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Average Price: $2,995

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Experience the timeless appeal of the Fender '59 Precision Bass, a cornerstone in the world of electric bass guitars. This classic instrument embodies the quintessential sound and feel that has made the Precision Bass a favorite among musicians for decades. Crafted with a split single-coil pickup, it delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that cuts through any mix, ensuring your bass lines are heard loud and clear. Its vintage-style hardware and authentic design elements cater to both seasoned professionals and passionate enthusiasts, offering a playing experience that feels both familiar and inspiring.

The '59 Precision Bass features a smooth maple neck that provides a comfortable grip and enhances playability, allowing for effortless movement across the fretboard. Whether you're laying down deep grooves in the studio or performing live on stage, this bass is designed to meet the demands of any musical setting. Its sturdy construction and high-quality components ensure reliability and durability, so you can trust it to deliver outstanding performance gig after gig.

Key Features:

  • Classic '59 Precision Bass design
  • Split single-coil pickup for a rich, full-bodied tone
  • Vintage-style hardware for an authentic look and feel
  • Maple neck for smooth playability
  • Sturdy construction for reliability and durability
  • Suitable for both studio and live performances

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop '59 Precision Bass NOS
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape P-Style
Model Family Fender Precision Bass
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 Custom Shop

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Fender '59 Precision Bass?

The Fender '59 Precision Bass offers a warm, punchy tone with a rich low-end, making it ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz. Its split-coil pickup configuration delivers a classic vintage sound that is both versatile and powerful.

Is the Fender '59 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender '59 Precision Bass is a high-quality instrument favored by professional musicians, its straightforward design and playability also make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning bass guitar.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender '59 Precision Bass?

The Fender '59 Precision Bass features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which is designed for smooth playability and ease of access across the fretboard, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

How does the Fender '59 Precision Bass compare to other Fender bass models?

The Fender '59 Precision Bass is known for its iconic, vintage sound and simple, effective design, whereas other models like the Jazz Bass offer a slimmer neck and dual pickups for a different tonal range and feel.

Does the Fender '59 Precision Bass come with active or passive pickups?

The Fender '59 Precision Bass is equipped with passive pickups, providing a traditional, warm tone with a focus on simplicity and authenticity in sound.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Slab Board Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Slab Board Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Slab Board Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender 1959 Precision Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - RARE BASS!!! by Normans Rare Guitars

Fender 1959 Precision Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - RARE BASS!!!

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Precision Bass Refinished | Guitar of the Day - Clark Sims by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Precision Bass Refinished | Guitar of the Day - Clark Sims

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1959 Fender Precision Bass and 1967 Dual Showman by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1959 Fender Precision Bass and 1967 Dual Showman

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '59 Precision Bass.

User experience

  • Players describe the '59 P-Bass as having a "buttery feel" and exceptional resonance, likening it to the finest instruments they've ever encountered.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that vintage Fender basses, including the '59, can feel like "playing a baseball bat," indicating a hefty neck profile preferred by some.

    Source
  • Some owners have reported anxiety about gigging with expensive basses due to theft concerns, opting for less costly models like the Ray34 instead.

    Source
  • Financing options are discussed as a popular method for acquiring expensive Custom Shop models, often with zero interest terms up to 24 months.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user notes that the '59 P-Bass surpasses high-end models like Sadowsky and Elrick in feel and sound, especially with flatwound strings.

    Source
  • A user noted that a Stingray bass has more clarity and punch compared to a P-Bass, making it better suited for modern punk with crunchy and distorted guitars.

    Source
  • Owners who switched from Ibanez to P-Bass report a significant change in their playing style, emphasizing the P-Bass's unique tactile feedback.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The '59 P-Bass, particularly when equipped with flatwound strings, is described as ideal for achieving a classic, warm tone suitable for blues and vintage styles.

    Source
  • For punk styles from the '70s to '90s, the P-Bass is recommended due to its mid-heavy tone, while the Stingray is better for post-'90s punk.

    Source
  • Relic finishes are valued for their unique tactile feel, enhancing playability beyond just visual aesthetics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One owner recommended swapping Squier necks with a Fender MIM neck for improved playability and tone quality.

    Source
  • For those looking to enhance their sound, adding SD quarter pounders to a PJ bass is a popular choice for a more aggressive tone.

    Source
  • It’s suggested to use nitro finishes for natural aging, as opposed to poly finishes that tend to chip rather than wear smoothly.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest considering the Fender Player P Bass for a more budget-friendly option, comparable in price to the Sterling Ray34.

    Source

Build quality

  • Custom Shop models are praised for their lightweight bodies, contrasting the heavier feel of older models like the '51.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some players appreciate the pickup cover on vintage models for its radio wave blocking capability, enhancing performance in certain environments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Vibes: 1959 Fender Sunburst Precision Bass – Chicago Music Exchange

chicagomusicexchange.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dallon Weekes uses Fender '59 Precision Bass

Dallon Weekes

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Photo

"At NRG studios today and got to screw around with this gal from '59. Also found out that Beck's 'Midnight Vultures' was made here. Good vibes."

See how Scott Devine uses Fender '59 Precision Bass

Scott Devine

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Scott Devine prominently uses a Fender '59 Precision Bass, featured as his "P Bass of Doom" in a video by Scott's Bass Lessons.

See how Guy Pratt uses Fender '59 Precision Bass

Guy Pratt

Bassist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Pink Floyd - A Fleeting Glimpse
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1959

Guy Pratt used the Fender '59 Precision Bass during "The Pulse" tour and subsequently sold it, as reported by Pink Floyd - A Fleeting Glimpse in the article titled "1959 Fender Precision Bass Once Owned By Guy Pratt Goes On Sale."

See how Donald Dunn uses Fender '59 Precision Bass

Donald Dunn

Bassist

The Blues Brothers

...
Verified via Duck Dunn Remembered

Donald Dunn used a Fender '59 Precision Bass, which was originally mistaken for a 1958 model until after his passing. According to [Duck Dunn Remembered], the bass's neck, subjected to years of tension from Labella 0760M 110-052 gauge flat wound strings, required adjustment. Upon removal of the neck, the handwritten date "4-59" was discovered, confirming its 1959 origin. This bass, known for its combination of rigidity and light weight, was prominently featured in Dunn's book "Soul Fingers," as mentioned by Jeff Dunn and Leo Binetti.

See how Derek Poulsen uses Fender '59 Precision Bass

Derek Poulsen

Bassist, Composer

Kiev

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Instagram post by Kiev, Poulsen uses a '59 Precision Bass.

Album Usage

The Fender '59 Precision Bass has been featured on the following albums:

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 '59 Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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