OffYourFace wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2024 7:48 pm
Worst case scenario, it's a parts-bass with genuine Fender parts. But I do believe the Mod Shop had a neck like that for the P-Bass during the pandemic.
That's correct, but it's a parts-bass masquerading as a Mod Shop bass, which is (in my view) worth significantly less.
You may be correct that the Mod Shop once offered this "American Classic" Precision Bass neck, or as it was later called, "American Original." However, on Precision Basses, those instruments got neck plate serial number stamps because the necks weren't stamped on the back of the headstock. And when the Mod Stop used one, they also give it a neck plate neck plate serial number, like this:
The bass in question has a Mod Shop plate with no serial number, suggesting it's older than 2021, or that the original neck did have a legit, stamped serial number. Whoever replaced the neck was now left with a parts-bass with no serial number, so a fake one (missing a digit) was applied with a cheap decal. Also, all other proof that the instrument came from the Mod Shop (factory spec sheet w/ date, certificate of authenticity, etc.) are all conveniently absent.
Now if I'm mistaken, please show me some legit examples. But I've never, ever seen an authentic, modern Fender instrument whose only claim to authenticity is a laser-printed, non-waterslide decal with an invalid serial number applied over the finish.
Without this decal, it's just a parts-bass, albeit one made of genuine Fender parts. But to me, that fake serial number decal betrays fraudulent intent.