I just got this nice used Fender Precision Bass which is surprisingly lightweight (7.8 lbs) considering the era it was made and the fact that the body is ash.
At first glance it looks like a late 70's model with the S9 serial number, black pickguard, thumb rest and chrome covers, but the tone pot dates to 1981 and the neck is clearly stamped "82". The standard Precision bass pictured in the 1982 catalog has white pickguard & pickups with no thumb rest or covers, but it's well documented that Fender was using up old stock during this time and some older components appeared up until CBS sold Fender. I've seen other Fender guitars and basses with with a 1981-83 production date that still had 70's features including Stratocasters and Jazz Basses with three bolt necks and bullet truss rods. One aspect that seems to be from the 80's is the body contouring which is more pronounced like the early Fullerton reissues. I'm also a fan of the dark sunburst finish. The black portion of the sunburst actually appears brown in direct sunlight
The bass appears to be original except for a Norsdtrand np4 pickup. I haven't had much experience with aftermarket pickups (my other two Fender basses are stock), but it really sounds great with lots of clear highs, tight low end, and an even response. I used it on my gig last night and I plan to use it tonight as well.
Here are some pics including the "82" neck stamp:
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- Steve
At first glance it looks like a late 70's model with the S9 serial number, black pickguard, thumb rest and chrome covers, but the tone pot dates to 1981 and the neck is clearly stamped "82". The standard Precision bass pictured in the 1982 catalog has white pickguard & pickups with no thumb rest or covers, but it's well documented that Fender was using up old stock during this time and some older components appeared up until CBS sold Fender. I've seen other Fender guitars and basses with with a 1981-83 production date that still had 70's features including Stratocasters and Jazz Basses with three bolt necks and bullet truss rods. One aspect that seems to be from the 80's is the body contouring which is more pronounced like the early Fullerton reissues. I'm also a fan of the dark sunburst finish. The black portion of the sunburst actually appears brown in direct sunlight
The bass appears to be original except for a Norsdtrand np4 pickup. I haven't had much experience with aftermarket pickups (my other two Fender basses are stock), but it really sounds great with lots of clear highs, tight low end, and an even response. I used it on my gig last night and I plan to use it tonight as well.
Here are some pics including the "82" neck stamp:
View media item 10409
View media item 10410
View media item 10411
View media item 10412
- Steve
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