By accounts Fender serial number plates were in a bin, and not sequentially issued. My '59 has a '58 plate on it according to the date/serial number charts.
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Fender pre-CBS Club: pics mandatory!
- Thread starter Mastermold
- Start date
Some time ago I saw a photograph that claimed to be from the 1960s of a Fender assembly-line employee installing the necks on instruments. I recall the neck plates being scattered in a bin, making it seemingly impossible to apply the serial numbers in sequence.
And then there is the story about Leo Fender being so thrifty that when they replaced the factory's tile flooring, he had it saved and used it to make the position markers for necks. If this is true, I can see them using whatever neck plates they had on hand, regardless of the number stamped on it (and I doubt that they foresaw the future attention paid to parts that held clues to when the instrument was assembled).
I read this too. Apparently the clay dots were made from asbestos floor tiles, is this true Fender historians?
CAR refin '64 P-bass & friend ('68 EB-2):
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Complete side note, but given some of the whackiness and negativity on TB sometimes, I am thoroughly enjoying the stories and downright reverence for the history and people who made these fine instruments throughout this thread. 
That is all.
That is all.
Vintage Bass World is a resource which I found helpful in dating my SVT. It has written and photographic reference data bases for both Precision and Jazz basses as well. I'll post a pic of my 64 Jazz once I swap necks back with my 71.
Another photo of my sunburst '64:
That fretboard is so nice.Another photo of my sunburst '64:
svtb15
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- Mar 22, 2004
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- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
Im very interested in how the Berg NV115 cabs perform in real gig situations.
View attachment 1146302 I've always loved the warmth of tube amps, and my Ampeg B-15N was always my favourite... until today! My new Bergantino B|AMP and NV115 puts out the cleanest, purest tone I have ever heard. My Oly White 1963 Jazz sounds more amazing than I have ever heard before
Can't comment on that right now... not gigging at all... just studio work, so I really haven't experienced it cranked up. Will post an update when I get out with it
Thanks for asking.
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I have to say, the red in the 3TSB of pre-CBS Fenders is always just spot on perfect looking.
Nice-looking bass. What neck is that? Did you change the bridge?View attachment 1172368 This is my 1963, surf green refin. A true player. Not 100% original but the most vital parts are. I think it is made of sustainium
I had Gord Miller at GM Vintage Restorations redo the finish on my '64P. He did his usual stellar job.
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Gord has previously done my 60 Jazz and 62 P (pics are in this thread somewhere I believe), and I can report that after the finishes had fully cured, both basses sounded noticeably better than before.
If that happens with this bass, and I expect it will, I will be REALLY happy as it's already one of the best sounding Ps I've ever played.
Before:
After:
Gord has previously done my 60 Jazz and 62 P (pics are in this thread somewhere I believe), and I can report that after the finishes had fully cured, both basses sounded noticeably better than before.
If that happens with this bass, and I expect it will, I will be REALLY happy as it's already one of the best sounding Ps I've ever played.
