1956 Fender Precision Bass
$22,795.00 CAD
(USD $16,868.30)
For more details contact us at info@folkwaymusic.com or 855-772-0424.
The introduction of the Precision bass at the end of 1952 marked a major milestone, not only for the Fender company, but for the entire music world. While it was not the first ever electric bass guitar, Leo Fender's Precision Bass was certainly the first commercially successful instrument of its kind, and it brought about the drastic bass evolution over the subsequent years. The Precision Bass itself evolved throughout the mid 1950s before being redesigned in 1957 to the specifications that most people today are familiar with.
Built a year prior to the model's overhaul, this 1956 example represents the second variant of the Precision Bass, featuring a sunburst finish, white pickguard, single-coil pickup, rounded body edges and a contoured back. This mid-'50s P-Bass is in excellent condition overall, with only minor wear to the body, neck, and frets. The instrument is completely original and unmodified but for a professionally rewound pickup. Six long chips in the body's finish by the arm contour, three of which have been coloured in, are the most obvious flaws in the instrument’s finish. Minor chips, scratches, and finish crazing can be found on the body, and there is light buckle rash on the back. The finish on the neck and fingerboard is beautifully preserved and shows very little playwear. A deep craze line at the tip of the walnut skunk-stripe does not pose any structural issues to the neck, and the truss rod functions as intended.
Playability is excellent with largely unworn original frets. While many vintage Fender basses suffer from rises at their fingerboard extensions which render them largely unplayable, the neck on this bass remains straight and it does not need a refret.
With a neck depth that tapers from .891” at the first fret and 0.989” at the twelfth, a 1-11/16" nut width, and a round carve, the neck feel is nothing short of heavenly. Weighing in at a respectable 8lbs 9oz, this Precision Bass is both comfortable and remarkably resonant. The original pickup (5.8k) sounds fantastic, offering a voice that is full-bodied, rich, and punchy with excellent note definition.
Neck Date of 7-56, body date of 6-56. Dates on original potentiometers are obscured by solder.
With original case and 1960s hardshell.
Built a year prior to the model's overhaul, this 1956 example represents the second variant of the Precision Bass, featuring a sunburst finish, white pickguard, single-coil pickup, rounded body edges and a contoured back. This mid-'50s P-Bass is in excellent condition overall, with only minor wear to the body, neck, and frets. The instrument is completely original and unmodified but for a professionally rewound pickup. Six long chips in the body's finish by the arm contour, three of which have been coloured in, are the most obvious flaws in the instrument’s finish. Minor chips, scratches, and finish crazing can be found on the body, and there is light buckle rash on the back. The finish on the neck and fingerboard is beautifully preserved and shows very little playwear. A deep craze line at the tip of the walnut skunk-stripe does not pose any structural issues to the neck, and the truss rod functions as intended.
Playability is excellent with largely unworn original frets. While many vintage Fender basses suffer from rises at their fingerboard extensions which render them largely unplayable, the neck on this bass remains straight and it does not need a refret.
With a neck depth that tapers from .891” at the first fret and 0.989” at the twelfth, a 1-11/16" nut width, and a round carve, the neck feel is nothing short of heavenly. Weighing in at a respectable 8lbs 9oz, this Precision Bass is both comfortable and remarkably resonant. The original pickup (5.8k) sounds fantastic, offering a voice that is full-bodied, rich, and punchy with excellent note definition.
Neck Date of 7-56, body date of 6-56. Dates on original potentiometers are obscured by solder.
With original case and 1960s hardshell.