The first Fender precision bass !

Not sure, but legend has it that John Entwistle owned serial number 043. There is a photo of him with some of his collection in the Cool Rock 'n Roll Photos thread. There are several early Precision basses in the photo.

 

In my garage. At least last time I checked. It had a hum I didn’t care for so I let the kid play around with it.

 

The serial numbers were not sequential, so can't go by that. Production started in Nov of 51. There are thought to have been 2 to 4 prototypes made and TB member @TheDialog has a very early Sept proto w/ some non production details [2 screw tug bar, longer control panel].

The body on mine dates to NOV 7 51.

 

As mentioned, production on the 1951 P Bass was very late 1951. I have read production was sometime in October (may have been November).

Nobody knows how many were made in late 1951. Many say less than 100. Some even think only 40 something. Nobody knows.

There are not very many "alive" that still exist today. Landfill.

2saddleslab is one of the lucky ones to have a '51 body.

I know of a fellow in the Boston area that has a complete 1951. He sent me some photos of it. I feel like getting into the car and driving to his house just to praise and worship it (so to speak).

 

I'll go with ya'!

 

This one is confirmed one of the first 5 precision basses, notes by the lacquer on the pickguard. Saw it when I visited the metropolitan museum of art in nyc some time ago.

 

If you're ever close to Columbus, bring yours and PM me!

 

You must be a bass player cause your timing is impeccable.

I might be heading to Columbus next Tuesday to meet some old friends from work. It's not etched in stone just yet as I might need to help my dad [who made the saddles for my 51] on Tuesday. But will let you know.

 

Early P basses may be like "burst" Les Pauls = the common saying about those is that 700 were made, of which only 2000 exist today.

 

Good Morning,
try reading this thread first

A brief (incomplete) tale of Fender Precision Bass Serial #001

 

Basstrodamus.

 

I'd be interested in hearing an early 50s P bass with era correct strings through an original early 50s bassman amp

 

The 1951 Fender Precisions were all paired with 1951 Pro Amps. The Bassman didn't come out until the middle of 1952.

 

I have it... decades ago I cut it down into a teardrop shape and refinned it.

 

Don't believe everything you read (see the above post). I have it in a closet in my attic; I got it from my uncle years ago as an inheritance.

 

I was $300 short of buying #28 in 1976. Unplayed, still had the tag explaining how to tune it hanging off the A string. Raced home to get the cash, but was too late.