This is the bass that started it all- the first iteration of the Fender Precision bass! Even over 70 years later, it is still a fully functional instrument that is ready to be taken out on a gig. Introduced in 1951, it was meant to be a replacement for the upright bass. The term "Precision" refers to the frets which allowed for more precise intonation. It is completely original with no damage, just beautiful honest wear from decades of playing. It was previously owned by the bass player for Cinderella who took it on tour all around the world.

The original single coil pickup has a wider tonal range than the now ubiquitous split coil humbucker pickup that came after. It retains more of the high end response as well as a low end so it does a great job of replicating the acoustic qualities of an upright. The simple slab body with no contours feels very solid and robust. The neck, carved by the famous Tadeo Gomez, is a comfortable full rounded profile. The original "blackguard" bakelite pickguard is in great shape with no cracks and only minimal warping. It comes complete with a Fender tweed case from around 1955. These early Precision basses are still relatively under appreciated compared to its more well known blackguard telecaster guitar counterpart. All in all it is a beautiful, playable piece of Fender and American music history.

Overview

Year: 1953

Brand: Fender

Model: Precision Bass

Condition: Excellent

Case: Fender tweed case from 1955

SKU: 5231

Additional Information: Body: "Tadeo 3-19-53"
Neck: "TG 2-11-53"
Serial on bridge: 0645

Materials

Body: Ash

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Maple

Pickup: Original Single Coil,
5.9k Ω

Bridge: Original bridge with original bakelite saddles. New repro saddles are also included.

Tuners: Original

Measurements

Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Scale Length: 34"

Neck Depth, 1st fret: 0.94"

Neck Depth, 12th fret: 0.98"

Weight (lbs): 8.6

Action: 5/64" - 4/64"

Strings: 48-105 flatwound