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1966 Fender Precision Bass

Fender 1966 Fender Precision Bass

$4,999.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (5)

$4,999.00 57 available Used

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Average Price: $4,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, 1966 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 1966 Fender Precision Bass is an iconic piece of music history, capturing the essence of the electric bass revolution that began in the early '50s. Known for its unmistakable punchy tone and classic design, this instrument holds a special place in the hearts of bassists across generations. The mid-'60s era marked a turning point for Fender, with CBS's acquisition introducing a new wave of mass-production techniques. Despite these changes, the 1966 model remains a sought-after piece, celebrated for its solid playability and enduring sound quality.

This P Bass's vintage allure is complemented by its robust alder body and maple neck, providing a balanced tonal foundation. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and depth to each note, while the split single-coil pickup delivers the Precision’s signature sound—a blend of clarity and depth that has powered countless recordings. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a passionate player, the 1966 Fender Precision Bass offers a timeless blend of craftsmanship and heritage that continues to inspire.

Key Features:

Year: 1966
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickup: Split single-coil
Known for: Punchy tone, classic design
Iconic players: Geezer Butler, Roger Waters, John Deacon, Sting

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

What type of wood is used for the body of the 1966 Fender Precision Bass?: The 1966 Fender Precision Bass is made with either alder or ash wood for the body, contributing to its warm, resonant tone and classic sound.
What kind of pickups does the 1966 Fender Precision Bass have?: This model features passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering a powerful and punchy sound ideal for various music genres.
Is the 1966 Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: While the 1966 Fender Precision Bass is a vintage instrument cherished by collectors and professionals, its straightforward design and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners seeking a classic tone.
How many frets does the 1966 Fender Precision Bass have?: The 1966 Fender Precision Bass comes with 20 frets, providing a standard range for most playing styles.
What are the finish options available for the 1966 Fender Precision Bass?: This bass is available in a variety of finishes, including Black, Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, and more, allowing players to choose a look that suits their personal style.

Videos

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Chicago Music Exchange

1966 Fender Precision Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

1966 Fender Precision Bass - Andy Baxter Bass, London

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1966 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1966 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Precision Bass Slab Board | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1966 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Retains vintage Fender tone with rich harmonics and distinct sound
Exceptional neck comfort reminiscent of early 60s models
Nitrocellulose varnish enhances sound quality and vintage feel
Buttery, silky warm tone only achievable with age
Highly responsive and feels alive in hands
Excellent condition for its age, close to mint
Perfect balance between playability and collector’s value
Inspiring to play, evokes the best of 1960s Fender craftsmanship
Feels and looks like pre-CBS models, known for superior quality
Ideal for both gigging and collecting enthusiasts

CONS

Minor marks on the horn area from previous use
May not appeal to those seeking a flawless vintage instrument

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1966 Fender Precision Bass.

Build quality

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The finish has been exposed to smoke or moisture, causing it to chip rather than check, which is atypical for this model.
Source
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Additional strap button holes are present, including one at the heel of the neck, impacting its original condition.
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Setup and maintenance

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The truss rod still has room to turn, but is starting to get tight, suggesting future adjustment limitations.
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Value and pricing

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Purchased for $4800 due to condition issues, which is significantly lower than typical market value for this model.
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User experience

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Owners with multiple vintage basses find this model rewarding despite minor condition flaws, indicating a strong personal value.
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The original pickguard often cracks and shrinks, a common issue for this era, which may lead to multiple replacements over the instrument's lifetime.
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Features and functionality

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The aging Lake Placid Blue finish on the 1966 model is considered original and matches the period's custom color options.
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The 1966 Fender Precision Bass is noted for its presence at historic events, such as being played on stage at Woodstock, adding to its allure and historical value.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest replacing the existing pickguard with an aged white guard from brands like Spitfire for an authentic vintage look.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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tlb29898

278

about 5 years ago

Classic Fender Tone

A true work-horse bass with that vintage, original Fender tone. Everyone should have a 60's pbass.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

Artist usage

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Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

Verified via Greendayauthority

From Guitar World: "On this record (Nimrod), I used Precision basses because my old Gibson G-3 didn't sound good with the new songs. I used a '66 and '69; they have a real warmth on the low end. For this record I knew we weren't going for the huge guitar sound; this gave me more room to get in there. I needed to play a real punchy bass on the old records because the guitar frequencies where everywhere and I needed to get right in the middle. I recorded Dookie with a Percision bass too. I use Mesa/Boogie amps, MB 2000's. They're half-tube and half-solid state. I wanted to custom-make my own sound , and Mesa/Boogie was really willing to work with me. They made me 6x10 cabinets, and we put those on top of a 1x18. I think i'm nailing it. I have an MB 2000 running each one of my 6x10 cabinets and then a MB 2000 running both of my 18's"

Sean Hurley

Bassist

John Mayer Trio

Verified via YouTube

At 0:40, Sean says "This is a '66 with roundwounds"

Mark Damon

Bassist

The Pretty Reckless

Verified via Photo

Mark uses a 1966 Fender Precision bass in the studio. It is all original, natural finish, rosewood fretboard. It is usually strung with flat wound strings.

Mark Evans

Bassist

AC/DC

Verified

In the provided image from the Highway To ACDC website, Mark Evans is clearly seen playing a 1966 Fender Precision Bass during an AC/DC show.

Zach Williams

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Zach Williams' bassist, Brandon Robold, showcases a 1966 Fender Precision Bass in a recent Instagram post, highlighting it as a new addition to his gear collection.