By C.

Here at IVG, folks come by selling vintage instruments for all kinds of different reasons, and we’re here to help make the process easier. In some cases, they could simply use some extra cash, or maybe they’re trading up for something in-store that catches their eye. Today we’ll tell you a bit about how we acquired this very vibey 1953 Fender Precision Bass. Just look at the thing!

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As the morning sun filtered through the showroom windows of our Burbank shop, we opened up the gates ready for another day of the guitar biz. Not long after opening, a friendly gentleman walks in and starts browsing around. We greeted the man and asked if he needed help with anything. “Well actually, I called a few days ago about maybe off-loading a small collection of stuff.” After some brief chat he told us that he was relocating and had far too much equipment to take with him, that boxes were stacked haphazardly in every corner of his current place, filled with the remnants of his life in LA for the last 25 years. The decision to move had apparently been a difficult one, but a work opportunity in another city sprouted up and was a dream come true for him.

“I’ve got it all with me in the car, I can just start loading it in for you to take a look at.”

As he returned with case after case, our showroom floor began filling up the floor like an obstacle course with gear sprawled in every direction. It was clear we needed to move this to the back, so no incoming customers would trip and fall! As we started moving stuff one by one, he was captured by the plethora of guitars and basses adorning the walls. “Man, you guys have some great stuff in here. If I wasn’t already downsizing i’d have to check some of these out.”

We first combed through a large box of vintage pedals he brought in, a few smaller amplifiers, and at least 12 various electric and acoustic guitars until the man said “Oh! there’s this one too, you don’t see many of these around anymore.” He opens up a newer unassuming case to reveal an original slab-body 1953 P-Bass. “Yeah, it’s a beauty. Had some stuff done to it throughout its life, but it plays and sounds great.”

The bass itself showed lots of play wear from 7 decades of use, some evidence of a previously mounted full-face pickguard, and even had half of its finish removed from the back! Quite a colorful life for an early Fender bass, if only these things could talk. But with its original pickup intact, it was clear that previous owners had found its sound worthy of preserving.

Did you know we also buy collections? If you need to sell multiple pieces at once quickly and easily, send us an email or give us a call for more info

We gently lifted the bass from its case, handling it with the care one might show a priceless artifact. Inspecting it closely, running our fingers along the neck and checking for any signs of repair. “We’ll it’s definitely a real one, and by the look of it must have a lot of stories to tell.” “More than I can count,” the man said with a wistful smile. “But it’s time for someone else to add to those stories.”

We placed the bass back in the case and the man looked back at it, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I get it. Moving on is never easy, especially when you have to leave something like this behind. Let’s head back up front and see what we can do for you.”

We spent the next half hour or so discussing the bass’s history, its condition, and its market value. The man was asking too close to retail value for the whole collection, but after a bit of negotiating we came to a reasonable agreement. The money would help with his move and set him up for the new chapter in his life, and hopefully make saying goodbye slightly less difficult.

As we finalized the paperwork, we wrote him a check handed him the agreed-upon amount. “If you ever find yourself back in town, come by and say hi. And who knows, maybe you’ll see this beauty hanging on the wall, waiting for you.” The man chuckled. “I just might. Thanks guys. For everything.”

With one last look at the bass, the man turned and walked out of the store. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting long shadows on the pavement. As he walked away from the store, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. The vintage Fender bass had been a part of his past, but the future held the promise of new owners, new music, and new stories to tell. And perhaps, one day, he’d find his way back to a vintage Fender, ready to start a new chapter all over again.

With 4 stores across Southern California, we’re always buying! Not sure what your instrument is worth? Bring it by the shop or schedule an appraisal online