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Average Price: $1,406

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Description

Bass guitar manufactured by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. By the 1960s, the Precision Bass was the workhorse electric bass; from the clubs of Detroit to the beaches of Southern California, its tone laid the foundation for modern music. The American Original ‘60s Precision Bass has all of the features with which the P Bass conquered the world of music—elegantly simple, its sound, style and comfort are joined by modern playability.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Original '60s Precision Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Surf Green
Year 2018 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
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 American Original
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 60's Fender Precision Bass?

The 60's Fender Precision Bass is known for its warm, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock, blues, and soul music. The passive split-coil pickup contributes to its classic, vintage sound.

Is the 60's Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the 60's Fender Precision Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and straightforward controls. However, its vintage tone and quality construction also appeal to more experienced players.

What is the neck profile like on the 60's Fender Precision Bass?

The 60's Fender Precision Bass features a "C" shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip and smooth playability for bassists of varying skill levels.

How does the 60's Fender Precision Bass compare to modern basses in terms of playability?

The 60's Fender Precision Bass offers a vintage feel with a gloss finish and rosewood fretboard, which some players find more comfortable and classic compared to modern basses with different neck profiles and materials.

What finishes are available for the 60's Fender Precision Bass?

The 60's Fender Precision Bass is available in several classic finishes, including 3-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, and Surf Green, each contributing to its vintage aesthetic.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Precision Bass | Guest Host: Rudy Sarzo

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Precision Bass | Guest Host: Rudy Sarzo by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Precision Bass | Guest Host: Rudy Sarzo

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Precision Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender 1960 Precision Bass -Natural- 【VINTAGE】 by Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

Fender 1960 Precision Bass -Natural- 【VINTAGE】

Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers the iconic 60's P Bass sound that fans love

  • Beautiful nitro finish that complements its vintage appeal

  • Compares favorably to high-end basses like Hofner Gold Label

  • Authentic attention to detail true to the original 60’s design

  • Solid build with a smooth, substantial C neck

  • Beautiful Olympic white model with a Rosewood fretboard

  • Provides a rich, full tone with impressive pickups

  • Easy to adapt to the wider nut width after initial adjustment

CONS

  • Some units may have finish issues, showing scratches easily

  • Occasional factory errors like wrong pickups installed

  • Potential for cosmetic flaws like pillowed neck plate or chipped pickguard

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 60's Precision Bass.

Comparisons

  • Many users argue that a 60's Precision Bass isn't sonically superior to a newer Custom Shop; it's valued for its rarity and collector appeal rather than tonal quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In live band settings, the nuanced tonal differences of a 60's P bass are often indistinguishable, overshadowed by the mix of other instruments.

    Source
  • Fender basses from the 70s are noted for their resilient build, making them highly restorable and functional with proper setup.

    Source
  • One bassist played over 55 gigs with the Daphne blue model, expressing no need to switch unless specifically requested by bandmates.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Desired vintage tones can often be achieved with specific neck specs, such as a 1.75-inch nut width and old school C shape neck, found in various models including MIM Vintera.

    Source
  • Clay side dots are difficult to see in low light, prompting some players to use fluorescent tape for better visibility during gigs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The high price tag of vintage 60's Precision Basses is largely attributed to market demand for vintage items rather than inherent musical superiority.

    Source
  • Rust and grime may enhance the desirability of some vintage gear, emphasizing the importance of consulting experts before restoration.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Originality is crucial for Fender basses; preserving the original finish and parts can significantly boost its value, even with visible wear.

    Source
  • Maintaining originality includes using contact spray for pot cleaning and avoiding any unnecessary refinishing or part replacements.

    Source
  • It's advised to assess neck relief first; if uncorrectable, other restoration efforts may be futile.

    Source
  • The date of manufacture can be found on the neck heel, which requires neck removal—a task often best left to professionals to avoid damage.

    Source
  • A user reported using Dunlop .100-.40 Nickel strings, changing them every 8 weeks for consistent performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The "clay dots" on the AVII are actually fiberboard and colored orange to mimic aged appearance, differing from the original white.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have used fluorescent green gaffe stage tape to mark key fret positions for improved playability under stage lighting conditions.

    Source

User experience

  • A user noted the nitro sunburst finish as exceptionally vibrant, enhancing the instrument's visual appeal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Fender 60's Precision Bass

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

""Mr. P...we're ready for your closeup" Throwing some love at the 50's and 60's Precisions today.... Love 'em! #FenderPBass #vintagebassguitars #bassporn #HappyVictoriaDay #customcoloursrule #PrecisionFest2017"

See how Charles Michael Parks, Jr. uses Fender 60's Precision Bass

Charles Michael Parks, Jr.

Singer, Guitarist

All Them Witches

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video by Premier Guitar titled "All Them Witches Rig Rundown [2026]," at the 36:43 mark, Charles Michael Parks, Jr. showcases his dad's 60's Fender Precision Bass, which functions as a backup instrument and is included in his guitar rig.

See how Zac Brown uses Fender 60's Precision Bass

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1965

This was a house instrument at Southern Ground Studio and has been used on recordings by Zac and many other great artists during its time in Nashville.

See how Nik West uses Fender 60's Precision Bass

Nik West

Singer, Bassist

Prince

...
Verified via She Shreds Media

See text in link, gear-guide @2017: "West plays a number of Fender bass guitars, with varying numbers of strings. “When I am recording, it’s always a 4 string bass, and for the new school sound,my go to bass is my American Deluxe Jazz bass (now called the Elite bass) because it cuts through the mix very well. You get nice crispy slap tones and fingertone, or if I am going for more of an old school sound, a 60s [Fender] P bass.”"

See how Rafael "Rafa" Barbosa uses Fender 60's Precision Bass

Rafael "Rafa" Barbosa

Singer, Bassist

Vinnce

...
Verified via Photo

Rafael "Rafa" Barbosa is seen using a 60's Fender Precision Bass, as shown in a post on his Instagram account.

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

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