LeftyBassist.com

This article was written by Frank Lucido former owner of California Guitars. I purchased a 1960 sunburst P bass from him back in 1980 for $900 and a 1966 CAR Jazz w/matching headstock, blocks/binding for $650. http://www.edroman.com/rants/vintageguitarno.htm I think this was published in 2008 and includes commentary from Ed Roman, who passed away a couple years ago. Can't say I agree with everything he writes ,but he has some interesting points. It's kinda funny coming from a guy who used to make his living selling vintage axes, and still has a repair business in Studio City..

I'm going to do something stupid and post before I read the link. I did click and glance at it. I think I've probably read it years ago as I attempted to read everything I could about vintage basses when I was hell bent on finding one.

I'll read it tomorrow and follow up

But for now I'll say this.

IME & IMO it's possible to replicate the feel, vibe & tone of the vintage basses (can't/won't speak for the guitarz) for a lot less money than the vintage basses can command. I say "can" because many times they don't (they just sit or hang) and times change.

Also, I said possible. Don't confuse that with easy.

I've seen basses hangin' on the wall at Gruhn (in the $3500-7500 range) since 2008.

I can piss and moan and say it's mostly BS until the cows come home (and maybe even be "right")

But as right as I might be (or just think I am) I will still be WRONG as long as there's people willing to pay the price.

And that's probably the way it should be.

I think that makes the point of view that much more credible.

Here's some quotes that stood out the most to me (although there's plenty more excellent points made and shared insight/wisdom gained from experience):


"People should own an instrument that they can afford and aren't afraid to play."


"I believe that a new guitar could potentially sound much better. But the vibe of an old guitar is a powerful driving force. People will always love antiques and people will always make up reasons why the antiques are better. In some cases older is better."


"All the truly magical sounding Vintage guitars have been scooped up by Billy Gibbons, Slash, Rick Neilson, And other people who will never ever need to sell them. So stop looking for something that you will never find !!!"