Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $4,999
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Description
The 1966 Fender Precision Bass is a timeless piece of musical craftsmanship, embodying the spirit and innovation that Fender is renowned for. Revered by bassists worldwide, this model has proven to be a steadfast companion for musicians seeking a reliable and resonant sound. The split single-coil pickup delivers a punchy and articulate tone, making it a versatile choice for a variety of musical genres.
Crafted during a pivotal era in Fender's history, the 1966 Precision Bass showcases a blend of vintage aesthetics and robust performance. Its contoured alder body ensures comfort during long playing sessions, while the maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability. This particular model, a product of Fender's transition into mass production under CBS, retains much of the charm and quality that make it a coveted piece among collectors and performers alike.
Ideal for both stage and studio use, the 1966 Precision Bass stands as a testament to enduring design and sonic excellence. Whether you're laying down the groove in a rock band or exploring the deep tones of jazz, this bass delivers a rich and powerful sound that cuts through the mix. Join the ranks of legendary players who have relied on the Precision Bass to deliver iconic performances.
Key Features:
- Split single-coil pickup for punchy and articulate tone
- Contoured alder body for comfortable playability
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Vintage-style hardware and detailing
- Iconic design used by legendary bassists
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Precision Bass |
| Finish | Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sonic Blue, Sunburst |
| Year | 1965 - 1969 |
| 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, Grey, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | 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 CBS Era |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sonic Blue have?
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The 1966 Fender Precision Bass features passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering the classic, punchy Precision Bass tone that is ideal for various music genres, especially rock and blues.
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How does the neck profile of the 1966 Fender Precision Bass affect playability?
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The 1966 Fender Precision Bass typically has a "C" shaped neck, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists.
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Is the 1966 Fender Precision Bass suitable for gigging and live performances?
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Yes, the 1966 Fender Precision Bass is highly regarded for its robust build and reliable performance, making it a great choice for gigging musicians who need a dependable instrument with classic tone.
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What materials are used in the construction of the 1966 Fender Precision Bass?
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The body of the 1966 Fender Precision Bass is made from alder or ash, while the neck is crafted from maple, and the fretboard is rosewood, contributing to its rich tone and sustain.
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Does the 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sonic Blue have a vintage appeal?
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Absolutely, the 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sonic Blue is a part of the Fender Vintage CBS Era, known for its iconic design and classic sound that appeals to collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1966 Fender Precision Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic 1966 sound with a warm, buttery tone aged to perfection
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Exceptional build quality reminiscent of pre-CBS Fenders
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Nitrocellulose finish offers a distinctively light and resonant sound
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Excellent neck comfort, comparable to early 1960s models
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Maintained mint condition with minimal playtime, preserving original features
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Rich, well-rounded sound full of harmonics, ideal for live gigs
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Rare historical documentation included, like the 1966 Fender color catalog
CONS
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Shows minor cosmetic imperfections, such as small marks on the horn
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1966 Fender Precision Bass.
Value and pricing
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Collectors prioritize instruments with all original parts; even minor changes like a non-standard string tree can drastically affect value in the collector market.
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Pre-CBS models are particularly valued due to perceived higher quality before cost-cutting measures were implemented post-buyout.
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Mods and upgrades
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Irreversible modifications like refinishing or routing can reduce a vintage bass's value by up to half; maintaining original wear is preferred.
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Users often choose Seymour Duncan Hot Stack pickups for both neck and bridge positions to enhance tone.
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Users frequently consider swapping to Bartolini 9J1 pickups but find custom wound pickups with tapewounds surprisingly satisfying.
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Build quality
User experience
Comparisons
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Artist usage
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Gabriel Iglesias is seen using the 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sonic Blue, famously known as Tete's bass, during live performances such as "El Ojo del Huracán," "Insoportablemente Vivo," and concerts at River Plate, as captured in the YouTube video "El revelde - LA RENGA (En vivo)."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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