Fender Precision 1978

[Gerard Vic]

Hi guys,

I have the possibility to buy a Fender Precision from 1978.
Since I am not a Fender Specialist, but I have been able to read through some of the last days, I have landed here and have a few questions that you might be able to answer.

Unfortunately the bass is not in original condition, the pickups have been replaced, there is no case and all covers are missing. The bass looks good and has a bright neck and is natural (see pictures) = I like this look. Since it has been tinkered with already, the question arises what else might not be original. I want to be on the safe side. Can you tell me what I should seriously consider before buying? Can you see anything to indicate that anything is not original? How do I find out if neck and body really belong together in an original way?
I would be very happy about various assessments.

Greetings

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Hi guys,

I have the possibility to buy a Fender Precision from 1978.
Since I am not a Fender Specialist, but I have been able to read through some of the last days, I have landed here and have a few questions that you might be able to answer.

Unfortunately the bass is not in original condition, the pickups have been replaced, there is no case and all covers are missing. The bass looks good and has a bright neck and is natural (see pictures) = I like this look. Since it has been tinkered with already, the question arises what else might not be original. I want to be on the safe side. Can you tell me what I should seriously consider before buying? For the bass the seller wants around 1700€. Can you see anything to indicate that anything is not original? How do I find out if neck and body really belong together in an original way?
I would be very happy about various assessments.

Greetings

The pots date to 1973 (replaced?). The only thing I'm not sure on is whether the pickguard from that year had the cutout at the truss access. Otherwise, original body, tuners, neck, bridge. I'm pretty sure that is a replacement pickguard. Also, the neck plate should be an "F" neck plate.

 

[Gerard Vic]

Indeed, the neck plate looks different!
Before buying, I should unscrew the neck and see what it says, right?

 

[dukeandrews]

It all depends on if it's a deal. That's definitely not the original pickguard, but black would be period correct I think. For the price that 70's basses are bringing these days I would want to see the neck pocket before I laid out any cash.Also, replacement pickup and most likely pots is a bit of a bummer. Not a deal breaker, but replacement pickups detract a fair bit of the value IMO.

 

[FenderOli]

Fender neck plate with hole is for the micro tilt system and came a bit later (for the 83-85 American Standard).
You can sell the plate and the pots separately.

 

[MynameisMe]

It's nice looking. Depends on the price.
More investigation in order.

 

[Gerard Vic]

Okay guys, I was there and I was holding the bass in my hands and testing it. It does not weigh very much, a little under 4 kg. The saddle width is 42mm. A bit big for my small hands but still O.K. Are there vintage precision basses that are narrower? The playability has been very good so far. The sound was, despite the seymour duncan pick-ups, typical precision sound. I had to turn down the tone control and then it was the sound I like. I asked the salesman that we should unscrew the neck and he did it immediately. I took pictures of it. Now I am curious what you can tell me (see pictures).

 

[FenderOli]

Okay guys, I was there and I was holding the bass in my hands and testing it. It does not weigh very much, a little under 4 kg. The saddle width is 42mm. A bit big for my small hands but still O.K. Are there vintage precision basses that are narrower? The playability has been very good so far. The sound was, despite the seymour duncan pick-ups, typical precision sound. I had to turn down the tone control and then it was the sound I like. I asked the salesman that we should unscrew the neck and he did it immediately. I took pictures of it. Now I am curious what you can tell me (see pictures).

Neck plate should look like this:

Bridge Saddles should look like that:

There were some routings done at the body:

Under 4kg is nice for that era. I like these Quarter pounders, original pickups and pots would be nice.
Otherwise that thing looks nice.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Neck plate should look like this:
View attachment 3915576

Bridge Saddles should look like that:
View attachment 3915577

There were some routings done at the body:
View attachment 3915578


Under 4kg is nice for that era. I like these Quarter pounders, original pickups and pots would be nice.
Otherwise that thing looks nice.

I thought a 78 bridge still used flat head screws, rather than allan screws. Otherwise, the bridge on the OPs bass would actually be an early 70s.

Edit: Sorry, the photos are so poor. I didn't notice it has threaded saddles.

 

[Gerard Vic]

The predecessor of the current owner had had active pick-ups installed and to be able to store a battery the shaft was slightly enlarged. Does anyone know what to do with the markings on the body, do body and neck belong together, what do you think?

 

[FenderOli]

I thought a 78 bridge still used flat head screws, rather than allan screws. Otherwise, the bridge on the OPs bass would actually be an early 70s.

You are right my friend. I just wanted to mention the "Bridge Saddles" only. Screws should be flat head.

 

[FenderOli]

The predecessor of the current owner had had active pick-ups installed and to be able to store a battery the shaft was slightly enlarged. Does anyone know what to do with the markings on the body, do body and neck belong together, what do you think?

Are you able to read these 8 digits?

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

You are right my friend. I just wanted to mention the "Bridge Saddles" only. Screws should be flat head.

I couldn't see those threaded saddles, so you were also right. So, that's a modern replacement bridge.

 

[dalkowski]

The only thing I'm not sure on is whether the pickguard from that year had the cutout at the truss access.

FWIW I have a 77/78 P (someday I'll take it apart to nail down the exact year) that I'm 99.44% sure is dead stock. Its PG does have a cutout at the truss access but it's not nearly as pronounced.

 

[Dragan]

If the price is right, truss rod in order, good ol' p bass being light as that, l'd buy it.

 

[74hc]

That body doesn't look remotely similar to me from a Fender in that time period.

Neck looks legitimately made by Fender though. But, I feel the rest is parts.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

The Bridge looks replaced, as well, to me. Either it has been well taken cared of or replaced, but definitely replaced IMO.

 

[FranF]

Neck is legit '78. Bridge is newer/non-Fender. The body is Fender, but newer I suspect, like '80-83. As we know, the S8 (and S9) serials lasted right up to the end, or early '83.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Neck is legit '78. Bridge is newer/non-Fender. The body is Fender, but newer I suspect, like '80-83. As we know, the S8 (and S9) serials lasted right up to the end, or early '83.

I think this is an accurate assessment. We're probably looking at an early 80s Precision.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Neck plate, bridge, pickups, and probably knobs are all replacement.
But otherwise it's a remarkably pristine 78.
Not a " collectors" bass..guess you could hunt down original replacements if you wanted to go that route, but I wouldn't bother. If it plays/sounds good,
I'd call it a "player" and rock it.
As you can see by my handle, I'm a big supporter of the the 78P.
I'd be interested to know what they're asking for it.