1972 Fender Telecaster Bass

Description :

1972 Fender Telecaster with original (well worn) hard shell case. Serial # is: 353194 (US made).With original humbucking pick-up.Fitted with an additional set of precision bass pickups.Additional switch between humbucker and precision bass pick-ups.One volume control.Missing chrome bridge cover.Body is ash natural finish.There is minor crazing near one of the pickups on the front, and one line of crazing on the back, but for its age, the bass is in good condition.

ANSWER

Hi, Karen--

There were two different models made in 1972:

TELECASTER BASS (1ST VERSION, U.S. MFG.)
- offset double cutaway ash body, white pickguard, finger rest, bolt-on maple neck, 20-fret maple fingerboard with black dot inlay, fixed bridge with cover, four-on-one-side tuners, single coil exposed pickup with cover, two knobs (v, tone), chrome hardware, available in Blonde and Custom Colors finishes, mfg. 1968-1972.

and

Telecaster Bass (2nd Version, U.S. Mfg.)
- similar to Telecaster, except has redesigned pickguard, thumb rest, two-section bridge, and a covered humbucker pickup with no separate cover, available in Blonde or Sunburst finish, mfg. 1972-79.

The Pickguard on the 1st version covers the whole upper part of the body and extends down under the knobs.

The pricing for the 1st version:

1970-1972
Mint $3,500
Exc.+ $2,900
Exc. $2,450
Avg.+ $2,000
Avg. $1,650
General $1,350

2nd version:

1972-1973
$3,000
$2,500
$2,100
$1,800
$1,500
$1,250

The Blue Book pricing is based on ORIGINAL equipment. The modification of the pickups and switch will bring the value down, probably about one pricing level as far as collectors are concerned.

You may, however, be able to find a buyer that doesn't mind the modifications.

Best Wishes,
Lynne