Precision '57 RI CIJ replica???

[Fatguy]

Last week I bought a cheapo Precision, a '57 RI CIJ lookalike which turned into a big mystery for me. At the start I was sure it's a replica, but now I'm not so sure anymore. The body has a beautiful trans white finish with nice ash grain visible underneath. It came with heavily modified neck pocket because one of the prevoius owners got it routed for another neck, then the seller modified it back to fit the original neck. At least that's what he told me. The neck overall looks very similar to the real thing, except for it's way too shallow, Fender logo is misplaced, CIJ logo and heel date stamp look strange, truss rod nut is positioned too close to the fretboard, serial number is barely visible. Is there any chance it could be a real CIJ Fender??? Was the japanese production in those years so inconsistent? Does any of you own a similar bass and is willing to make some comparison?

Edited March 21, 2017 by Fatguy

[RhysP]

In my experience the MIJ & CIJ Fenders are by far the most consistent of all Fenders.

[Lozz196]

Which given the out of place placement of the writing on the neck above would indicate maybe not all is right with this one. The Japanese Fenders are reknown for their quality control so looks a bit dubious.

[AndyTravis]

If that was under £250...

I'd suggest it might be a nice beater...

But a Japanese Fender? Nope.

[Geek99]

I've had one, looks like a bitsa - at best