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HELP! Is this a 1963 Fender Precision Bass? Authenticity verification thread

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by kernel666, Jun 30, 2020.

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  1. Jun 30, 2020 #1
    kernel666

    kernel666

    Sep 15, 2005
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Hey fellas! I was wondering if you could help me figure out this next bass... There's some weird things with it that make me want to start this thread.
    First off, there is no date on the neck... it has been repainted and apparently the neck was sanded, and for some reason they erased the neck date.
    Next, the fine print under the "precision bass" decal looks different than al other 1963 P's headstocks I've seen online.
    Another weird thing is the pots - they're different from each other, and that cap doesn't look original.
    What's your guys's take on this? Any input is well appreciated.
    Attaching all detailed pics I could get.
    Thanks in advance!
     

    Attached Files:

    tommyeadg likes this.
  2. Jun 30, 2020 #2
    Flaked Beans

    Flaked Beans

    Sep 9, 2005
    NYC
    Yep, refinished '63 P bass it is.
     
  3. Jul 1, 2020 #3
    elgranluis

    elgranluis

    Feb 14, 2003
    Vail, CO
    Some parts look original. The decal and headstock finish look very questionable, so maybe not original.
     
  4. Jul 1, 2020 #4
    murphy

    murphy Supporting Member

    May 5, 2004
    Canada
    Was it underwater?
     
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  5. Jul 1, 2020 #5
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    Looks pretty much legit to me, too. Decal looks exactly like my 62, except the leftmost part of the patent numbers are worn away. Bridge, tuners, pickups, knobs all look correct. Obviously the tone pot was replaced (and the cap as well). Might be a repro pickguard, at least the shield is missing. Condition of the fingerboard is appropriate for a 63, it's hard to relic rosewood ;) The real question: is the asking price reasonable for a refin 63? I have no idea what the going rate is these days.
     
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  6. Jul 1, 2020 #6
    kernel666

    kernel666

    Sep 15, 2005
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Why do you ask my friend? Any specific tell tales?
     
  7. Jul 1, 2020 #7
    kernel666

    kernel666

    Sep 15, 2005
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Thank you so much man! Yeah, I think the clay dots and the aging of the rosewood are indicators this neck is probably its original neck... only weird thing is that the patents under the headstock decal indicate an earlier P-Bass, so maaaybe when it was refinished, they replaced the decal with an aftermarket one but from a different (earlier) year.

    Appreciate all other responses, this is helping me come to a conclusion sooner than expected.
     
  8. Jul 1, 2020 #8
    murphy

    murphy Supporting Member

    May 5, 2004
    Canada
    Just the way the rust is around the controls and the pegs makes me think it was either under water or in extremely humid conditions
     
    HG1180 likes this.
  9. Jul 1, 2020 #9
    kernel666

    kernel666

    Sep 15, 2005
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Oh yeah, it definitely saw its share of heavy humidity
     
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  10. Jul 1, 2020 #10
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    The numbers still visible on that decal match the numbers on my 1962 P. The decal seems legit for that period.
     
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  11. Jul 1, 2020 #11
    kernel666

    kernel666

    Sep 15, 2005
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Oh wow, great to know! I really appreciate all the input, you guys are the best!
     
  12. Jul 1, 2020 #12
    bherman

    bherman Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 30, 2009
    Grand Junction, CO
    Lots of corrosion to be seen - makes me think that it wasn't underwater, but stored somewhere pretty damp for a good long while.
     
    murphy likes this.