Vintage Bass Guitars for Sale | Buy & Sell Classic Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker & More
Browse our exclusive collection of vintage bass guitars here. Our inventory turns over regularly, and we're always looking for an adding instruments from iconic brands like Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, Music Man, and Hofner. Whether you're looking to buy a vintage Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, or vintage short-scale bass, or sell your vintage bass guitar for top dollar, we offer expert appraisals, fair offers, and fast, nationwide service. Our inventory features rare and collectible models from the 1950s through the 1980s—perfect for players, collectors, and recording professionals. Trusted source for authentic vintage bass guitars with verified originality and pro setup.
If you have an old bass guitar for sale please click here to see how we can help - we are always buying and trading!
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Vintage or Used Bass
Precision Bass vs. Jazz Bass: the foundational choice
Fender's Precision Bass, introduced in 1951, was the first mass-produced electric bass guitar and remains known for a thick, punchy tone driven by its single split-coil pickup. The Jazz Bass, introduced in 1960, added a slimmer neck and two single-coil pickups for a brighter, more versatile tone with finer control over the blend between them. Neither is objectively better; the choice usually comes down to whether you want the P-Bass's focused punch or the J-Bass's tonal flexibility and slimmer feel.
What to know about pre-CBS Fender basses specifically
Like Fender's guitars, "pre-CBS" basses (built before CBS's January 1965 acquisition) are generally considered the high point for build quality and are the most sought-after by collectors. Features like the neck date, serial number range, and pickup construction help confirm whether a specific bass falls into this window, and even basses from the immediate post-CBS transition period can share many pre-CBS characteristics.
What drives value in a used or vintage bass
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Originality — original finish, hardware, pickups, and case matter significantly; a refinished body or replaced pickups can meaningfully affect both tone and collector value.
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Neck condition — because basses carry heavier string tension than guitars, neck relief and any history of neck resets or repairs are worth checking closely.
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Weight and body wood — vintage ash and alder bodies vary in weight and resonance; some players specifically seek out lighter examples for comfort during long gigs.
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Documentation — serial numbers and neck dates help confirm an exact production year, which is why we photograph and document these details on every listing.
How we grade and document our basses
Every bass in this collection is inspected in-house before listing. We verify serial numbers and construction details against known production records, note any repairs or non-original components clearly, and photograph construction details so you can evaluate condition and authenticity before buying. Every bass also receives a professional setup before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my Fender bass is pre-CBS?
Check the serial number on the neck plate and the date stamped on the neck heel, the same process used for Fender's guitars. Pre-CBS Fender basses generally share the same serial number ranges and neck date windows as pre-CBS guitars from the same era. You can use our Dating Your Guitar guide for help, or contact us and we'll lend a hand.
Is a Precision Bass or Jazz Bass better for a beginner?
Both are excellent choices, and the decision usually comes down to feel and tone preference rather than skill level. The P-Bass's wider neck and simpler single-pickup control suit players who want a straightforward setup with a big, punchy tone, while the J-Bass's slimmer neck and two-pickup blend appeal to players who want more tonal shaping options.
Do you ship basses internationally, and how are they insured?
Yes — we ship internationally, and every instrument is insured in transit, packed carefully to protect it from damage during shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility and vary by destination country.
What's included in a professional setup before shipping?
Every bass receives a full setup — action, intonation, and truss rod adjustment, and fresh strings — so it's playable straight out of the case, whether it's headed to a stage, studio, or living room.
Can I trade my current bass toward one of these?
Yes, we accept trades toward used and vintage basses. Reach out with details and photos of your bass and we'll provide a trade valuation. You can use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it super easy.
