Picking a Vintage Fender Precision

[bassdude51]

Reading this thread and the posts, it just hit me that the split coil pre-CBS Fender P was only made for 7 short years from 1957 through 1964. And I think that it actually came out mid or late 1957 making less than 7 years.

As for best years for a pre-CBS P Bass. It's anyone's opinion. I'd say any year with the old original pre '64 decal and slab rosewood fretboard before Fender went veneer.

Perhaps 1961 to 1963.

Although it would be sooooooo nice to own a pre-CBS Fender Bass, an AVRI or Custom Shop Bass in actuality would be a better made bass to own and play.

Taking into account the forever shrinking value of the American Dollar. Buying an AVRI or Custom Shop bass today is about the same or cheaper than it was to spend about $300 on a brand new Fender bass back in the late 50s or 60s. Plus, today's basses are made much, much better.

 

[GM60466]

Personally, I would not shop on ebay. There are a lot of mid-'60s P bass being offered all over the place.

 

[bassdude51]

I am yearning for a vintage Fender Precision, from the 1950's or 1960s. I have been window shopping on eBay and see that the 1950s are very expensive, so I am guessing it will have to be a 60s for me
Here is my question: Are Fender Precisions like wines? I mean, are some years better than others? Is there a 'best year' for a 1960s Precision?
Apart from year, what other features (neck, machines, tuners, etc.) are worth paying attention to in buying a vintage Precision?

The split coil P Bass stayed pretty much the same up until 1967.

Rosewood fretboards were on all P Basses starting in 1960 (please correct me if I am wrong).

The rosewood went from slab to veneer sometime in 1963.

The pickup went to a gray bottom fiber board in 1964.

The headstock decal changed in late '63 or in '64.

Some small chrome knob changes from year to year.

But once again, the P Bass stayed pretty much the same up through 1966.

 

[Kevin aka Kebo]

Jim - Agreed, if we take the precision line from 51 to 66, its almost like we have 4 different basses. Just to simplify, 59 to 65, for both Ps and Js, The Js remained pretty static with really 1 neck and 2 different pick up vibes.. The p did have a few more... As stated by a fellow TBer , the logos, knobs, small stuff did change but ot has no variation of tone or value. I appriciate your healthy candor..

Me personally, I just dont like the CS stuff.. The earlier stuff I like better but they never felt real or sounded real. 85% of the way, but not all the way. As for playability - They play great, theyre brand new and do not have 40 to 50 years of use. An old Ferrari that isnt maintained will also perform like crap..

Refins - I love em, we sell every one.. Theyre priced within reach, you can gig with em, an essentially - it is what it is..

At the end of the day, we all like what we like - theres no right answer, theres no wrong answer. Its only whats right for you.. I like this thread. Good healthy RESPECTFUL conversation

 

[geddy402]

You can actually find a refinished 60s p bass formless than a new CS...keep an eye on craigslist and the talk bass classifieds too.

 

[Mastermold]

Refins are a great way to get a pre-CBS and you're more likely to play it too.

 

[Rob S]

I would say 1961-1963 is the best choice for optimizing the balance of history, quality, playability and tone. I own quite a few vintage Precisions. I find I don't like how the slab bodies feel (but I love the look of these '51-'53 basses). The '54-'56 basses are better, but not great like the '57-'59s/'60. But these cost a small fortune and the original anodized guards are either already changed out or doomed to decay.

 

[cripula]

Personally, I haven't found any CS bass I liked nearly as much as a good pre cbs P bass.
I would gladly take a nice refin any day - and I have!

They all have their charms, but I'm very partial to the 60-65 basses. The slab boards are sweet, but I'd have no problem with a veneer either.

 

[ROOTSnFIFTHS]

There is a refin 63 for $4800 and an original 63 for $4000 on Ebay right now...FYI

 

[Jim Carr]

Personally, I haven't found any CS bass I liked nearly as much as a good pre-cbs P-bass. I would gladly take a nice refin any day - and I have!...

It is tough to find a great CS bass that is the "right one." I got lucky while searching for a vintage Jazz. Most of the older instruments I played were either three bolt '70s pickup spacing and very heavy, or just not lively enough for me.

I actually sold my '69 P-bass (used to be my main squeeze) to get a CS Jazz relic, and haven't quit using that Jazz bass since I got it.

Fact is, you can find fine refinished instruments OR fine CS Fender instruments. But without comparing the instrument you are considering buying to a familiar "good example," you are taking your chances, and counting purely on memory and emotion.

Furthermore, buying an old bass buys you woe that may not be obvious. One finds mostly used up truss rod adjustment hidden by light gauge strings. As noted before, swapped necks, pickups, pots, bridges, pick-guards, and bogus neckplates can make it hard to date a bass, so being hung-up on a refinished P-bass of a particular vintage may lead one down the rabbit hole.

Ideally, be in a position to restring the bass under consideration with the strings you like, and put another fresh set on your current favorite P-bass. Play them in a quiet room, unplugged, and with a good amp.

You will hear what you need to hear.