Then he wouldn't bump his rump when he jumped.
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What if Fender named the Precision differently back in 57?
- Thread starter EmaTheMirror
- Start date
I'd be interested to learn why it was called a Precision. Was there any reason behind it, or it just sounded cool?
Might have well called it the Perfection bass, with the way people brag on it endlessly ... 
The big idea was to create a more portable alternative for upright players. "Precision" comes from the frets, with allowed upright players to intonate notes with accuracy, and even swag in some circumstances.
And before you ask, the Fender Jazz with its offset body was marketed as the bass version of the Jazzmaster. Bonus: It was no less precise than the Precision.
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Yet another useless "what if" thread to waste some time and guess in hindsight
Besides the J/P iconic status as a duo, we can say that the P has a true "iconic" status-quo, and also comes up to most people's minds as "the bass that started it all".
Yet, when we picture said bass, we mostly refer to the 57 split-coil P version, which was quite objectively a fairly different instrument in its third iteration (with the 54 in between): besides ergonomics, the electronics were different and in a slightly different spot, the hardware was different (the 4-saddle bridge and stringing method was a major change for things to come too) and the visuals changed quite a bit too, with a tactile impact given by the different pickguard/control plate, rounder horn contour and a different headstock.
Probably not quite as different as a 57 P vs J, but some might even argue that.
So, my thoughts were: if Leo Fender decided to brand the new bass in 57 as a different model (say, the "Noiseless" bass
I know this thread is a time waster, but I am really wondering if marketing had a substantial role in writing the history of electric bass in its early days. What do you think?
The Precision bass was named because it had frets though.. not because of the pickup
If grandma had wheels she'd be a wagon
A P by any other name would smell as sweet
I don't care what it's called, just shut up and play it
A P by any other name would smell as sweet
I don't care what it's called, just shut up and play it
.... and if my chicken coop had another door, it'd be a sedan.If grandma had wheels she'd be a wagon
A P by any other name would smell as sweet
I don't care what it's called, just shut up and play it
It'd look like my cat
The Precision bass was named because it had frets though.. not because of the pickup
That I know, you probably quoted the wrong one
Nailed it!
I know, but see how these BS threads get traction? The moment I'm trying to gather (or divulge) some meaningful info it's always a struggle, lol
Mine actually had wheels, but interestingly enough she was a bike.
Lower pedigree running in the family, I suppose...
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Nahh, I'd be living off H&Barbera's royalties, if that were the case...
Anyway, memo for myself to stick on my background/wallpaper/post-it board and whatever is very visible:
Don't expect everyone to go past the thread title and read the actual OP before replying
Don't expect everyone to go past the thread title and read the actual OP before replying
So if starting in 1957 Fender sold both a Telecaster/Precision bass, and introduced a Stratocaster Bass (what we now know as a split coil Precision bass) which bass would have become the "Fender bass" sound?
I think the split coil "Stratocaster" bass would still have become the standard "Fender" sound. Players would still have gravitated to the new improved version because of the split pickup, contoured body, and four saddle bridge. Doesn't matter what Leo called it, it's what players would have used.
I think the split coil "Stratocaster" bass would still have become the standard "Fender" sound. Players would still have gravitated to the new improved version because of the split pickup, contoured body, and four saddle bridge. Doesn't matter what Leo called it, it's what players would have used.
In response to the OP, I don't think marketing it under a different name would have made a difference. It was the design that endured, and I think it would have regardless of the name.
Only thing that would be different would be I'd want a Fender N-bass with a J neck.
Only thing that would be different would be I'd want a Fender N-bass with a J neck.
This reminded me of the Spinal Tap "none more black" moment.
How much more TB could that picture with the carrot be? None more TB.
thanks for the chuckle,
GT
