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NBD: '63 American Vintage Precision

Neon Blues

Neon Blues

May 9, 2012
1,695
3,112
Melbourne, Australia
#1
Ok, just wow! Seriously!

The night I spent with this bass was a life changing experience. Now I know, they are a classic bass that everyone should own and considering I play predominantly Blues. It SHOULD be my go to bass.

I have long boycotted the Precision simply because everyone uses one and I hate having something everyone has.

The only explanation I can think of, is this bass sounds like Marilyn Monroe climaxing and put into a bass.

Running the bass with the Fender flats (which will be swapped out today for La Bella's), a Bass Mute and run through an Ampeg V4B into a 215 Cab, just amazing tone. I know it's only been 1 night but it truly is the finest I have ever sounded.

I honestly don't think my other basses will see much time unless I am slapping a few songs in my new band and I can see a fair few more Precisions being purchased.

The setup was flawless, but I don't like the feel of the Fender Flats but each to their own. The workmanship on the fretboard is flawless and one of the best I have experienced from a production made bass.

All the case candy was present. Though the Fender strap is pretty useless, I don't know how anyone could even use it but still a nice vintage touch. I didn't think I'd like the Mint Pickguard but it really looks great and the clay dots, I also didn't think I'd love but it just matches perfectly.

The tuners are reversed and are very high quality. They just don't budge.

My only minor complaint is that the neck is a bit sticky due to the coating on it but I am sure just needs a few hours of playing to ease up.

All in all, my finest purchase to date and simply the happiest I've been playing a new bass.

Oops, I forgot to mention. It's Seminole Red which is just to die for.

I am officially done for equipment, for the moment.

I apologize to all, my camera is pretty bad and there was no good lighting last night for better photos.
 

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#4
Yeah, but the right Scotch Brite will do even better, and not leave you with the worry of loose steel wool dust in your pickup magnets. :jawdrop: If you do go steel wool, mask the pickups with tape first.
 
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#13
TheCouchBassist said:
Those 82-84 Fullerton AVRI's must be pretty amazing as they cost almost as much as early 70's Fenders. I've heard many say they are as close as you can get to the actual pre-CBS ones.
Click to expand...


I've played a decent sized sample of 50s and 60s Fender basses, and the Fullerton reissues (which were made with jigs and pin routers like the originals) are pretty close in terms of body contours and neck profile. The later reissues, which are made on CNC machines are not quite the same. Add to that the fact that the Fullerton reissues are over 30 years old now and they really do feel and sound like vintage basses.
 
#17
Congrats on the new bass, OJC!

Re: the sticky neck: as a standard procedure, I always wipe the neck down briskly with a terry cloth towel after I play them. I've had a couple of sticky necks and after a short while of wiping them down, I find the necks are slick and smooth just like they should be.
 
#18
3M makes a series of microfiber sanding pads that will give you the smoothest glassiest neck you can imagine. You simply wet them and go from rough to finest. I do this to all my necks that still have finish on them, and they are a joy to play in all weathers.

I find the AVs lost a bit of their MOJO over the years, some of them were amazing but the feel changed a bit in a way difficult to describe. They just didn't hang together in the same way and sometimes felt a bit stiff or non woody. Sorry for being so vague, it is just an impression.

The new ones I've tried were amazing. They are beautifully made instruments.

I have an '83 Fullerton, bought it used but virtually unplayed, and I've put a lot of miles on it. The neck is not very stable up at this altitude, but it suits me as I adjust it for the venue or the day with a micro turn of the truss rod. But the neck is so slim and beautifully carved just playing it is an absolute pleasure. The rosewood is stunning, too, and the edges have rolled from being played. It's a rock monster, too, and has a bit of everything in perfect balance. Growl, thump, grind, bottom end, some bloom, and clank, are all in there's when you want, and the voice is classic throaty P that just sounds like me.
 
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Reactions: Rocky
#19
Neon Blues said:
Ok, just wow! Seriously!

The night I spent with this bass was a life changing experience. Now I know, they are a classic bass that everyone should own and considering I play predominantly Blues. It SHOULD be my go to bass.

I have long boycotted the Precision simply because everyone uses one and I hate having something everyone has.

The only explanation I can think of, is this bass sounds like Marilyn Monroe climaxing and put into a bass.

Running the bass with the Fender flats (which will be swapped out today for La Bella's), a Bass Mute and run through an Ampeg V4B into a 215 Cab, just amazing tone. I know it's only been 1 night but it truly is the finest I have ever sounded.

I honestly don't think my other basses will see much time unless I am slapping a few songs in my new band and I can see a fair few more Precisions being purchased.

The setup was flawless, but I don't like the feel of the Fender Flats but each to their own. The workmanship on the fretboard is flawless and one of the best I have experienced from a production made bass.

All the case candy was present. Though the Fender strap is pretty useless, I don't know how anyone could even use it but still a nice vintage touch. I didn't think I'd like the Mint Pickguard but it really looks great and the clay dots, I also didn't think I'd love but it just matches perfectly.

The tuners are reversed and are very high quality. They just don't budge.

My only minor complaint is that the neck is a bit sticky due to the coating on it but I am sure just needs a few hours of playing to ease up.

All in all, my finest purchase to date and simply the happiest I've been playing a new bass.

Oops, I forgot to mention. It's Seminole Red which is just to die for.

I am officially done for equipment, for the moment.

I apologize to all, my camera is pretty bad and there was no good lighting last night for better photos.
Click to expand...


I can echo the same life changing experience after the first gig with my 63 AVRI - Who knew a P-Bass could feel and sound so great!? 'Cause I sure didn't...
It's been a year since then, and it's still pretty much the only bass (out of nearly 30) that I gig with.
 
Last edited:
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#20
Congratulations on the purchase. They are great basses. One caution: the nitro finish is EXTREMELY thin and it will chip/dent/scratch easily. That's been my experience. Otherwise - enjoy. Beautiful instruments.
 

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