N(U)BD! Fender American Original 60's Precision

Nice bass. Such a classy finish.

 

That’s a beauty for sure.

 

Nice bass I am also considering getting one of these. A surf green one. Like you I am also apprehensive about the neck. I have a bluesman vintage with a fat back neck but the nut is 1.6”, i don’t know if I can handle a 1.73” wide nut. My old g&l was 1.75” and always gave me hand fatigue. Have you measured this neck?

regards,

Ed

 

I have it's cousin (American Original Jazz), which I like a lot.

 

I just bought the same bass in Lake Placid Blue and I'm loving it. I've noticed that no adjustments tools are provided in the case, just the certificate, booklets etc.
I see that both the truss rod and bridge saddles must be adjusted with common screwdrivers, but come on... really?!
I have plenty of tools at home so it's not a problem for me personally, but I wonder wht Fender does this?

 

What adjustment tool do you need? I have an AO 50's Tele and it didn't come with a Philips head screwdriver to adjust the truss rod. I wasn't terribly surprised. It might be an issue if you needed a specific metric Allen key or something else that might not be available to most people but a Philips head screwdriver? Should Fender have included a capo, a set of feeler gauges, or radius gauges?

 

Of course not.
What you're saying does make sense, actually I said in another thread that all the adjustments tools you need with this bass are common tools that almost everybody have at home. I have plenty of setup tools at home so it's not a problem at all, but it would be nice to get a basic tool like these.


I said this because every Fender instrument I bought came with some tools, it wasn't a rant at all.

 

First, I have to say the thick U shaped neck on my AO Tele hasn’t needed any adjustments and plays like a dream ( if you like fat necks that is) so I haven’t needed to make any adjustments. However, when I do need to adjust the neck I‘m not attempting to do the adjustment with one of those bent screwdrivers. I’m pulling the neck and doing it safely and securely. I don’t want to damage my black guard or the body of the guitar. I know adjustments can be done without going through all the trouble but I paid a lot of money for my AO and I’d rather not cause any unnecessary, accidental damage if it can be avoided.

Second, I saw your comment on the other thread about an AO so it’s obviously an issue with you otherwise you wouldn’t have wasted your time to twice make the observation that these AO instruments don’t come with tools. I think it was wise for Fender to NOT provide an L shaped screwdriver with the guitar for a couple of reasons.

Anyone who has experience with one of these Fenders knows what would be involved with making adjustment on the neck and would already have all the tools they need. On the other hand putting an L screwdriver into the hands of a novice might inspire them into attempting a reckless adjustment that might cause more damage than necessary to the body, pickguard or even the truss rod.

It’s one thing to noodle around with a truss rod at the other end of the neck. But giving a novice an L shaped screwdriver without clear instructions when there’s no safe way to access the truss rod where the neck meets the body is a recipe for disaster. Frankly, it was smart for Fender to omit any tools for adjustment.

 

It's not an issue at all, I appreciate your concern and your help. I have plenty of tools at home because I do the routine maintennance by myself and I know how to work on a Fender bass safely. Some tools are better and/or safer than others, but if you know what you're doing it's not a problem. Those pictures I posted were just a reference.

 

Moving on: that's a beautiful bass you have there. Well done!

 

I spent some time with mine and the overall setup was a success. Truss rod adjustment isn't hard to do, just a little bit uncomfortable.
I've loosen the strings, unscrewed the neck screws, popped the neck out just enough to have access with a flat screwdriver. I was able to get the relief I wanted at the first attempt, so it worked well for me.
I also removed the thumb rest and it's way better now.

 

Nice bass! Congratulations!

 

I have one just like that and I really like it. The neck is a bit chunky and wide at first compared to many basses but I got used to it much faster than I expected. The only minor complaint I have is I don’t get why they went to 9,5’ radius and the narrow tall frets. They could do that on the other more modern models but since this is supposed to be a pretty authentic version of a 60s Fender one of the key factors is the 7,25’ radius and the standard small vintage frets as they had on the 63 AVRI and other similar reproductions.
All I can guess is it’s a production matter and that it’s easier to produce all the necks the same way.
I know some of you will say it doesn’t matter or that you actually prefer the new radius and that’s fine but not the issue. I like my 60s Original, it’s a great bass but at the same time I’m brought up on the vintage necks and really prefer the 7,25’ radius for it’s playability in my hands. So it’s a drag they couldn’t stick with the traditional specs all the way here.

 

Nice bass...

I have the Olympic White version!!

 

Hi!

I am very interested in this bass. I have own a American Standard Precision Bass (2013) and a Professional Precision (2016) and must say that I like the Standard better than the Professional. I had them at the same time and like the Standard neck better. The Pickup on the Professional was good and sound a little bit "wider".

I have own the Standard Anniversary 60th telecaster bass and love that 59 pickup. It´s amazing!

So... yes, I regretting that I sold my Standard and the Anniversary but not the Professional. I miss the precision basses and need to buy a new one. Maybe this 60th...

The Professional has the "’63 P Bass neck profile" but I like the modern C better.

Can anyone describe this 60th neck? Is it the same as the professional bass neck?

 

I had a white American Original 60s P and it was amazing. It's shown in my profile pic to the left..