Best '51-'52 fender bass re-issue

[jnewmark]

Would like to get one of these before I die, and can't afford a vintage one, so what custom shop, other brand re-issue of this classic bass is the best replica model? All suggestions welcome !

 

[mikeswals]

Many guitar centers were put a 51 Custom Shop on the shelf for about $4400 ("NOS" non relic version) as a regular stock item.
They've been turning up used for about 3k, and they're all over reverb now.

I had a CS 55 and it was a fantastic bass.

 

[JIO]

The early '90s MIJ '51P RI's were the most authentic. On some I've seen, the finish was closer to an original (pale whitewash, similar to a Mary Kaye finish), it had the large barrel string-thru ferrules and thin "banjo frets" like the original. The '06 CIJ version had an overly yellow (amber'd?) trans finish and small string-thru ferrules. But it did have the thin, more authentic frets. The ones from the early '90s are probably not cheap if you find one, but less than a FCS I would have to believe.

This one (w/Fender HSC) is currently on eBay but it also has an overly yellow finish and is $1500. (no affiliation) Seems like a fair price at today's rates.

Used Early 90's Fender MIJ 51 Precision Electric Bass Guitar | eBay

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For comparison sake - this is a FCS '51P replica - amber'd translucent finish, but not YELLOW! Same with the neck - not YELLOW - more natural maple. Also, slotted screws as a vintage '51P would have and original finger-test was natural, as this example. This FCS '51P hopefully has a Bakelite pg (which were available on eBay at one time...) which originals had. Can't determine it from the ad or pics, but a real/vintage '51P had phenolic saddles which I'd expect from the FCS. If one is going to pay that kind of money - I'd want it as close to a real '51P as possible, as in "replica".

https://reverb.com/item/83849590-fender-custom-shop-51-precision-bass-nos

 

[gwangi]

Here is a couple of Custom Shops on REVERB right now:

https://reverb.com/item/39054466-fe...ustom-1951-nos-precision-bass-nocaster-blonde

https://reverb.com/item/71343627-fe...ass-nos-maple-fingerboard-nocaster-blonde-823

 

[Mayo Fan]

If you got the budget and the patience, I would suggest a De Gier Soulmate 51. His work is top notch and very high on my wishlist. Especially the Soulmate 51.

 

[2saddleslab]

The MIJ reissues are nice, I've owned a few. But the poly finish just didn't work for me as a nitro is one aspect that makes the early slabs, & all early Fenders.

You might want to look at a Fender American Vintage II 54 P Bass reissue like the one for sale on TB:
https://www.talkbass.com/classifieds/fender-american-vintage-ii-54-p-bass-vintage-blond.1660970/

It's from a trusted TB member and a very nice price. AND IT's NITRO!

 

[J Wilson]

Any of the Squiers from the last 10 years. These had tummy cuts and the elbow rollover in front and otherwise pretty correct but far more comfortable.

 

[jasper383]

Fender Japan has a Traditional Precision Bass version out now. Looks like around $1k. Likely very well made and captures the sound well.

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[J-Bass RMR]

I had 2 mijs;
The mid-90s one was close to custom shop quality, and as Jio mentioned, the most historically accurate.
I sold it here earlier this year after acquiring a couple Tele Basses.

My other is an '04 - not quite as "historically correct, (it has the exaggerated 'school bus' yellow finish, Tele-style string-through ferrules, extra (cnc)? route under the pickguard, and a narrow control cavity/mini pots) but it's still a great bass (haven't met many mijs that aren't) weighs 8lbs, so this one will be with me for the long haul!

The US vintage II came out shortly after I got my mijs - otherwise I likely would have gotten one.
Now that they're cylcling through to the used market, they'd be a great option.
They're the 1st US reissue of the SCPB in 50 years

I picked up 2 Telecaster basses this past year, but at "sane" prices compared to what they're listing them (not selling) for now... But if you could find one under $3k (and you can) it might be a good option.

My buddy has a CS '50s. Again - hard to go wrong with a CS, but I'd have a hard time paying more than $3k for one.
I really liked the pickup, but it is fairly low output, and they use the original "resister" circuit, so the tone control acts like a 2nd volume control as well. (easily modified)

 

[bassdude51]

Best '51-'52 fender bass re-issue?​

Needless to say, any Fender Custom Shop '51 would be really nice to own. The Fender CS 50th anniversary models are nice. Made in 2000 or 2001, I can't remember. Only a limited number were made.

