1959 vs. 1964 Fender Precision

[Mastermold]

Sheeze, talk about a "win win" situation. Congrats either way!

 

[lowjoe1]

Checking out the '59 today. It should have a pencil dated neck, correct? And also pencil dated under the pickup? I think the bass is priced very low, even if it's a refin, but I'd still like to be as informed as possible. THANKS SO MUCH for all the help so far!

 

[bassie12]

Certain '59s don't have any date marking. Apparently, Fender stopped marking necks for a while in '59 after a customer found an obscenity written on a neck.

 

[wraub]

Sorry for the derail, but I am curious...

Would the slab rosewood 59 have had ash or alder bodies? Typically more than piece, and if so how many?

Thanks for the info.

To the OP... I wish I had your dilemma. Enjoy!

wraub

 

[Tom Howland]

Certain '59s don't have any date marking. Apparently, Fender stopped marking necks for a while in '59 after a customer found an obscenity written on a neck.

THIS IS TRUE.
One of the best ways to tell a 1959 Fender, is no marking on the neck.

 

[lowjoe1]

But some '59's have a pencil date, right?

 

[Spinal Tapper]

I've seen a 59 w/ a pencil date before, probably a late 59. Also, the pickups should be black bottom, so I don't know if you're going to see pencil dates on the bottoms of those. They moved to grey bottom PU's with pencil in 64 IIRC

 

[lowjoe1]

I decided on the '59. Just got it set up with some LaBellas yesterday. Wow. Just, wow. I'm in love. NBD thread coming soon.

 

[ExaltBass]

We need a '59 p-Bass Owners Club!

 

[lowjoe1]

I'm in!

 

[bikeplate]

Hi

Very cool. Congrats. I just picked up a '61 refin. Looking forward to gigging it

Rob

 

[Iridescentone]

If it is real it was originally three tone, but the red disappeared with UV light exposure over the years, very common with late '59 and '60, IIRC.

Yep. Have seen a '60 P where the front was faded to 2-tone, and the back was still 3-tone. Obviously the front was exposed to more UV than the back. Have seen a few faded 1960 Strats, too. Gibson LP's of that era are also notorious faders.

 

[lowjoe1]

"If it is real it was originally three tone, but the red disappeared with UV light exposure over the years, very common with late '59 and '60, IIRC. "

Gruhn's guide says that two tone bursts were discontinued in early '59.

 

[ecapdeville]

I decided on the '59. Just got it set up with some LaBellas yesterday. Wow. Just, wow. I'm in love. NBD thread coming soon.

Congrats! And please...

Pictures!

 

[Iridescentone]

Gruhn's guide says that two tone bursts were discontinued in early '59.

Well he should know. Despite the advent of the 3-tone burst in '58, I wouldn't be surprised if 2-tone burst remained available on the dealers option list.

btw, congrats on the new bass. How about some pics?