This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions
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
Vintageguitarandbass.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
Englewood, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
This vintage Fender MusicMan bass has magic. It plays smooth, sounds smooth, and looks fantastic. This is a perfect balance between practicality and a collectors piece, this is an incredible bass guitar Serial#: 369725 ... more
Hartsville, South Carolina, 295**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1650
Embrace the vintage charm of the 1977 Fender Musicmaster Bass, a classic staple for bass enthusiasts. Finished in a timeless blonde hue, this solid-body guitar is designed for the right-handed musician and features a comfortable 4-string configuration. The rosewood fretboard adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring smooth playability and a rich tonal response Included with the guitar is a secure Plano ATA case, providing robust protection for your instrument. This model, known for its durable ... more
Anchorage, Alaska, 995**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1450
Up for sale is my ?78 Musicmaster bass. The short scale neck feels great in hand and is a joy to play. Comes shipped with LaBella flat wound strings for that fantastic old school vibe. Condition is good overall with some minor flaws due to age. Plays and sounds great and is all original This vintage Fender Musicmaster Bass guitar is a true gem for any musician. Feel free to message any questions you may have. Thank you for checking out my post.... more
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$187
Up for sale is a 1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster Hard-Shell Case! VERY GOOD working and cosmetic condition! Buy it Now before anyone else! or Submit Your Best Offer! SHIPPING: USA: $59 WORLDWIDE: $129... more
Funkstown, Maryland, 217**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1399
Recently found this instrument in my local pawn shop. It was expensive, but I was not going to leave it behind Comments: 1. The single coil, single pickup is not super loud 2. If you look carefully at photo's there is evidence of a green paint (Oxidized Sonic Blue?) under the black. (I did not remove pickguard to investigate) I have heard that at the Fender factory, when a custom color paint job failed QC, bodies were put back on the line and painted black 3. I married the instrument to a... more
Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1495
This is a vintage 1978 Fender Musicmaster Bass with a Black finish. First introduced in 1971, the Musicmaster bass was built using leftover parts from Fender's guitar line. It has a short, 30 inch scale, which makes it light and comfortable to play This bass is in great functional and cosmetic condition with some typical signs of wear, some scuffs and dings, an added strap button, and a slightly bent low E tuner button. It has an upgraded Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickup, which sounds killer!... more
Vintage Fender Musicmaster Bass Black 1977 PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION A dynamite player with a cool, true vintage look & vibe. The neck is very comfortable & plays great up & down the fretboard. Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches & some finish wear. Neck: Nicely rounded & somewhat chunky maple neck with black ... more
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
All Original short scale 1978 Fender Musicmaster Bass in Original black finish , maple neck with Rosewood finger board Set up with low tension Labella Flatwound strings. Plays and sounds amazing. These basses are so cool and easy to play, ideal for a guitarist that does not want to stretch to a long scale bass or a bassist that wants that easy old school vintage sound. Totally useable every day vintage bass. Gig bag included... more
Fender Musicmaster Bass from 1972. This is a bit of an interesting one an altogether well playing, great sounding and unique vintage bass for not a lot of money! I bought this in the exact condition it is now. I believe this to have plenty of its original parts, that being the body, neck (nice dark fretboard and a date of 72 on the underside), tuners (this type are rarer and unique to the earlier 70s models), string tree, bridge, volume & tone knobs and F stamp neck plate with serial... more
Fender musicmaster bass 1974 corde nuove e tastiera appena rettificata riverniciato chissà quando gran suono tipico inimitabile perfettamente funzionante ... more