Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

How hard is it to find a natural Precision?


Shambo
 Share

Recommended Posts

I've had a long term itch for a natural Fender Precision. Nothing fancy. I'm too much of a prole to order anything bespoke. 2nd hand and a bit battered better suits my wallet and conscience.

The kind of 60/70's precision with a black scratch plate and a maple board I USED to see all the time... new Fenders, old Fenders that had been stripped, Japanese Re-Issues. Just a passive, plain natural Precision. But where are they all now?

Nearest I can find in the current Fender catalogue is an active, Elite PJ thingy that I don't want and can't afford. I've had one eye on the marketplace here for a suitable bass and spotted nothing for what seems like forever. I trawl ebay worldwide looking for the Jap version and find nothing but expensive 70's American instruments. I've even taken to watching in the 'Other musical items' forum for a suitable body I might mate with a Fender neck, but haven't seen the right thing for me yet.

Sometimes I think I might have to buy a Warmoth body with a vintage tint and mate it to an equally expensive Fender neck.

What are my options? Why is this classic combo so difficult to find? Am I not looking in the right places?

[attachment=234518:1981s9precision2.jpg]
(this sort of thing, an example that got away)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For me, it does have to be a Fender. Partly because I've just wanted to own such an iconic instrument for a while and partly for eventual resale purposes... I don't tend to keep a bass for more than a few years.

Preferably American, but I'd be happy to find a Jap or Mex version. Last time I saw one for sale on here was about a year ago, somebody had mated a Mex neck and parts with an after market body. The price was right at around £300/400, but I was skint at the time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1482495917' post='3201031']

There are Jap reissues. This is a fretless one that I have.

They are out there, you just have to search and be patient
[/quote]
I've spent many hours looking for the Jap re-issue. They don't turn up very often.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I must admit this is my favourite. I bought one of these new in 1976, there is just something about the natural wood, black scratch plate and maple neck that looks so great. Mine now shows lots of wear but I don't care, it's great. Good luck with your search

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Natural bodied Fender basses were a real 70s thing. Look just as good with a white scratch plate as well.

You'll see lots of people on film, especially in R and B, using them in that era.

It was the bass I really wanted at one stage (the 70s). It's also a classic Musicman colour, starting in that era also, and even Gibson offered it with their Grabber/Ripper IIRC.

Good thing is you can actually buy a new Musicman in that spec - I suppose Fender have catered with the 70s Jazz reissues - I don't think they've done it with the P, but it was the look/sound of the early 70s for soul/funk - some might argue a golden era for bass playing and bass players.

Good examples of original basses are quite good value to buy and crop up from time to time and I have been tempted. When you compare with the price of 60s stuff which, with a handful of notable exceptions of players, is hardly an iconic era for Fender bass!! I guess it's the CBS stigma...

Edited by drTStingray
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1482509617' post='3201208']
This thread has some options: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/191799-precision-in-natural/"]http://basschat.co.u...ion-in-natural/[/url]

The amber Squier VM is actually pretty close to natural!
[/quote]

Yeah, the Squier VM is a nice bass for the money - I like mine a lot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1482587203' post='3201623']

[/quote]
Yes. That's the simple look I'm after, used but not abused.

I can't afford that though, (the top of my imaginary budget would be about £800 for a USA model), and the thing is, even if I could afford it, I'd spend more time worrying about it being nicked than playing it.

I'm thinking my realistic way forward is to buy a second hand precision, force it to have sex with an after market body, then sell the original body.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would you take a very close 'law suit' model as an option Shambo?
As an example, I have a 76 model and when it came to do some upgrades I just put official Fender parts on. The thing that made me chuckle is that the pickguard I put on the bass didn't need any new holes drilling! You don't even get that between Fender's own models he he!

I'll post a picture of my own Ash/Maple beauty in a bit.

Edited by dood
Link to comment
Share on other sites

https://instagram.com/p/BDWIPHykbpN/

Hopefully this link will work via my mobile. Funnily, I have a really nice Fender neck here that I am looking for a CIJ Alder body. That's taking a bit of time to find I can tell you as I want a natural one!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1482590457' post='3201653']
[url="https://instagram.com/p/BDWIPHykbpN/"]https://instagram.com/p/BDWIPHykbpN/[/url]

Hopefully this link will work via my mobile. Funnily, I have a really nice Fender neck here that I am looking for a CIJ Alder body. That's taking a bit of time to find I can tell you as I want a natural one!
[/quote]
That looks very nice but... it doesn't look exactly like the bass I have in my minds eye. Is it the fretboard radius? The pickguard? Knobs? Bridge? Perhaps just the angle of the photo.

My head tells me I should be just as happy with a quality lawsuit Ibby or Tokkai but my heart says it's not the everyman Fender I hanker after.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1482495917' post='3201032']
Does it have to be a Fender? [url="https://public-peace.de/index.php/bass-guitars/maruszczyk/jake/4-string/1205-jake-4p-human-nature140248"]How about one of these?[/url]

(Also available without the bridge pup..)


[/quote]

That.......is stunning.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1482661879' post='3202119']
[url="https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/1965-fender-precision-bass/1200656437"]https://www.gumtree....bass/1200656437[/url]
[/quote]
That looks like a bass with a story or two to tell... but it's too rosewood and genuinely priced. If I had £2.5K, burning a hole in my pocket I wouldn't want to spend it on a bass.
I feel that expensive things kind of end up owning you. You have to worry about it and provide security for it.

Could anybody recommend a UK luthier to supply a 70's style, natural P-Bass body finished with a 'vintage tint'? Nothing 'coffee table' fancy, alder or swamp ash, not too heavy and not too valuable?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/115781810/fender-usa-5-string-precision-bass-case.html?link=%2Fclassifieds%2Fall%2Fuk%2Fsecond%2Bhand%2Bfender%2Bprecision%2Bbass%2Bguitars

It's a 5 banger I know, but I am sure there are things out there

I would also say do not be afraid to import from USA, sometimes it works out cheaper

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...