Fender "A" neck P bass history question

[ukulelelab]

What's the difference between an "A" P bass neck and a standard Jazz neck?
I've owned, borrowed, or played a zillion P bass and only 1 came from the factory with an A neck. 1972 CAR and I bought it in the 80's.

decal, butt stamp and inlays (trapezoid/dots) and prob nothing else until Fender introduced the 3 bolt jazz necks in '74. I have a '74 "A" precision neck with rosewood board that originally left the factory with a (also custom-ordered) semi transparent blonde body

 

[mikeswals]

What's the difference between an "A" P bass neck and a standard Jazz neck?
I've owned, borrowed, or played a zillion P bass and only 1 came from the factory with an A neck. 1972 CAR and I bought it in the 80's.

There're still different. The A is supposed to be a 1-1/2 nut width. Jazzes were being cut to 1-7/16, and in the early to mid 60's were very thin front to back, I mean pencil thin!
With binding and blocks the J necks progressively got thicker front to back.
A neck Ps that I've run across are 1-1/2, and never felt as thin as 60-65 J necks.

 

[Jim C]

There're still different. The A is supposed to be a 1-1/2 nut width. Jazzes were being cut to 1-7/16, and in the early to mid 60's were very thin front to back, I mean pencil thin!
With binding and blocks the J necks progressively got thicker front to back.
A neck Ps that I've run across are 1-1/2, and never felt as thin as 60-65 J necks.

Thanks for this Mike. I have a 73'J that is much thicker front to back than my 72' J.
My 72' P with an A neck does feel similar but different than the 73'J although I always thought the differences were just manufacturing tolerances and not a different design.
OTOH I have a 72' and 73' P necks that are nearly identical and a 2020 that is very close to the same shape.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

You all might find this interesting.