Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Steven Kaplan
Experience	40+
Review date	May 12 2003
Manufacturer	Fender
Model	1973
Price	$250
Item owned for	A very, very long time

Bass type	4 string fretted
Neck join	Bolt-On
Neck construction	Maple
Fingerboard	pearl block (white on hard rock maple)
Body	Alder
Finish	Red Factory
Pickups	stock J bass
Hardware	Standard Fender
Electronics	passive

I recall getting this guitar as a gift, It was either this bass, or a Guild GS bass. I liked the Guild versatility more, yet somehow was conservative enough to realize that I should get *THIS* bass. why, because it was supposedly THE BASS to own around that time. I loved the neck right off the bat, however the sound didn't blow me away until it was used at moderate to higher volumes. It just takes volume for Fender Basses, and guitars to do what they do best. In a 50's band this bass just blended unlike anything I can describe, thru an SVT, it could do anything. Welp, around now it's 30 years old, neck has NEVER warped with continuous string tension on it....Altho I baby it, with the exception of early 20's foolishness (hit areas with Krylon auto paint to touch it up), it's in great shape..Not sure how the pick-ups would fare thru a loud volume today, my guess is that they aren't what they used to be, however A have a pair of Van Zandts that are ready to go in if need be. THe guitar itself is solid, as is the neck

Construction	98%
Appearance	95%
(this is the "bass" standard)
Playability	95%
Sound	90%
Customer Service	0%
(Never had luck with Fender service)
Value	85%
(I bought it 30 years ago, not applicable)
Overall	95%
(Again, I bought it in 73 for $250, today it's an asset)