On the affordable level. The early 90s MIJ '51s are really nice although the neck is on the slender side and the color is excellent. Later 90s version of the MIJ '51 are more of a school bus yellow. Still a good bass but color is off.

If you're into building. Allparts sells a '51 body and Telecaster Bass neck. You could build for under $1,000.

For the Fender Custom Shop '51s, keep your eyes open on Reverb.com.

Good luck! The "slabs" are my thing.

(Here's my early 90s MIJ '51. I had a white guard made for it but kept the original black guard.)

https://www.allparts.com/collections/bass-bodies/products/tbbf-blnd-blonde-finished-replacement-body-for-tele-bass

https://www.allparts.com/collections/bass-necks/products/tbmo-replacement-neck-for-tele-bass

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ignacio-nacho-banos-nacho-standard-‘51-p-reissue.1663647/

 

[jnewmark]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. What about the pickup, do they vary in tone, output from re-issue to re-issue?

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. What about the pickup, do they vary in tone, output from re-issue to re-issue?

yes - but a lot of it just depends on the particular bass, and the strings.

The mid-90s mij I sold, had the original PU, which I liked and left it in.
I put the Antiquity II in my other cij, and I prefer it. (the Ant II came with one of the Tele basses, otherwise, I'd probably left the stock PU in it)
I really liked the CS pickup - very "sweet" & smooth sounding, but it's low output - not a big deal to me, but my buddy swapped it out for the ANT II, and I have it on my bench!
Both my Tele basses have different "character" - the '69 has the original (Fralin rewind), the '71 has the original.
TIs and Labella's respectively on those - but they do sound different other than the strings. (the '71 is actually more "traditional") sounding, the '69 seemed to be a little more "finess"....
I haven't played an AVII yet.
Just played my buddy's 1956 Monday. He has the Fralin split in it, while he waits to have the original rewound. I thought it leaned slightly toward a split-P voice. - hard to say without having heard both of them in that bass.
I'd only go that way if the hum is an issue for you, otherwise I think you maybe lose a bit of the SC character - hard to say without having heard both of them in that bass.

 

[REV]

I'm a sucker for single coil type P basses so here's my take. For me the single coil P type pickup I like best is actually the dual coil Seymore Duncan pickup. They are $$$ but they really sound good. Different strings can contribute significantly to your tone. I like Labella LTF strings for thump and The Dunlop flats are good for growl.

 

[jnewmark]

Any Squire fans ?

 

[P_Basser]

Any Squire fans ?

Absolutely. They are incredibly servicable instruments for the money...

But should never enter a conversation about authentic reissues.

 

[jnewmark]

Absolutely. They are incredibly servicable instruments for the money...

But should never enter a conversation about authentic reissues.

So, are you saying they may look alike but not sound/play alike?

 

[jnewmark]

yes - but a lot of it just depends on the particular bass, and the strings.

The mid-90s mij I sold, had the original PU, which I liked and left it in.
I put the Antiquity II in my other cij, and I prefer it. (the Ant II came with one of the Tele basses, otherwise, I'd probably left the stock PU in it)
I really liked the CS pickup - very "sweet" & smooth sounding, but it's low output - not a big deal to me, but my buddy swapped it out for the ANT II, and I have it on my bench!
Both my Tele basses have different "character" - the '69 has the original (Fralin rewind), the '71 has the original.
TIs and Labella's respectively on those - but they do sound different other than the strings. (the '71 is actually more "traditional") sounding, the '69 seemed to be a little more "finess"....
I haven't played an AVII yet.
Just played my buddy's 1956 Monday. He has the Fralin split in it, while he waits to have the original rewound. I thought it leaned slightly toward a split-P voice. - hard to say without having heard both of them in that bass.
I'd only go that way if the hum is an issue for you, otherwise I think you maybe lose a bit of the SC character - hard to say without having heard both of them in that bass.

Thanks. Any comments on the Sting sig Pbass?

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Thanks. Any comments on the Sting sig Pbass?

Not really - just that I think the 12th marker fret is ugly...

 

[JIO]

Can't beat this deal w/a stick! (w/HSC) - shipping is what shipping is these days, especially if going across country. If you are close to Ohio, you possibly can negotiate a less expensive shipping fee w/the seller. Can't hurt to ask. I just shipped a bass from SF/CA to NM UPS and it was $118 insured and sig upon arrival.

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