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1957 Fender Precision Bass

Fender 1957 Fender Precision Bass

$7,300.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (10)

$7,300.00 48 available Used

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Average Price: $7,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, 1957 Fender Precision Bass is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The 1957 Fender Precision Bass is a legendary instrument that represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric bass guitars. With its introduction of the split-coil humbucking pickup, this model marked a significant departure from its predecessors, offering a warmer, fuller sound that quickly became a favorite among bassists. This iconic bass not only redefined tonal expectations but also influenced the design of future Fender models.

Crafted with precision, the 1957 P-Bass boasts a solid alder body, delivering a resonant and balanced sound profile. The maple neck provides a smooth playing experience, while the gloss finish offers a classic, vintage aesthetic. Its headstock design, reminiscent of the Stratocaster, adds a touch of refinement and familiarity, making it a visually striking instrument.

Bassists will appreciate the reliability and durability of this model, characteristics that have kept it a staple in both studio and live settings for decades. Whether you're a collector, a professional player, or an enthusiast of vintage gear, the 1957 Fender Precision Bass stands as a testament to Fender's innovative spirit and enduring quality.

Key Features:

Split-coil humbucking pickup for a warm, full sound
Solid alder body for balanced resonance
Maple neck with a smooth, gloss finish
Iconic headstock design influenced by the Stratocaster

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Precision Bass
Finish	Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Sherwood Green, Shoreline Gold, Sunburst
Year	1957 - 1964
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	P-Style
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Model Family	Fender Precision Bass
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	Split-Coil
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1957 Fender Precision Bass?: The 1957 Fender Precision Bass features a "57 Soft Bass V" neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, especially those with larger hands.
What type of pickups does the 1957 Fender Precision Bass have?: This bass is equipped with 59-62 P-bass split-coil passive pickups, providing a classic, warm tone with a punchy low end, ideal for various music genres.
Is the 1957 Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: While the 1957 Fender Precision Bass is a high-quality instrument with vintage appeal, its historical significance and specific playability features may better suit experienced players or collectors.
What materials are used in the construction of the 1957 Fender Precision Bass?: The bass features a light ash body, a one-piece quarter-sawn maple neck, and either a maple or rosewood fretboard, contributing to its classic tone and durability.
Does the 1957 Fender Precision Bass come with a case?: Yes, the 1957 Fender Precision Bass includes a case, ensuring protection and ease of transport for this vintage instrument.

Videos

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Chicago Music Exchange

1957 Fender Precision Bass 2 Tone Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Guitar of the Day: 1957 Fender Precision Bass | Robert Vally at Norman’s Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1957 Fender Precision Bass played by Daniel Kimbro

Carter Vintage Guitars

Fender Precision Bass Sunburst 1957 | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional harmonic presence accentuates notes unlike any other bass
Warm, punchy tone with a 3D quality
Lightweight and resonant for comfortable playing
Highly flamed, comfortable neck enhances playability
Versatile tone manipulation with simple knob adjustments
Visually striking with transitional features like anodized guard and Brazilian rosewood board
Unique, worn-in feel akin to well-loved bluejeans
Faster neck due to years of playing, offers a smooth performance
Iconic vintage vibe from years of professional use
Rare, collectible status adds to its value and allure

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1957 Fender Precision Bass.

Comparisons

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The 1957 Fender Precision Bass has a thicker neck and wider nut width compared to the 1962 model, offering a unique feel that some players prefer for its substantial grip.
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Players describe the 1957 Precision Bass as having a "baseball bat" feel, contrasting with the slimmer and more comfortable "A" style neck found on the 1962 model.
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The tone of the 1957 Fender Precision Bass is often contrasted with modern basses, with some players preferring its unique vintage sound over contemporary models.
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The Fullerton reissue necks from the 1980s are described as pointier and skinnier compared to original 1950s models, reflecting design trends of the 80s.
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Fender's management reportedly favored early Japanese reissues for their superior craftsmanship, claiming they "made them cry" with their quality.
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It's observed that late 1959 Fender models transitioned from maple to rosewood fretboards, highlighting a key aesthetic and functional difference within the same era.
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Features and functionality

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The 1957 reissue typically comes with an all-maple neck and a two-tone burst finish, while the 1962 reissue often features a rosewood fretboard, impacting both aesthetics and playability.
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The 1957 model can sometimes produce an overdriven sound when played through certain amps, which is attributed to the original pickups and electronics.
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User experience

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Some owners appreciate the 1957's wide neck for its impressive tone and treble note definition, attributing its 1.75-inch nut width to delivering a robust sound.
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Some users describe the 1957 Fender Precision Bass as having a distinct "mojo" or presence when played, often linked to its historical significance and vintage character.
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Build quality

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The 1957 model's anodized pickguard has been criticized for its appearance, leading some players to replace it with a different style for a more traditional look.
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The Fullerton reissues are noted for being crafted by original Fender craftsmen using 1950s-era patterns and equipment, offering a close reproduction of the original 1957 model.
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Setup and maintenance

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Players note that vintage models like the 1957 Precision Bass may require careful maintenance, especially when dealing with original electronics and pickups that might need repair or replacement.
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Critic Reviews

Fender’s 1957 Precision Bass | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The 1957 Fender Precision Bass is lauded for its timeless design and role in shaping modern bass guitars. Its classic form and split/double-coil pickup eliminated interference, making it a reliable choice for studio use. However, the limited production due to its late-year release makes it a rare find, which could be a downside for collectors. While its storied history with musician Billy Vaughn adds allure, this vintage piece may not suit those seeking more contemporary features or budget-friendly options. Overall, the review appreciates its historical significance but acknowledges potential limitations for today's players.

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Artist usage

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Pino Palladino

Bassist

Nine Inch Nails

Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see pino with a vintage Fender P bass, while touring with The Who.

Suzi Quatro

Singer, Bassist

The Pleasure Seekers

Verified via Flyguitars

"I have gone from my original bass.. given to me by my dad in 1964.. (I was the only girl in the band with a real guitar) a 1957 Fender precision.. sunburst.. gold scratch plate, stripe up the back of the neck.. the real deal..."

Tom Petersson

Bassist

Cheap Trick

Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

In a feature by Vintage Guitar® magazine, Tom Petersson is shown with two Fender Precision Basses, including a 1957 model, one in red and one in green.