Fender 51 Precision reissue (MIJ) dating exact year of production

**Eric Swaim** · #1 11-02-2011, 07:21 PM

I just wanted to know what year my bass is?? I have a Fender Precision 51 reissue made in Japan, The serial number is Q+6 digits and from my research it says 1993-1994 I also noticed that serial number Q+5 digits "crafted in Japan" was made in 2002-2004. I know I have answered my own question but wouldn't mind a second opinion.

JimB52 · #2 11-02-2011, 07:35 PM

Does it have large or small string ferrules?

**Eric Swaim** · #3 11-02-2011, 07:41 PM

smaller ferrules

JimB52 · #4 11-02-2011, 07:45 PM

And the serial number has 'crafted in Japan' above ?

**Eric Swaim** · #5 11-02-2011, 07:47 PM

yes Crafted in Japan then Q+6 digits following the "Q"

JimB52 · #6 11-02-2011, 07:58 PM

I don't think the 'Crafted in Japan' Serial numbers started until 1997 or 98, and the earlier '51 RI had large ferrules. The later ones had smaller, Tele Bass size ferrules.

**Eric Swaim** · #7 11-02-2011, 08:04 PM

I will assume its an 2002-2004

P. Aaron · #8 11-02-2011, 08:10 PM

Nice collection of basses. The '51RI looks really nice.

Bongolation · #9 11-02-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swaim

yes Crafted in Japan then Q+6 digits following the "Q"

Fender's page is wrong on the "+5" stuff. The Dyna-Gakki Fenders (and yours is definitely one) have a letter and six digits, in my experience. So, presumably there could be old Fujigen-Gakki Fenders with the same numbers.

2002-2004.

**Eric Swaim** · #10 11-02-2011, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the information guys

Caca de Kick · #11 11-02-2011, 08:56 PM

Crafted in Japan serials on the 51P started in 98.

One of the other things I've observed between the two so far on the ones I've seen apart. The 90's ones only have two cavities in the body; the pickup and control.
Sometime after 00/01 the bodies got a 3rd small cavity between the pickup and control cavities under the pickguard.

**Eric Swaim** · #12 11-03-2011, 11:20 AM

I just ordered the Lindy Fralin split coil pickup and now taking this bass off the market

Randall · #13 11-03-2011, 12:18 PM

I would be curious if your fralin fits in the cavity? mine did not.

**Eric Swaim** · #14 11-03-2011, 12:28 PM

Did you get a 51 P or was yours a Sting Model? I hope it fits, or I am going to be one unhappy (-$140.00) individual.
Was it too wide? or original route too small?

Randall · #15 11-03-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swaim

Did you get a 51 P or was yours a Sting Model? I hope it fits, or I am going to be one unhappy (-$140.00) individual.
Was it too wide? or original route too small?

Butterscotch blonde body bought off talkbass. The pickup base was too large for the route. Bassline pickup that was in there fit no problem. Just a heads up.

**Eric Swaim** · #16 11-03-2011, 02:00 PM

I believe I will have the route adjusted to the pickup if I run into that problem, but I have to have a split coil pickup, I can't stand the 60 cycle hum especially in places with old wiring.

chuck3 · #17 11-25-2011, 03:55 PM

I picked up a '51 P reissue relatively cheap a few years ago. I never cared for all the hum from the original stock PUP, so not long ago I swapped that out for a Seymour Duncan replacement single coil. Fits just right and sounds great. Just to ask - what does everyone think of these playing-wise?

p.s. That's a fretless '78 P on the right.

**Eric Swaim** · #18 11-25-2011, 04:09 PM

They play fine, I just prefer my Jazz Bass for more tonal options.

GlennW · #19 11-25-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall

I would be curious if your fralin fits in the cavity? mine did not.

Someone else had a CS SCPB and had to trim the flatwork on the Fralin pickup to get it in the hole.

A couple years ago I had a bass that looks like the OP's, and it was very light.

chuck3 · #20 11-25-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swaim

They play fine, I just prefer my Jazz Bass for more tonal options.

Understood, thanks. I play one of those too, a lot. (See below.) But I'm invited to sit in with a kind of retro rock session and was thinking of bringing the '51 RI, which I haven't yet played out with. I would probably haul the Jazz along too just in case.