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1961 Fender Precision Bass
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Serial #: 55911, four bolt neckplate. Neck date, in pencil: 1-61
Weight: 8lb, 6oz. Scale length: 34" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .76/.98, 1st/12th frets
Materials: Solid figured alder body; solid one-piece maple neck; solid radiused slab rosewood fingerboard with clay dot inlays.
Hardware: Original black staggered level-pole single coil pickups with original chrome coverplate; original knurled flat top volume and tone knobs; original nickel reverse no-logo Kluson tuners; original string retainer and finger rest; original bridge saddles and bridge cover; original CTS pots and cap; original adjustable truss rod. Vintage replacement 3-ply tortoise pickguard with shielding plate.
Notes: Introduced in October of 1951, the Fender Precision Bass has single-handedly defined the electric bass guitar to this day. So iconic and ubiquitous was this revolutionary model that for decades the electric bass as an instrument was generically referred to as the 'Fender Bass'. By 1954, the body was contoured like the Stratocaster for greater comfort, and with only minor variations, the Precision Bass has remained essentially unchanged, maintaining its pre-eminince as the industry standard ever since.
This outstanding instrument has been in the collection of single owner since the mid-70's, and has been lovingly maintained, with all original electronics and hardware, right down to the factory chrome coverplates. Built in the last full year for the slab rosewood fingerboard, the solid maple neck is straight, with its original truss rod, and retains its original natural finish with smooth pro thumbwear, original decal, and pencil neck date indicating a manufacture in March of 1961. The original staggered flat-pole single coil pickups are clear and powerful, and the original CTS pots date from mid-to-late 1960, with the original disc capacitor in place.
The natural deep amber nitrocellulose lacquer finish on the body was professionally replaced over 40 years ago, and apart from some light buckle worming, appears largely free of playwear, with no cracks or checking. The three original strap buttons are in place, with the addition of an extra button positioned near the neck plate, and the 3-ply tortoise pickguard was replaced decades ago, over an additional grounding plate for maximum hum reduction. The neck has smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup, with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings, and all electronics tested and guaranteed.
An exceptionally well cared for example, this gleaming instrument is supplied with its original rectangular black tolex Fender logo plush lined hardshell case. True early '60's feel and performance, priced for the serious player. One only, call now.
