The 1959 Precision Bass is considered by many to be the pinnacle of Fender electric basses. If you're looking for an all original split coil, maple board example, it doesn't get much better than this. It has the sought after transitional three tone sunburst, which in my opinion is the best looking sunburst they did. The red and yellow is gradually shaded compared to the more distinct "target" style burst that came in the 60's when production numbers increased. 1959 was also the last year for the anodized gold pickguard. It was discontinued at the time because players complained that the gold wore off too easily. In retrospect, it was probably the best pickguard material Fender used because it is very stable and durable, the celluloid guards that came after have a tendency to shrink and crack after decades of use.

The neck profile is thin front to back with a rounded profile, the edge of the fingerboard is very comfortably rolled from decades of gigging. It is a one owner instrument and you can clearly see it was well loved. The entire fretboard was used, all the way up to the last fret. The back of the neck has been worn smooth.  There is a clear indent on the bass side of the neck where it joins the body, showing where he rested his thumb. The finish worn away on the body above the guard is where his palm rested. The original frets have some wear in the first position but not as heavily as one might expect thanks to being strung with flatwounds for most of its life. It plays easily and cleanly with very low action up the neck

It has a great punchy bright tone that is evident even when the bass is played unplugged. It is an ideal P-bass tone that sits perfectly in a mix- strong mid range with tons of clarity and a tight bass response. It is currently strung with Labella flatwounds but it also sounds great with round wounds. With rounds, it has a great growly rock tone with more top end. Overall this a dream Precision bass that would work in almost any musical context.

Overview

Year: 1959

Brand: Fender

Model: Precision Bass

Condition: Excellent

Case: New G&G tweed case

SKU: 5242

Additional Information: Weight is 8.74 lb without covers and 9.1 lb with covers
Both pots are dated to 1959
No pencil date on the neck heel, typical for mid '59 to '60

Materials

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Maple

Pickup: Original Split Coil

Bridge: Original

Tuners: Original

Measurements

Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Scale Length: 34"

Neck Depth, 1st fret: 0.83"

Neck Depth, 12th fret: 1.00"

Weight (lbs): 8.74 lb without covers, 9.1 lb with covers

Action: 5/64" - 4/64"

Strings: Labella Flatwound 45-104