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Average Price: $699

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Description

The Fender 1973 Precision Bass is a timeless classic that captures the essence of vintage sound and craftsmanship. Revered by bassists across genres, this iconic electric bass offers a rich, warm tone that has stood the test of time. Crafted during an era renowned for its exceptional quality, the 1973 Precision Bass is a testament to Fender's commitment to excellence in musical instruments.

Featuring a split single-coil pickup, this bass delivers a distinctive, punchy sound that cuts through any mix, making it a staple in both studio and live performances. The maple neck with a comfortable C-shaped profile ensures smooth playability, while the rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and warmth to the overall tone. Its classic construction is complemented by period-correct hardware and appointments, providing an authentic vintage experience.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a dedicated collector, the Fender 1973 Precision Bass offers a unique blend of historical significance and musical versatility. Its robust build and signature sound make it a reliable choice for any bassist seeking to channel the authentic vibes of the '70s.

Key Features:

  • Vintage split single-coil pickup for a punchy, distinctive tone
  • Maple neck with a C-shaped profile for smooth playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for added warmth and elegance
  • Period-correct hardware for an authentic vintage experience
  • Renowned for its rich, warm sound that complements a variety of musical genres
  • Iconic design rooted in Fender's commitment to quality and excellence

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Precision Bass
Finish Antigua, Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blonde, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Mocha Brown, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1970 - 1983
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, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade, 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 CBS Era

FAQs

What makes the Fender 1973 Precision Bass unique compared to other bass guitars?

The Fender 1973 Precision Bass is renowned for its classic tone and vintage appeal, characterized by its passive split-coil pickup configuration and alder or ash body. Its historical significance and robust build make it a sought-after model among collectors and players seeking authentic 70s bass sounds.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Fender 1973 Precision Bass?

The Fender 1973 Precision Bass delivers a warm, punchy sound with a strong midrange presence, ideal for rock, blues, and funk. Its passive pickups provide a classic, vintage tone that has been a staple in many iconic recordings.

Is the Fender 1973 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender 1973 Precision Bass offers excellent playability and tone, its vintage status and potential collectible value make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors. Beginners might prefer a more modern and less expensive model to start with.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender 1973 Precision Bass?

The Fender 1973 Precision Bass is typically constructed with an alder or ash body and a maple neck, with options for either a maple or rosewood fretboard. These materials contribute to its distinctive tone and vintage feel.

How does the neck profile of the Fender 1973 Precision Bass affect playability?

The neck profile of the Fender 1973 Precision Bass is generally a comfortable "C" shape, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles. This profile is favored by many bassists for its well-rounded feel and ease of play.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass 1973 Vintage review by AngelDust Guitars

Fender Precision Bass 1973 Vintage review

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Clark Sims by Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Clark Sims

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Precision Bass - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1973 Fender Precision Bass - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight at under 9 lbs, comfortable for long sessions

  • Resonant sound with thick, grinding tone unique to this era

  • Combines warmth of alder body and brightness of maple board

  • Original design elements like serial number and pin dowels intact

  • Vintage patina adds character and authenticity

  • High-quality setup, ready to play out of the box

  • Retains value as an iconic instrument in excellent condition

CONS

  • Pickguard issues causing cable instability and signal buzz

  • Inconsistencies in quality; requires careful selection

  • Some models may have non-playable issues despite cosmetic appeal

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: 1973 Fender Precision Bass Review

rexbass.com

This 1973 Fender Precision Bass captures the essence of vintage charm with its remarkably original parts and smooth playability. Its robust tone and untouched electronics stand out, showcasing the classic Precision sound that players adore. However, the weight at over 10 pounds may be a drawback for some, and the aging nickel hardware shows signs of wear. While the neck is a joy to navigate, the frets are notably low after years of use. Overall, it’s a solid choice for bassists seeking a piece of music history, albeit with some minor imperfections typical of its age.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tomo Fujita uses Fender 1973 Precision Bass

Tomo Fujita

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Tomo Fujita is shown playing a Fender 1973 Precision Bass, as confirmed by an Instagram post from @tomojustfunky with the caption "1973 Fender Precision Bass @imahoriguitar."

See how Andrew Weiss uses Fender 1973 Precision Bass

Andrew Weiss

Bassist, Music Producer

Ween

...
Verified via facebookapp

In a photo shared in the Bass Players group on Facebook, Andrew Weiss is clearly seen using a Fender 1973 Precision Bass, which is confirmed to be one of the instruments he utilizes both in studio recordings and live performances.

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