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The Fender Musicmaster bass was a new instrument for the 1970s, being launched in the second half of the first year of the decade. The bass pictured is completely typical example of an early Musicmaster. Have a look at the 1972 Fender catalogue, which has an almost identical guitar pictured. The only real difference is the position of the thumbrest, but then, this catalogue does re-use the image from the 1970 catalogue - the first appearance of the Fender Musicmaster bass.
The Musicmaster was Fender's least expensive bass model (in 1973, it had a list price of $139.50, compared to $293.50 for the Precision), and with the shorter 30" was scale perfect for student musicians. It was an easy-playing good quality, solid, reliable bass. Although very simple, it does have some sturdy components, especially the bridge, and was certainly a more substantial instrument than many other 'entry-level' basses.
Although a good functioning bass, it could perhaps be considered a little limited tonally, having only one single-coil pickup. This was scratchplate mounted in a fairly central position, resulting in a pretty gritty midrange sound (listen to soundclips here) with just the usual tone and one volume controls to give a little variation - for the right band how much more would you need?
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass control knobs - this bass is very simple having just one volume and one tone control.
The 4-bolt neckplate has the serial number and large 'F' logo impressed into it. The serial number dates this bass to 1973
The Musicmaster fingerboard is typically rosewood, with faux pearl dot inlays
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass headstock details. The Fender logo is a decal, as is usual with Fender guitars.
The Musicmaster bass was fitted with lightweight open-gear tuning keys, held in place with three screws.
The headstock layout, with four-in-a-row tuners and string guide, is typical of all Fender bass guitars.
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass body without hardware. Note the simple routing, and original unfaded finish colour in the centre of the body.
The butt end of the neck holds the truss rod adjustment nut (the neck must be removed to make adjustments) and neck codes. These codes have certain inconsistencies at this time, but this code D700 3512 probably translates as follows: D7 = Musicmaster bass, 00 = rosewood fretboard, 35 = week 35, 1 = Monday, 2 = 1972
The neck pocket markings are illegible in this example, but the body wood (probably alder in this case) is clearly visible.
The potentiometers are accessible by removing the basses scratchplate. Codes on the reverse (1377329) show that these pots were made by CTS (137) in the 29th week of 1973.
The underside of the Musicmaster bass pickup
Individual workers and inspectors at the Fender plant left signatures on the neck heel.
Fender Musicmaster bass video clips
Subscribe to the vintageguitarandbass youtube channel for more vintage guitar and bass demos. Also, check out the other Fender Musicmaster videos (different amps, different settings) in the supporting members area.
1973 Fender Musicmaster bass DI (3m 51s)
This is a lovely playing bass. It's got that nice solid Fender feel, but with an easy playing 30.5" scale. I've got it strung with flats for that retro feel, and it sounds and plays great. This video showcases the bass played fingerstyle and with a pick, with tone on full, about half way, and turned right down. When playing through an amp I tend not to use the tone control much (i'd probably turn up the bass a little on the amp - check out my video of this bass through an Ampeg B15) but in a DI situation, a little tweaking of the tone control adds some gorgeous roundness to the overall sound. Maybe too refined for all you punk rockers out there, but I love it.
The WEM Dominator bass is a superb sounding British tube amp from Watkins.. it's got plenty of bass, and growls beautifully when volume gets past about half way. A wide tonal palette with plenty of useable sounds. Paired here with a 1973 Fender Musicmaster; a cool 30 1/2" scale bass, at the time inexpensive, but with the usual Fender build quality and a quick easy playing feel. This one is fitted with flats, but the WEM gives plenty of treble with the controls positioned accordingly. Watch the long version of this video in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area, to hear a bit more of this bass / amp under different settings.
Long version of this video with extra bass settings. This is a great bass/amp combination with a tone all of its own. Compare this video with the others on this site - ie with the bass DI'd and through an early 1960s Ampeg Portaflex B15.
The Ampeg B15 is an absolute classic amplifier, famous for its clean midrange output: there's little snarl, and certainly no fuzz, but the clean tones are magnificent! Contrast the sounds of this amp with those from the WEM Dominator also featured on this site
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Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$139
Man, are these getting hard-to-find as Fender Musicmaster bass prices continue their upward trend! This one is very clean with no rust or pitting and just a few scratches on the plate. The saddles are also very nice and all the screws turn freely. Remember, these saddles also fit 1968 thru 1975 Fender Telecaster basses! I've seen trashed ones selling for this price and some sellers list just the saddles for over $100 apiece. No screws but they are pretty easy to find FREE USA SHIPPING and a ... more
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
This bass guitar is super fun to play. It plays great up and down the neck. The frets are in great shape with about 80% fret life left. It's super punchy with the single pickup. The pickup is aftermarket along with the pots are non-original. The pickguard is a replacement. Overall, this is a solid, funky fender bass that you can enjoy! If you are in the market for a bass that packs a punch, this is the one you want! The neck is straight and the truss rod turns in both directions. ... more
Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
Here we have an early 70s Fender Musicmaster bass that has been professionally refinished in silver It plays great and includes all of the original parts. The pickguard, volume pot and pickup have been replaced. The original pickup works great but I preferred the Seymour duncan that has replaced it. The volume pot unfortunately was accidentally broken and has a disconnected shaft. The original owner replaced the pickguard with a reproduction because of damage as shown to the original ... more
Weatogue, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2199
Vintage Fender 1978 Musicmaster Electric Bass. Great Condition! Original case, paper work, and strap This bass has minor wear for the vintage and all components in excellent condition. This bass has not been played much! Neck and fretboard are in mint condition.... more
West Newton, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2450
Fender Musicmaster bass, serial number dates 1977 in overall great condition for it's age the plum crazy refin was done decades ago and sweet. A case will be included with the bass.... more
This is a UK sale only, no international buyers. I am not interested in trades and will not take any less than the starting price This is a 1971 Fender Musicmaster Bass with all original parts. It has the rare factory-installed pearloid pickguard rather than the plain white one that most of these guitars had. The finish has some wear and tear but is still in good condition for its age It sounds excellent and plays very well with a low action. The neck is straight, the frets are in ... more
Fender Musicmaster bass 1977 black Vintage and used bass but in good general condition All original parts Normal wear marks on the varnish and some bits of varnish have popped off as you can see in the photos The frets are a little flattened The neck is straight and the keys are in good condition The mechanics and electronics are still completely functional. Bridge is a bit rusty The nut has a small broken end but the string does not jump and the bass remains completely ... more
Originaler 1971 Fender Musicmaster Bass in Dakota Red. Eine seltene, frühe Version mit Pearloid Pickguard. Der Bass klingt sehr gut und wurde offensichtlich viel gespielt. Eher was für Spieler, nicht unbedingt Sammlerzustand. Hals ist gerade und spielt sich hervorragend
Verkauf von privat ohne Garantie oder Rückgabe. Antesten ausdrücklich erwünscht
Verkaufe Musicmaster Bass aus 1978. Klingt sehr good und ist leicht zu spielen wegen short scale. Ich habe Thomastik short scale drauf. Klingen wirklich geil!Schauen Sie meine andere vintage bass Angebote!As is, keine garantie etc . Versand 99EUR Viel Spaß!... more
Fender Musicmaster Bass 1978 set up with Aero replacement pick up and new set of La Bella flat wound strings, will include stock pick up in the sale, no case included
Gig ready & smooth as butter
Shipping cost does not include insurance cover. If you would like to purchase insurance please let me know as it will be an additional $100 AUD fee