As the first production model bass guitar, the Fender Precision bass was an absolutely revolutionary instrument upon its introduction in 1951. Built as a bass counterpart to the Telecaster, the Precision or P Bass evolved throughout the ‘50s with changing electronics, body shape, and cosmetic details. A major set of changes occurred in mid-1957 which were standard by '59.
Years of Production: 1951 - present
Unique to this Year: Along with other production Fenders, 1959 marked a change to a slab Rosewood fingerboard instead of Maple. Also starting in 1959, the pickguard material used changed; the older aluminum pickguard is more sought-after than the later tortoise pickguard.
Body Style: Double cutaway solidbody
Wood Composition: Adler body, Maple neck
Design Elements: Split single-coil pickup with level pole pieces, aluminum pickguard, 34-inch scale length, dot inlays (examples from earlier in year carry design of '56 P Bass)
Finish Specifications: The Precision Bass has been available in Blonde since its introduction in 1951.
Notable Players: Geezer Butler, Roger Waters, John Deacon, Sting
Years of Production: 1951 - present
Unique to this Year: Along with other production Fenders, 1959 marked a change to a slab Rosewood fingerboard instead of Maple. Also starting in 1959, the pickguard material used changed; the older aluminum pickguard is more sought-after than the later tortoise pickguard.
Body Style: Double cutaway solidbody
Wood Composition: Adler body, Maple neck
Design Elements: Split single-coil pickup with level pole pieces, aluminum pickguard, 34-inch scale length, dot inlays (examples from earlier in year carry design of '56 P Bass)
Finish Specifications: The Precision Bass has been available in Blonde since its introduction in 1951.
Notable Players: Geezer Butler, Roger Waters, John Deacon, Sting