johnDeereJack Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 Afternoon all, I recently picked up a cheap, used MiJ '57 Precision. It's an 'E' series from somewhere between '84-'87. Apologies for the dreadful pic - my fone camera sucks! It has a maple neck, alder body, an aftermarket anodized pickguard (from doing a bit of digging online it seems these basses came with a 1-ply white guard) which I'll be replacing, and the previous owner has added an active SD APB-1 pickup, so I'll be replacing that too and reverting it back to a passive pickup (SD SPB-1) Anyhoo, I took the neck off and found 'PB-557' stamped in the neck pocket and on the heel of the neck. I guess PB=Precision Bass, and 57=1957 Reissue, but it's the other 5 I am confused about - does anyone know why the stamp has two 5's? From looking at other examples online I've also come across MiJ '62 RI P Basses with PB-562 stamped in the neck pocket and on the heel. Any ideas about this mysterious 5? Thanks in advance JDJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) I thought this model was called PB57-95. I've never seen these referred to as PB557 before, but I do know of ST557 and ST562 models (Strats). They were solely intended for the Japanese domestic market. I have no clue what the extra 5 designates. Edited January 26, 2018 by LeftyJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnDeereJack Posted January 26, 2018 Author Share Posted January 26, 2018 Hi LeftyJ, Thanks for the info From what I can see online, there were two models of this bass; the PB57-95, which was the top-end version (costing 95,000 yen) which had vintage US pickups, and the 'standard' PB57-75 version (75,000 yen) Given the previous owner has removed the original pickups and replaced them with active SD APB-01 I have no idea which version this particular bass might be. You mention the Strats (ST557 and ST562) - I've also found pics online of '62 precisions stamped PB-562 in the neck pocket /heel. I didn't know these basses were intended solely for the Japanese market, I had always thought there were two types - the Japanese 'domestic' instruments and 'export' instruments to be shipped to Europe / US etc. so maybe the additional '5' denotes the market it was destined for? Just a guess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK Jale Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) There was also a PB57-55 at 55,000 yen. Not sure of its lifespan but it appears in the 1986 catalogue. Possible explanation? Though "EX" in red can be a heel pocket export marking, I have never heard of '5' as a domestic/export code. I'm pretty sure it isn't. Edited January 26, 2018 by KK Jale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnDeereJack Posted January 26, 2018 Author Share Posted January 26, 2018 Yeah, I can't find anything regarding the other '5' so I guess I'll have to live with not knowing what it means (ooooh, the humanity!) The main thing is it's a fantastic bass and I'm keeping it! Thanks for the replies, chaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) 54 minutes ago, johnDeereJack said: Yeah, I can't find anything regarding the other '5' so I guess I'll have to live with not knowing what it means (ooooh, the humanity!) The main thing is it's a fantastic bass and I'm keeping it! Thanks for the replies, chaps. Yes, it is a shame if you can't identify or pin down an exact model of your bass.... However, as you say it's a fantastic bass and you intend to keep it. Don't know how much of a bargain it was - but if you feel it's a keeper - then that's all that matters BTW, I have a couple of MIJ Fenders, and have played several others - I haven't played a bad one yet! They have all seemed like superb instruments to me - lovely necks on every one Edited January 26, 2018 by Marc S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Browning Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 I think the E series followed the SQ series which were those after the hallowed JV. There's that site that lists almost every known fact about them but I can't remember it for the life of me ............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JvJazz83 Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 You might be refering to http://www.21frets.com? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnDeereJack Posted January 29, 2018 Author Share Posted January 29, 2018 On 1/26/2018 at 15:21, Marc S said: Yes, it is a shame if you can't identify or pin down an exact model of your bass.... However, as you say it's a fantastic bass and you intend to keep it. Don't know how much of a bargain it was - but if you feel it's a keeper - then that's all that matters BTW, I have a couple of MIJ Fenders, and have played several others - I haven't played a bad one yet! They have all seemed like superb instruments to me - lovely necks on every one It was £450 with a nice, clean Fender HSC thrown in as well, and as you say, the neck is fantastic on this one - definitely a keeper! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbiscuits Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 Sounds like a good price. I had a E Series 57 reissue strat a long time ago and it was a great guitar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 It does sound like a good price, especially if you like it so much It's an odd thing, but you can play two models of the same bass, and they can still often feel and / or sound different I've heard other players say that MIJ / CIJ Fenders and Squiers were more consistent in quality than US models of that era Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 No experience with E-series Fenders, but I have an E-series Squier Strat that has been my go-to guitar for the past 10 years! I modded it a fair bit (DiMarzio pickups, locking Schaller tuners, upgraded electronics, graphite nut and string tree) and I absolutely love it. I also have a '91 Silver Series Strat, which is a good bit lighter and more resonant, but I just keep on picking up that E-series Strat every time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblueplanet Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 The best Fenders I have played have all been MIJ. I used to have a ‘57 CIJ P bass and it was excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 14 hours ago, sblueplanet said: I used to have a ‘57 CIJ P bass and it was excellent. I was the one who sold it to you, and I wholeheartedly agree! