Introduced in November 1951, the Fender Precision Bass was the first electric bass ever produced. It was a revolutionary instrument which, alongside its 6 string counterparts, arguably went on to shape the sound of popular music across the next 70 years. The influence of the Precision Bass is undeniable on the tone of music from the latter half of the 20th century. From Motown to the Wrecking Crew, from punk to stadium rock, the Precision Bass has been ever present. This 1952 Fender Precision Bass is a fantastic, collector grade example from the first full production year.
This 1952 Fender Precision Bass guitar features a slab Ash body with a Maple neck and fingerboard. During this period, the Precision Bass would share many characteristics with other instruments of Fender's 'Blackguard' period, with a non contour body, Telecaster shape peghead, and black lacquered pick guard. The neck has a fairly large rounded 'D' profile which is typical for the time, along with a 7.25" neck radius. The body is fitted with the original single coil, flat pole pickup that would remain a feature of the Precision Bass until the models redesign in mid-1957. The bridge is original as are all saddles and screws, with the serial number (0244) stamped on to the bridge denoting this as a particularly early example.
This Precision Bass features matching 'TG' initialled neck pocket and neck heel pencil dates, indicating the guitar was made by Tadeo Gomez, arguably Fender's most celebrated luthier of the 1950's. The body shows a pencil date of 7-3-52, while the neck heel is dated 7-14-52.
The electronics are all original, with the lesser seen Clarostat pots dating to the 3rd week of 1952 (140203). The original brown chiclet paper box cap is present and correct, as are the reverse action open gear tuners. The guitar has been fully black lit to confirm that the Blonde finish is original throughout, with no paint visible in the 'lazy susan' nail holes. There is some minor play wear to the fingerboard and some very small areas of play wear and patina to the finish on the guitar, but it is overall an excellent example, with the unyellowed blonde finish under the guard contrasting with the age of the rest of the body. The only thing of note with this instrument is an extra, misplaced screw hole for the bridge cover, though this is covered by the bridge cover when it is in place.
This guitar has been given a full appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, with a detailed breakdown confirming the originality of all constituent parts, including internal photos that are available on request. As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar includes a 3 year warranty.
