Whats the nearest I can get to a Fender American Vintage '58 Precision Bass ?

[coffee_king]

Hey all
Whats the nearest I can get to a Fender American Vintage '58 Precision Bass these days without paying stupid money?
So say like a Mexican with some added extras. (Gold anodised aluminium pickguard with lacquer finish, thumbrest etc)

I dont care about the chrome pickup and bridge covers.
Im not OVERLY bothered about the decal being 100% correct.

I basically want it to look like this in the end, with this exact body colour and maple neck

[attachment=256206:fender-american-vintage-58-precision-bass.jpg]

Thanks in advance

[miles'tone]

Ta-da!

http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/fender_50s_precision_bass_maple_fretboard_2-color_sunburst.asp?gclid=CjwKCAjw7MDPBRAFEiwAppdF9CndBCmCFfYuj4WQSQGQX_Gm4Z6XmvjV86FTB2IAm0AhhpHmMFnp-hoCELIQAvD_BwE

[bartelby]

What's your definition of stupid money?


I was about to suggest the same as miles'tone.

Edited October 25, 2017 by bartelby

[NJE]

Keep on the lookout for a secondhand Mexican Classic 50's precision. They are GREAT basses, such a big beefy tone and neck which I love. I have seen them go for £450 in good condition and they are well worth the money. I have never found aftermarket necks that match those big 50's necks so if you want to keep that level of authenticity I don't think you would be able to build a bass from parts for less.

[Cat Burrito]

There is also a classic 50s Japanese Fender P-bass. It was my first bass and I have another one as I re-bought it a couple of years back. The MIM classic would be my thoughts too, unless you are lucky enough to find a CIJ / MIJ model.

[coffee_king]

[quote name='miles'tone' timestamp='1508928323' post='3395375']
Ta-da!

[url="http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/fender_50s_precision_bass_maple_fretboard_2-color_sunburst.asp?gclid=CjwKCAjw7MDPBRAFEiwAppdF9CndBCmCFfYuj4WQSQGQX_Gm4Z6XmvjV86FTB2IAm0AhhpHmMFnp-hoCELIQAvD_BwE"]http://www.richtonem...-hoCELIQAvD_BwE[/url]
[/quote]

Oh, that is nice. Still sound like quiet a lot money for a MM mind you. I'm not saying I wont consider it though so thanks

[wateroftyne]

[quote name='coffee_king' timestamp='1508930397' post='3395399']
Oh, that is nice. Still sound like quiet a lot money for a MM mind you. I'm not saying I wont consider it though so thanks
[/quote]

That's how much MIM stuff is these days, unfortunately. FWIW, the new MIM stuff is great.

[coffee_king]

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1508930899' post='3395402']
That's how much MIM stuff is these days, unfortunately. FWIW, the new MIM stuff is great.
[/quote]
Oh yeah, totally.

[FinnDave]

I bought a classic 50s Precision last week, MiM but it's better than the standards made there. I have had a classic 60s jazz for the last four years plus, also MiM and still sounds good without any mods.

[discreet]

[quote name='coffee_king' timestamp='1508930397' post='3395399']
Still sound like quiet a lot money for a MM mind you.
[/quote][quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1508931460' post='3395407']
I bought a classic 50s Precision last week, MiM but it's better than the standards made there.
[/quote]

Yes. One shouldn't regard these as 'regular' Mexican basses, because they are much better than that. The Roadworns in particular are on a par with any USA P basses in my opinion.

[quote name='NJE' timestamp='1508928945' post='3395381']
I have never found aftermarket necks that match those big 50's necks...
[/quote]

The 1.75" nut width, 7.25" board radius one-piece maple necks on the MIM 50s basses are as good as anything out there. Yes, they are difficult to source as aftermarket items, as I discovered just recently. The options are to import one from a specialist in the States (expensive), have one built by a luthier in the UK (ditto) or buy a bass with one fitted. At £824 or thereabouts these MIM 50s P Basses are astonishingly good value. They play really well and sound fantastic. If you want 'that' P Bass sound there's no more affordable way to get it.

[coffee_king]

Anyone know the difference between the 57 and the 58?

[Hellzero]

Check this, the best site about vintage Fender's : http://www.guitarhq.com/fender.html

I guess that logically the 57 should be the first version, so something close to the Sting model, different shape and pickup.

[Paul S]

MIJs are consistently good, Fender and Squiers. I have a JV Squier in that livery (well, white faded to cream pickguard) that is exceptional.

