Help! Pre-CBS on Reverb.

[KYbass]

Don't know if Bob Willcutt has any in their inventory at the moment, but he's been repairing guitars for many decades in Ky and still at it so I'd venture someone at their shop in Lexington could potentially help you find what you're looking for. I'd def try before you buy. I'd have to agree that in the era you're looking for that there will be a lot of hit and miss.

I deal with them quite a bit. The shops closest to me rarely get anything more than Standards and Am Pros on the bass side of things.

 

[KYbass]

Out of curiosity, are you wanting to buy vintage as a collector piece, or as a player? I'd say that "a few CS and Masterbuilt Fenders" are as good as you can get for players, and you already own them.

My profile pic is a Smith 51 build I picked up from Willcutt. I want a pre CBS to play, simple as that.

 

[TheRealGru]

I got one and in Chicago. Check it out. Pre CBS transition period though. Fantastic bass.

For sale 1965 Fender Precision Bass – All Original – Gruhn Appraised

FS: 1965 Fender Precision Bass — all original, Brazilian rosewood board, Gruhn appraised, excellent condition, $13.5k

• TheRealGru (+20 /0 /-0)
• Jan 25, 2026
• Updated Mar 13, 2026
• Views: 1K
• Reaction score: 14
• Comments: 18
• Category: For Sale: Bass Guitars
• fender fender 1965 precision fender precision fender vintage bass

$13,500.00

13 watching

 

[MojoPin]

I got one and in Chicago. Check it out. Pre CBS transition period though. Fantastic bass.

For sale 1965 Fender Precision Bass – All Original – Gruhn Appraised

FS: 1965 Fender Precision Bass — all original, Brazilian rosewood board, Gruhn appraised, excellent condition, $13.5k

• TheRealGru (+20 /0 /-0)
• Jan 25, 2026
• Updated Mar 13, 2026
• Views: 1K
• Reaction score: 14
• Comments: 18
• Category: For Sale: Bass Guitars
• fender fender 1965 precision fender precision fender vintage bass

$13,500.00

13 watching

Don't you mean JUST transition period? To my understanding there is no such thing as a "pre CBS transition period" I mean how would that even work, CBS bought fender IN Jan 1964. EDIT: Oh I see you called it just a "transition period" p bass in your sale listing, never mind.

 

[TheRealGru]

Don't you mean JUST transition period? To my understanding there is no such thing as a "pre CBS transition period" I mean how would that even work, CBS bought fender IN Jan 1964.

Transition period. Didn’t mean to misinform.

 

[MojoPin]

Transition period. Didn’t mean to misinform.

LOL, actually you may be right, this is what google AI gave me:

The Pre-CBS transition period (roughly 1963–1965) marks the final, highly coveted years of Fender production under Leo Fender before the January 1965 CBS takeover. It is characterized by the shift from clay to pearloid dots, the introduction of the large headstock, and early cost-cutting measures (e.g., transitional logos) while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.

So never mind, there are so many names given to things, I just had never heard a period of P basses called that.

 

[TheRealGru]

LOL. For a second there I thought I was seeing things. In any way, thanks for clarifying. PM if you want to talk more. I am somewhat flexible on price, etc. in case this appeals to you.

 

[Number179]

Outcome depends on how much risk you want to take. I got a fantastic players '61 refin P-body (orig electronics, parts) that was paired with a '63 J-Neck from a rando on Reverb for a really good price; and ultimately got lucky. If you want to pay a little more and take less risk, find a broker or tour the vintage shops. I have a broker I would recommend who is not a greaseball, and would take care of you; but also add on a finder's fee of a marginal degree - DM me if you want his contact info. He wouldn't charge for consult.

 

[elgranluis]

My advice is to look though the talkbass classifieds and then post a thread discussing the actual bass. That way you’ll get everyone’s opinion on the specific item. Also , this is a bass forum so the seller will not be clueless about his bass, and it’s very likely that you can negotiate the price, specially since the other option for the seller is to let go for 50% asking price to Norm, Grun, etc.

Now about your specific need of it being pre-cbs. Give the 70s stuff a chance. I have sold every pre cbs bass that I’ve owned , and I’ve kept a few early 70s ones as thats where I’ve found the sweet spot according to my personal taste.