Post Your '51-55 Precision or Tele-inspired bass

[God's Favorite Bass]

Great pic.

Here's my 90 year old dad who made the complete bridge on the Cabronita, and the saddles for my 51/55 over 30 years ago. My very own Leo, as he could make just about anything.
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That's soool cool!

 

[2saddleslab]

That's soool cool!

Thanks, pal!

My dad made everything from custom aluminum storm windows, to a [couple] brass baby bed, to a custom go-kart made from stainless steel tubing that would reach 30mph [which is fast when your butt is only a couple inches off the ground], to chopper forks for my Stingray bike. I felt like the luckiest kid on the block. He also customized/ modified almost everything he owned, which is where I got that obsession. Unfortunately I didn't inherit his building skills.

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Thanks, pal!

My dad made everything from custom aluminum storm windows, to a [couple] brass baby bed, to a custom go-kart made from stainless steel tubing that would reach 30mph [which is fast when your butt is only a couple inches off the ground], to chopper forks for my Stingray bike. I felt like the luckiest kid on the block. He also customized/ modified almost everything he owned, which is where I got that obsession. Unfortunately I didn't inherit his building skills.

That's like my grampa was. He was an announced at the first radio station in Oklahoma, then the first tv station. Such an innovative guy and taught me so much about all things electrical and mechanical. They built guys different then *sigh* and you are indeed fortunate.

 

[GregC]

Here's my RS Guitarworks contoured-body Superlative Bass. Easily the best looking and sounding bass I own. It doesn't get much time because, believe it or not, it's neck approximates a jazz vs precision. And even though I can adjust, I prefer the bigger p necks. View attachment 4032141 View attachment 4032143 View attachment 4032144 View attachment 4032145

Holy cow, that's beautiful! I'm a medium P bass neck guy (1.625"), but I'm fine with J necks.

 

[2saddleslab]

That's like my grampa was. He was an announced at the first radio station in Oklahoma, then the first tv station. Such an innovative guy and taught me so much about all things electrical and mechanical. They built guys different then *sigh* and you are indeed fortunate.

Agreed, there's a reason they are called the Greatest Generation.

On top of everything he did us [his kids], he was also sole caregiver to my mom, who battled Alzheimer's for over a dozen years. And underwent triple bypass with nothing more than a couple Tylenol. Hell, I've been known to shed a tear on a hangnail.

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Put it back together. Can't put it down.

 

[redstrand]

Put it back together. Can't put it down.View attachment 4033538

secksay.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Took some new pics, trying to focus more:

 

[LARAIDER]

My re-done 53' "Sting" bass. I call it "Patricia" after my late sister who was born in 1953. With added lollipop tuners.

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Took some new pics, trying to focus more:

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Pornariffic!

 

[JEDI BASS]

Put it back together. Can't put it down.View attachment 4033538

Who did the paint? It's gorgeous! And, I'm a big fan of your pickup choice too! The Model P sounds sooooo good!

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Who did the paint? It's gorgeous! And, I'm a big fan of your pickup choice too! The Model P sounds sooooo good!

Thanks man! All hosannas for the paint work go to Marty Bell. Fantastic guy to do business with. Google him up! He did a P bass for me as well in Brilliant Apple red flake.

 

[J. Crawford]

 

[EdBo]

Been giving my Roadworn-Refin Dirnt a lot of love in the past few weeks. It's a growling-grind machine.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Does anyone know what colors Fender used 51-55? I did a build in butterscotch blonde, but am thinking of re-finishing.

 

[johnk_10]

Does anyone know what colors Fender used 51-55? I did a build in butterscotch blonde, but am thinking of re-finishing.

from '51 to '54 (the slab bodied ones) were all blonde (mostly butterscotch blonde) with a black bakelite pickguard. in '55 (when they introduced the arm relief and tummy cut on them) they were were two tone sunburst with single ply white ABS pickguards.

 

[2saddleslab]

from '51 to '54 (the slab bodied ones) were all blonde (mostly butterscotch blonde) with a black bakelite pickguard. in '55 (when they introduced the arm relief and tummy cut on them) they were were two tone sunburst with single ply white ABS pickguards.

I would agree with the above. The blonde finish earned it's butterscotch tint via natural nitro aging, years spent around lots of smokers and smokey environments.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Thanks. When did they start with the solid paint colors?

 

[johnk_10]

you could order a guitar or bass in the early to late 50's in a custom color but it was actually quite rare and it was specified by the customer for a 5% upcharge. it wasn't until 1960 when the first custom color chart was listed.

 

[johnpaulbass]

She's arriving this week