[Marc S]

A bit more money than the MIM Classic 50's Precision is the Roadworn 50's Precision
Yes, it's roadworn, which may not be to everyone's taste - but they're absolutely amazing.
If you can get one second-hand, again, you'd save a bit more dosh

I've got one, and it's my go-to bass. Really well put together, plays like a dream, sounds & feels great to play, and nice & lightweight (the lightest P I've ever picked up)

[JapanAxe]

Go second hand - BC Market Place is your friend!

[gareth]

[quote name='coffee_king' timestamp='1509003997' post='3395868']
Anyone know the difference between the 57 and the 58?
[/quote]none

[howdenspur]

[quote name='coffee_king' timestamp='1509003997' post='3395868']
Anyone know the difference between the 57 and the 58?
[/quote]
Sticking my neck out here but...was 3TSB introduced for 58?

[discreet]

[quote name='Hellzero' timestamp='1509005285' post='3395886']I guess that logically the 57 should be the first version, so something close to the Sting model, different shape and pickup.
[/quote]

IIRC, the Precision first appeared in 51, then what you could call the 'Sting' version (two-colour sunburst with white guard) was from late 54 to mid-57, the 'new' version with humbucking split pickup, revised pickguard and headstock shape was from mid-57. Rosewood boards appeared in 1959 and tort guards around 1960. All these dates are fluid - being Fender there were aberrations and exceptions aplenty depending on availability of parts, etc.

[quote name='howdenspur' timestamp='1509018499' post='3396050']
Sticking my neck out here but...was 3TSB introduced for 58?
[/quote]

You are correct. In 58 you could get a 3TSB with gold guard and one-piece maple neck and in 59 a 3TSB with gold guard and rosewood board - which was only available for one year, hence its rarity. 3TSB, tort guard and rosewood board appeared in 1960.

All approximate, of course - Fender transitions are notoriously hard to date with 100% accuracy.

Edited October 26, 2017 by discreet

[howdenspur]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1509019592' post='3396060']
IIRC, the Precision first appeared in 51, then what you could call the 'Sting' version (two-colour sunburst with white guard) was from late 54 to mid-57, the 'new' version with humbucking split pickup, revised pickguard and headstock shape was from mid-57. Rosewood boards appeared in 1959 and tort guards around 1960. All these dates are fluid - being Fender there were aberrations and exceptions aplenty depending on availability of parts, etc.



You are correct. In 58 you could get a 3TSB with gold guard and one-piece maple neck and in 59 a 3TSB with gold guard and rosewood board - which was only available for one year, hence its rarity. 3TSB, tort guard and rosewood board appeared in 1960.

All approximate, of course - Fender transitions are notoriously hard to date with 100% accuracy.
[/quote]

So does that mean by definition the MiM Roadworn is a sort of 57 re-issue or did 2TSB persist beyond the introductory year (and apologies to the OP for hijacking!)?

[discreet]

[quote name='howdenspur' timestamp='1509021788' post='3396087']
So does that mean by definition the MiM Roadworn is a sort of 57 re-issue or did 2TSB persist beyond the introductory year (and apologies to the OP for hijacking!)?
[/quote]

The late-year 57 P was a 2TSB with gold guard and one-piece maple neck, so maybe the RW is a RI of sorts... not so sure about the fiesta red version, though - according to some sources Fender custom colours were available from the mid 50s, but I've not seen an original P bass in fiesta red that's not from the early 60s. It's a shame Fender don't do a blonde Roadworn, I'd be well up for that!

[Lozz196]

MIM Classic 50s for a new-feeling bass, Road Worn for a, well worn-feeling bass. Both good, imo Road Worn edges it due to the comfy worn-in feeling of the neck.

[discreet]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1509026362' post='3396141']
MIM Classic 50s for a new-feeling bass, Road Worn for a, well worn-feeling bass. Both good, imo Road Worn edges it due to the comfy worn-in feeling of the neck.
[/quote]

Definitely. May be my imagination, but the RW seems lighter and more resonant somehow.

[ead]

If 2TSB is non-negotiable then ignore this. There is 50s MIM P in black at Bass Direct for £600; it's been there for a while so a better deal may be available: http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Precision_MIM_50s_Special.html

[JapanAxe]

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1509032662' post='3396200']
If 2TSB is non-negotiable then ignore this. There is 50s MIM P in black at Bass Direct for £600; it's been there for a while so a better deal may be available: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Precision_MIM_50s_Special.html"]http://www.bassdirec...0s_Special.html[/url]
[/quote]

Oooh! Tempted myself...

[coffee_king]

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1509032662' post='3396200']
If 2TSB is non-negotiable then ignore this. There is 50s MIM P in black at Bass Direct for £600; it's been there for a while so a better deal may be available: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Precision_MIM_50s_Special.html"]http://www.bassdirec...0s_Special.html[/url]
[/quote]
Nah its GOT to be like my initial post.