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1955 Fender Precision Bass

#41
My brother has 100% original 1958 Strat in outstanding condition. Wear level looks a lot like that bass. Neck looks the same. The finish on the body looks faded to me. I think the discoloration under the bridge cover is from humidity, sweat and general crud accumulating in there over the years. I’ve seen similar discoloration on other vintage instruments. I don’t think it’s a refin. I’m not an expert, but that looks like a legitimate vintage instrument to me... his prices seem really high, though
 
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#47
I did not know they did string thru bodies back then. Couldn't find that detail in Gruhn's book, but in Geddy Lee's big beautiful book of bass, he has a 55 P bass that is not only string through, but the finish in front of the bridge is discolored in the same way. Interesting. Wonder what caused that. If you have the book it's on page 23.

I have a feeling his book is going to be a great resource for pictures. He's got a '52, '53, two '55s and a '56. Great resource I think.
 
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#48
Clark W said:
At 25 grand it's waaaaay too rich for my blood.

But it's a fine example to look at. Be sure to scroll down to see all the pics in the ad.
1955 Fender Precision Bass 1 of the rarest & finest all original examples. | eBay
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I would get this for a little more than a tenth of the price ...

For Sale - Fender Custom Shop ‘55 Precision Bass (only 7lbs 6oz !)

... long before I'd ever consider laying down 25K for the real deal like this one (even if I had money to burn). Though I love vintage Fenders to death, I think the code on them has been cracked and you can get all kinds of comparable custom made boutique basses for WAY less money. The thing is ... once you plunk down that kind of coin on a bass, what do you do with it then? When I think of all the scummy little joints I've played with no stage and drunks staggering by my equipment, I would always be worried about it. Though it has like zero bragging rights on its best day, I have a Warmoth parts ash/maple '54 Pbass replica with a Nordstrand humbucking pickup that just slays ... plenty good'nuff, IMHO.
 
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#54
pbassnut said:
I would get this for a little more than a tenth of the price ...

For Sale - Fender Custom Shop ‘55 Precision Bass (only 7lbs 6oz !)

... long before I'd ever consider laying down 25K for the real deal like this one (even if I had money to burn). Though I love vintage Fenders to death, I think the code on them has been cracked and you can get all kinds of comparable custom made boutique basses for WAY less money. The thing is ... once you plunk down that kind of coin on a bass, what do you do with it then? When I think of all the scummy little joints I've played with no stage and drunks staggering by my equipment, I would always be worried about it. Though it has like zero bragging rights on its best day, I have a Warmoth parts ash/maple '54 Pbass replica with a Nordstrand humbucking pickup that just slays ... plenty good'nuff, IMHO.
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The only way I would plink down that kinda of cash is if I was a collector and had a nice place for a collection to hang out. But I'm not and I don't, I do enjoy looking at them though.

I play my basses, and like you said, if you want that vibe for your tone/sound, there's way cheaper options that will get the job done. And you don't even have to go FCS to get it either, well not totally anyway. I have this 2019 MIM Player Series Precision that I took in on a trade that has a FCS '62 P pup. It's currently my #2 bass.

I really didn't think that much about the bass before I got it. But once the trade was done and I got it home and plugged up, wow. And the best part about it, if something were to happen to it at some dive bar gig, I wouldn't be out a whole lot, and replacing it wouldn't be an issue either. She does get the job done though, and in the end, that's all that matters,
IMG_20201024_230235.jpg
 
#56
I once spoke at length with him (Craig Brody) on the phone about his business and whether he could find me a 60’s P, as I live relatively close to him. I found him to be sincere and friendly and felt like I could trust him. I could be mistaken, but I don’t think he has a brick and mortar presence, hence the term “broker”. He often has amazing vintage pieces, like the very early fretless Music Man Stingray that is his personal instrument and not for sale, so seeing this 50’s P, I have no doubt it is legit. We didn’t end up doing business when we spoke, but he is on my short list of people I’d contact if I were again seeking a vintage instrument.
 
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#60
bobyoung53 said:
We were talking about the '58 P not the 55, it's on the first page I believe. Post #7.
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There's only one bass mentioned or shown on the whole page.
He says it's a 64P in comment #1, and provides a pic of it in comment #3, definitely not stock. There's only one page of comments to go through, so not a lot of info on it.

And what brand are those pups?
pups.jpg


And Fender didn't make a P/J until the early 80s. So that bass, if it is a 64, has been highly modded.
 

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