FS: 1978 Fender Precision

[FunkyMcNasty]

This is a 1978 Fender P-Bass. Natural finish with a maple board. I believe it is all original (except pick guard) 78 precision, shipped with a fender hard shell case.

This bass has player wear. It really only has one bad scratch to speak of, and its on the front of the bass (shown in pics). The clear finish is rough in spots and what looks to be rubbed down in other spots. Most of the finish wear is on the back, and I believe it to be honest player wear. Most of the back of this bass has rough finish areas. It is not bad looking just rough or warn down in spots as is the bottom of the bass where it would sit on a stand. I am not sure what all the wear if from, I guess just from being played for almost 34 years. It has some fret wear, but plays amazing. Super low action, fast neck and no fret buzz. This precision almost plays itself. It sounds great and punchy. The truss rod functions properly and has tons of adjustment left. Weighs 9.4 lbs with everything on it.

Lets go $1500 shipped and insured.











Scratch on the front

[64jazz]

Doesn't look like the old girl's seen much usage. Sure wish I had the extra cash on hand!

[5bassman]

Looks like the back did the same thing my 1978 Fender P did. I've seen several like this where the finish stuck to the material inside the case. Almost like the finish melted to it.

[5bassman]

Neck is dated 1980.

[FunkyMcNasty]

Well the serial number is S886956 on both the body and head stock and that's a 1978 serial number.
SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES
S7 + 5 digits
S8 + 5 digits
S9 + 5 digits 1978
S9 + 5 digits
E0 + 5 digits 1979
S9 + 5 digits
E0 + 5 digits
E1 + 5 digits 1980
S9 + 5 digits
E0 + 5 digits
E1 + 5 digits 1981

Also the pot that reads 137785 (the other is covered by wires.
137=CTS brand pots
78=1978
5=5th week of production.
I guess I'm not sure...I'd go by the serial number on the body and head stock.

[5bassman]

Mine is the same, serial numbers dates to 1978, pots 1979, neck 1980. You'll find this on alot of Fenders made around 1978-1981. They had a surplus of parts and it was common a 1978 serial number might go with a 1980 neck. Great looking bass though and perfect weight for that vintage!


From another thread-
Yup, as said above S8 is usually 78, but was also used until the early 80s. Check the pot codes, pickup codes, neck stamp, or the routing for a solid answer.

The neck code should be an 8 digit code in the format MM NN WW Y D (model, neck, week, year, day) - for example a 78 P with a maple fretboard built on tuesday of the 25th week would be 01 03 25 8 2. For this, 01 is P bass, 03 is fretted maple, 00 or 01 is rosewood, 10 is fretless maple.

[FranF]

yep! My'79 is an '80. Non original pickguard on yours too. GREAT weight too!

[FunkyMcNasty]

Originally Posted by FranF

Non original pickguard on yours too. GREAT weight too!

I don't know how to tell on things like the pick guard, but I'll take your word on it.
That's why I just add as many pics as possible.

[5bassman]

I was wondering about the p/g. There should be a white sticker on the back with serial number just like the one in the neck pocket. Also, I believe it should be 3 ply. B/W/B. Great bass and should be an easy sale. If I hadn't of just recently picked up my "79" this one would be on the radar.

[FunkyMcNasty]

And traded.

[FranF]

On hold. thank God! That 9 lbs. haunted me all day. My '80 weighs 'a bit' more.... haha