NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 2 - The Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass - 1951 to 1970
Hello everyone. Merry Xmas.
Lately I have been receiving alot of enquiries regarding the differences between the various models of Vintage Fender Precision Bass. Below I have outlined the main features by year in respect to the original Fender issues. Please note that 'in general' most reissue Fender Bass Guitars should follow the specifications outlined below.
A Quick History
Leo Fender created the Precision bass in 1951. This was named the Precision bass as the frets on the instrument allowed the notes to be played with precision. This was, to many people, the first real electric bass, as it was the most mass-produced and recognisable bass guitar at that time, and still is. Its design is the most copied in bass guitar history. In 1957, the pickup was changed to be a split pickup, and the pickguard and headstock were redesigned.
Precision Bass Specifications - 1951 to 1970
The specifications below outline the main changes found to each model (by year) from the original 1951 P Bass.
1951 Pbass specs:
Slab asymmetrical double cutaway ash body, blond finish.
Black flat pole single coil pickup.
Serial number on bridge plate.
Black fiber pickquard clear coated with lacquer.
One piece maple 34" scale neck.
1954 Pbass specs:
Contoured ash body (like Strat), two-color sunburst finish.
White single layer ABS pickguard.
Black staggered pole single coil pickup.
Serial number on neck plate.
Mid 1957 Pbass specs:
Split double-rectangular pickup replaces single coil.
Anodized aluminum pickguard.
Wider peghead design like a Strat replaces the Tele-style peghead.
Three-color sunburst finish (in 1958).
Mid 1959 Pbass specs:
Slab Rosewood fingerboard.
Tortoise grain celluloid three layer pickguard.
Mid 1962 Pbass specs:
Veneer Rosewood fingerboard.
Late 1964 Pbass specs:
Silver Fender decal thicker than previous "spaghetti" logo.
Pearl fingerboard dots replace "clay" dots.
Tortoise plastic three layer pickguard replaces celluloid.
1968 Pbass specs:
Black Fender decal.
"F" style tuning gears replaces backward-tuning "no-name" Kluson gears.
Polyester thick finish replaces nitrocellulose lacquer.
1970 Pbass specs:
Slightly narrow neck width.
Maple or rosewood fingerboard available.
Fretless option available.
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Precision Bass Peghead Decals: 1951 to 1968.
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The Guitar Colonel
All prices negotiable - Call (+61) 03 95319143 or (+61) 0422 958 522 or Email anthony@guitarcolonel.com
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Archives
NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 1 - The Fender Mustang
NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 2 - The Fender Precision Bass
NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 3 - The Gibson Les Paul Special P100 Pickups
NEWSLETTER - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 4 - The Gibson Les Paul Classic - A brief history
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Electric Guitars and Bass
