Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $9,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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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

What type of wood is used in the Fender '52 Precision Bass, and how does it affect the sound?

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.

Does the Fender '52 Precision Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Fender '52 Precision Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a warm, vintage tone that is characteristic of early electric bass sounds.

Is the Fender '52 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

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.

How many frets does the Fender '52 Precision Bass have?

The Fender '52 Precision Bass features 20 frets, providing a standard range suitable for most playing styles and genres.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender '52 Precision Bass?

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

  • The 1952 Precision Bass has a Tele-style headstock, which some prefer over larger 60s headstocks for aesthetic reasons.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Restoring a PJ-modified 1952 Precision Bass to its original state involves significant work, potentially including body replacement due to routing for additional pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that the authenticity of wear (relic) on vintage models is often more desirable than artificially aged finishes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A fully restored 1952 Precision Bass, even with mods, can be significantly less valuable than an all-original version; realistic pricing is essential for sale.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1952 Fender Precision Bass - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Dirnt uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Bassplayer

"that was mostly my ’69 P-Bass and a ’52 Precision, I think." Mike word about his Fender Precision '52

See how Marcus Miller uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Marcus Miller

Bassist, Composer

Scritti Politti

...
Verified via YouTube

At this video, Marcus Miller playing with Fender '52 Precision Bass.

See how Mikey Way uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Mikey Way

Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via YouTube

Mikey plays a '52 precision bass in this video. It can be seen best at 0:11.

See how Walter Becker uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Walter Becker

Guitarist, Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Julienslive

"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.

See how Graham Maby uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Graham Maby

Singer, Bassist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via guitarworld

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."

See how Pat Vegas uses Fender '52 Precision Bass

Pat Vegas

Bassist

Redbone

...
Verified via Photo

Out of all the videos I could find on Vegas, he is always shown using a 52 style fender p bass. The bass has gone through some work, its had a Gibson Mudbucker added towards the neck and another pickup I cant identify near the bridge. Such an underrated band.

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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