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'51 Precision-Authentic parts source

ROOTSnFIFTHS

ROOTSnFIFTHS

Low-end Lover since '78!
Oct 25, 2012
1,130
545
NJ to Sin City
#1
This may be a strange request but I want to mod a '51 reissue to the exact specs of an original 1951 Precision.

I saw '51 Precision reissue basses with a bridge that used some kind of pressed fiber/vulcanized rubber saddles similar to the original 1951 Precision bass when first released. I know you can probably make these saddles but I rather buy the part.

Also I have seen a bass on Evilbay that also had the bridge plate scribed with "Fender" and possibly a serial number,also like the originals.
Now this was a reissue, but again has anyone heard of a source for these parts anywhere?
 
#6
Yikes I have seached my *** off but not using "bakelite" and have not found much so THANKS.

I do want the bass as authentic as possible but I have to wonder how the bakelite saddles would affect sound/intonation/stability. I would still like to try them out.

As far as the engraved bridg plate, I guess I can get that done. Just not sure I would put a dummy serial on it. While I know I would never try and pass it off as an actual '51 P, ya never know where the bass might end up if I sell it( which I am sure I never will....famous last words!)

Also on the menu for this one is enlarging the string ferrules. On the later '51 reissues it seems Fender Japan made them smaller (like a Telecaster bass).

I am still studying original 51 P pics to see what else I need to do to this fine instrument.
 
#8
rootsnfifths said:
Yikes I have seached my *** off but not using "bakelite" and have not found much so THANKS.

I do want the bass as authentic as possible but I have to wonder how the bakelite saddles would affect sound/intonation/stability. I would still like to try them out.

As far as the engraved bridg plate, I guess I can get that done. Just not sure I would put a dummy serial on it. While I know I would never try and pass it off as an actual '51 P, ya never know where the bass might end up if I sell it( which I am sure I never will....famous last words!)

Also on the menu for this one is enlarging the string ferrules. On the later '51 reissues it seems Fender Japan made them smaller (like a Telecaster bass).

I am still studying original 51 P pics to see what else I need to do to this fine instrument.
Click to expand...

The numbers are stamped, not engraved. I know this, because I've tried engraved, and it looks nothing like the authentic Fender SN stamping.

There's a guy out of Florida who has the same stamping machine as Fender used (if not their machine). He does neck plates (and probably would do bridge plates). Back in 2000 when I built a 64 Telecaster, he did an era appropriate stamped neck plate for me with the numbers of my choice (they happened to fit in the Fender numbering scheme as well as being personally meaningful). He used to sell on eBay, so I'd check there to start.
 
#10
BurningSkies said:
The numbers are stamped, not engraved. I know this, because I've tried engraved, and it looks nothing like the authentic Fender SN stamping.

There's a guy out of Florida who has the same stamping machine as Fender used (if not their machine). He does neck plates (and probably would do bridge plates). Back in 2000 when I built a 64 Telecaster, he did an era appropriate stamped neck plate for me with the numbers of my choice (they happened to fit in the Fender numbering scheme as well as being personally meaningful). He used to sell on eBay, so I'd check there to start.
Click to expand...

PRICELESS!! Much appreciated really. I just got back from a gig with my '51 and that bass really sounds good. It is going to be fun MODing this one.

I am going to get to parts hunting with your info. I will post pics of my results when complete.

I am not a fan of the color of this one so a refinish is also in order.

Thanks again BurningSkies.
 
#11
Hey all

I did manage to pick up a set of 'bakelite' saddles. The stamped bridge plate is going to prove harder to get. Emailed Callaham and they won't do it. Also found the Ebay guy and he told me his equipment would not be able to do this either.
Hey at least they replied to my request right?

I am still searching for a source for the stamped plate. I might try someone local next.
 
#12
rootsnfifths said:
Hey all

I did manage to pick up a set of 'bakelite' saddles. The stamped bridge plate is going to prove harder to get. Emailed Callaham and they won't do it. Also found the Ebay guy and he told me his equipment would not be able to do this either.
Hey at least they replied to my request right?

I am still searching for a source for the stamped plate. I might try someone local next.
Click to expand...

Is it that your plate won't fit on their machine/jig? That sucks. I can tell you that engraving doesn't look ANYTHING like the stamped plate does.
 
#14
ROOTSnFIFTHS said:
Hey all

I did manage to pick up a set of 'bakelite' saddles. The stamped bridge plate is going to prove harder to get. Emailed Callaham and they won't do it. Also found the Ebay guy and he told me his equipment would not be able to do this either.
Hey at least they replied to my request right?

I am still searching for a source for the stamped plate. I might try someone local next.
Click to expand...

Hi, did you manage to source a stamped bridge plate in the end?
 

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