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Average Price: $9,500
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step back in time with the Fender '52 Precision Bass, a legendary instrument that changed the landscape of music forever. This iconic bass, first introduced in 1951, was the first production model solid body bass guitar, offering musicians unprecedented playability and tonal precision. Inspired by the Telecaster, the '52 Precision Bass brings a timeless design combined with a phenomenal sound that continues to captivate bassists worldwide.
Built with a robust slab ash body, this classic instrument boasts a flat-pole single coil pickup, delivering a rich, punchy sound that cuts through any mix. The Telecaster-style headstock enhances its vintage appeal while offering dependable tuning stability. Whether you're a fan of rock, jazz, or funk, the Fender '52 Precision Bass is a versatile workhorse that adapts to any genre with grace. Its historical significance and exceptional build quality make it a treasured piece for collectors and performers alike.
Key Features:
- Ash body with slab design
- Flat-pole single coil pickup for authentic vintage tone
- Telecaster-style headstock
- Historical significance as the first production model solid body bass guitar
- Renowned for its versatility across various music genres
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Precision Bass |
| Finish | Blonde |
| Year | 1951 - 1953 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | P-Style |
| Color Family | Yellow |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Model Family | Fender Precision Bass |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the Fender '52 Precision Bass, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Fender '52 Precision Bass features an ash body and maple neck, which contribute to a bright, resonant tone with strong midrange presence, ideal for cutting through in a band mix.
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Does the Fender '52 Precision Bass have active or passive pickups?
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The Fender '52 Precision Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a warm, vintage tone that is characteristic of early electric bass sounds.
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Is the Fender '52 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender '52 Precision Bass is a classic and revered model, its historical significance and vintage features may be better appreciated by experienced players rather than beginners.
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How many frets does the Fender '52 Precision Bass have?
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The Fender '52 Precision Bass features 20 frets, providing a standard range suitable for most playing styles and genres.
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender '52 Precision Bass?
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The Fender '52 Precision Bass typically features a chunky "C"-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for players seeking a traditional feel.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '52 Precision Bass.
Comparisons
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The 1952 Precision Bass has a Tele-style headstock, which some prefer over larger 60s headstocks for aesthetic reasons.
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Build quality
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The 1952 was the last year for the slab body design, with changes like a white pickguard and a 2-color sunburst introduced in subsequent models.
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Mods and upgrades
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Restoring a PJ-modified 1952 Precision Bass to its original state involves significant work, potentially including body replacement due to routing for additional pickups.
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User experience
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Owners have noted that the authenticity of wear (relic) on vintage models is often more desirable than artificially aged finishes.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"that was mostly my ’69 P-Bass and a ’52 Precision, I think." Mike word about his Fender Precision '52
"An early 1957 Fender Precision Bass, devoid of the updates introduced later in the model year. The present example features an early style headstock and maple neck dated 7/57, large white pickguard, single-coil pickup and string-through ash body finished in sunburst, neck plate bearing serial number 17743" to quote the cite.
Graham says about a bass used on the 'Jumpin' Jive' sessions "I had borrowed a friend’s ’52 P-Bass, which I played in rehearsals, and it sounded just right."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender '52 Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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