Fender Precision Bass 1958 Sunburst
Reverb Estimated Used Price Range
- $5,470 — $17,455
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. By 1958, the changes implemented in 1957 were made standard for P Basses. A new split-coil pickup, a new smaller anodized aluminum pickguard, a wider headstock that more closely resembled that of the Strat, and a switch from string-through body construction to the strings terminating at through the bridge were now the norm for the Precision.
Years of Production: 1951 - present
Unique to this Year: In late '58, the pole pieces of the pickup went from staggered to level. First year of three-tone sunburst instead of two-tone.
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: Three-tone sunburst was introduced on the Precision Bass starting in 1958.
Notable Players: Geezer Butler, Roger Waters, John Deacon, Sting