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnDeereJack Posted January 30, 2018 Author Share Posted January 30, 2018 (edited) I can't get over how good it is, it's a really nice bass, so much so that I currently overlook all of my other basses in favour of this one. I've got a few things incoming to tart it up a bit - Fender P-bass ashtrays and tug-bar, a Seymour Duncan SPB-1 Vintage (to replace the active SD ABP-1 that the previous owner fitted) and vintage strap buttons so I can attach one to the back of the headstock! I was considering changing out the pots, cap, etc but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the stock components (250k pots, 0.1uF cap) so have decided to leave them alone. Obviously 'pics or it didn't happen' so I'll post once it's all done and dusted. Edited January 30, 2018 by johnDeereJack 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 2 hours ago, johnDeereJack said: I can't get over how good it is, it's a really nice bass, so much so that I currently overlook all of my other basses in favour of this one..... ....I was considering changing out the pots, cap, etc but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the stock components (250k pots, 0.1uF cap) so have decided to leave them alone. Obviously 'pics or it didn't happen' so I'll post once it's all done and dusted. Yes, it's a good feeling when a bass feels "just right" and so comfortable to play As you have other basses, I would strongly advise you keep dabbling with one or two of them from time to time... I'm often amazed at how different basses can be - even apparently similar models. I just think it's good to play instruments of differing weight, balance, and different neck widths & depths now and then. Back when I first started, and could only afford one bass - if I picked up another bass I think I struggled more to "adapt" to playing it. i.e. It's good to know how some basses can feel & sound, and just be able to pick almost anything up It's why I own a 5 string. I don't normally play 5'ers - but they always feel so very different to 4 stringers to me - so I like to be able to play one, without feeling "what the hell is this?!" So I just dabble with the 5'er once in a while... just in case I ever get asked to play at an open mic, and don't have my own comfortable 4 string Re changing the electrics - if it aint broke... don't fix it! Particularly if it sounds good anyway That's my advice.... for what it's worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblueplanet Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 10 hours ago, LeftyJ said: I was the one who sold it to you, and I wholeheartedly agree! Wish I had kept it really as I had added a gold anodised guard and it looked fab, but sadly I needed the cash to fund another bass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okabass Posted May 3, 2018 Share Posted May 3, 2018 (edited) On 25.1.2018 at 16:48, johnDeereJack said: 1957 Reissue, but it's the other 5 I am confused about - does anyone know why the stamp has two 5's? From looking at other examples online I've also come across MiJ '62 RI P Basses with PB-562 stamped in the neck pocket and on the heel. Any ideas about this mysterious 5? Thanks in advance JDJ HI 5 could be the old 7ender factory number. Ps. I have a MIM '58-style P.Very nice bass. http://www.guitarhq.com/fender.html 1962 to 1968 (mostly) Neck Stamp/Model designations. Starting about April 1962, Fender went from a hand written neck butt date to stamped date. Usually the date had a code (often mistaked as a day of the month/year) preceeding the date, to signify what model the neck belongs. Note in 1966 many model numbers changed. Here is a list of those codes and the years that they were used. 1 = Jaguar 1962-1965 2 = Stratocaster 1962-1965 3 = Telecaster 4 = Jazzmaster 1962-1965 5 = Precision Bass 6 = Bass VI 7 = Jazz Bass 8 = Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo-Sonic II 1964-1965 22 fret 24" scale model 9 = Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo-Sonic II 1964-1966 21 fret 22 1/4" scale Model. Also found on 1969 Swinger "Arrow/Musiclander" models. 10 = Coronado 1 and 2, and some 1966 Jazzmaster and Stratocaster necks 11 = Bass V 12 = Electric 12 and Maverick/Custom model 13 = Stratocaster 1966-1968, many 1966 Jazzmasters too 14 = Coronado 12 15 = Jaguar 1966-1972 16 = Musicmaster II, Mustang, Duo sonic II, and Bronco 17 = Mustang Bass and MusicMaster Bass 18 = Coronado Bass 19 = Jazzmaster and Coronado 2 22 = Stratocaster 1968-1972 23 = Telecaster Bass 27 = Villiager 12 28 = Shenandoah 12 Edited May 3, 2018 by Okabass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 I had an MIJ E Series P bass ('62 RI) that I sold to the bass player of a very well known band. It was a great bass, really good tone but I marginally preferred the '96 MIJ 62RI P bass. Here it is, CAR so not quite as 'bright' as my camera made it out to be: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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