looks solid, try the oil on the fretboard. Offer $220 cash and see. I assume there is a case as well.

 

[chilliwilli]

Body seems reasonable, but my first comment was directed at the headstock. I have a '73 P neck (on a '75 Jazz), and other than f ew marks on the edge, the finish is intact. He's asking what you would pay for a new Squier. I would go over with a cotton ball and oil. If it plays ok and looks solid, try the oil on the fretboard. Offer $220 cash and see. I assume there is a case as well.

Oh yea the rosewood board wouldn't have a finish on it would it lol?

No case or gig bag, so maybe $200?

 

[buldog5151bass]

How long has he been trying to sell it? If he can't be bothered to look up the serial number, he can't know/care too much.

 

[chilliwilli]

How long has he been trying to sell it? If he can't be bothered to look up the serial number, he can't know/care too much.

I think not that long, he also mentioned it was his grandfather's bass (he was the one that put those note markers on). Sounds like he hasn't used it much and he may not care that much either....

 

[Duder]

Looks like a barn special judging by the finish by the pickup. Still, it's cool and if the neck is okay and you can get it for under $300 it's probably worth refinishing.

 

[chilliwilli]

Looks like a barn special judging by the finish by the pickup. Still, it's cool and if the neck is okay and you can get it for under $300 it's probably worth refinishing.

Well if it was kept in a barn that would explain the moisture and humidity lol!

 

[buldog5151bass]

If getting it interests you, go down and check it out (bring an amp if he doesn't have one) - make sure pups and truss rod works out. Point out the issues, and that you made the trip, and flash some green.

 

[BassikLee]

Yeah, that's a real early one, and it's gotten very wet. Me, I would wait for a cleaner example. They aren't great basses. I started on one like that, without the water damage.

 

[chilliwilli]

Serial number would indicate a 1976, so last of the early models

 

[And I]

That thing is in rough shape... 200?

 

[MIMike]

For $300 you have thousands of choices of instruments that are significantly better.
Even if you were a beginner, looking for a beginner bass, there are better choices.
The above comments don't even reflect the poor condition of the instrument.

 

[MegaSwing]

Honestly, that looks like it was left outdoors—for a good little while, with no case.

 

[southgabass]

I'm with the consensus on shooting around 200ish, he did say 300 OBO and cash in hand speaks louder than an email or text. Try all previous suggestions make sure those pots are good too.