Precision classic question

It's a tug bar. People anchor their fingers there when they play with their thumbs way back when.

 

Yep as far as I can see they are. Today the only reason players leave them on is for a vintage look. They serve little or no useful purpose as far as modern style playing technique is concerned.

 

It's questionable they EVER served a useful purpose. Have you ever known a devout tugbar User?

 

It's difficult to say if they are identical or not without the specs, but they both look to be a 57' AVRI. As mentioned, one has the tugbar installed and the other does not.

 

Thumb rest.

 

I concur, they both look like a Mexican Classic 50s.

The tug bar was included because Leo thought that guitar players would play it without a strap... And pluck the strings with their thumbs. Imagine that. Around '74 it was moved to the bass side of the strings and used as a thumb rest.

 

If you look carefully the one without the tug bar still has the holes in the pickguard.

I don't know for sure but i guess it might be like the American vintage series, you receive the hardware and can choose to instal it or not.

Either way, if it comes pre installed just unscrew it, not a big deal.

The tug bar was never meant to replace a strap otherwise early basses would not have had strap buttons! There where put there because Leo imagined an electric bass would be played with your thumb and they allowed you to anchor your fingers while doing so.

Sting plays mostly like that.

When he realised more and more players played with their fingers, (in the 70s) he moved the tug bar over the strings and it was renamed a thumb rest.

 

No, the classics come with ZERO hardware extras such as covers and tug bar. The holes are not drilled either. They must be purchased separately. The Classics are awesome P basses. I have a Fiesta Red with Fralins. Essentially a no frills 57 AVRI, but with a thick poly finish. Awesome bang for the buck. Best value P bass out there, IMO.