The old soul of the vault: Stories of vintage character
I’m not a collector in the traditional sense – I don’t hunt for serial numbers for the sake of fame or investment. For me, the “Basses in Strange Places” project is about the passion for the instrument. I am simply the concierge of these basses for a while, and my job is to make sure they are played, heard, and shared. These instruments represent the real vintage deal of the vault, each one a distinct era of low-end history that still demands to be gigged today.
The mid-70s powerhouse: 1974 Fender Jazz Bass & 1975 Fender Precision Bass
The mid-70s are often debated in the Fender world, but in this vault, they represent the peak of heavyweight tone. The 1974 Jazz Bass (3-Color Sunburst) and the 1975 Precision Bass (Olympic White) are pure workhorses and definitely not museum pieces!
The 1974 Jazz It features the ’70s bridge pickup placement, giving it that unmistakable punchy burp that defined the funk and fusion era.
The 1975 Precision This is the quintessential rock n’ roll thump machine. Its Olympic White finish has aged into a beautiful, creamy patina that only comes from decades of real-world use.
The oddities of 1978: The Antigua Precision
If any bass fits the “Strange” theme, it’s the 1978 Fender Precision in Antigua. Originally created as a mistake to hide burnt edges during factory production, the Antigua finish became a polarizing cult classic. It looks like it belongs in a 1970s kitchen, but it sounds like a thunderclap. It’s a reminder that even the strangest designs from Fender’s history have a soul that can only be found by plugging them in and turning them up.
The Gibson Rebels: The Flying V Bass & the G3
Gibson’s approach to bass has always been a bit rebellious…
The Flying V Bass (Silverburst)
It’s a visual statement, sure, but the short-scale punch and the way it hangs on a strap makes it a unique experience to play. It’s an instrument that forces you to play differently.
The Gibson Grabber G3
With its unique three-pickup Bill Lawrence design, the G3 is a tonal chameleon. It doesn’t sound like a Fender, and it doesn’t sound like a Thunderbird. It’s a mid-range monster that was built for the stage – a true player’s bass that was a favorite of everyone from Gene Simmons to Mike Dirnt.
The timeless standard: 1980 Fender Precision Bass
Rounding out the vintage pillars is the Fender Precision (3-Color Sunburst). It is the baseline. It is the instrument that taught us what a bass guitar is supposed to do. Whether it’s a session or a dive-bar gig, this P-Bass is the old reliable that proves Leo Fender got it right the first time. It’s not rare because it’s scarce; it’s rare because finding one that hasn’t been modified or beaten beyond repair is a gift.
Every scratch and every bit of finish checking on these basses is a story of a past gig. My goal isn’t to stop that history from happening – it’s to add to it. Whether they are in a basement, on a stage, in a studio, or in a “strange place”, these vintage legends are alive and well.