Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $6,500
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
The 1962 Fender Precision Bass stands as a testament to the golden era of electric bass craftsmanship. Revered by musicians and collectors alike, this iconic instrument embodies the seamless blend of innovation and tradition that Fender is known for. Introducing a split-coil pickup design that was new for its time, it delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that is both versatile and powerful, ideal for everything from rock and roll to jazz.
This particular Precision Bass model features a rosewood veneer fretboard, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to its sound profile. The neck is designed to offer comfort and playability, allowing bassists to explore the fretboard with ease. The body retains the classic Precision Bass shape, providing a familiar feel and balanced weight that makes it perfect for both studio sessions and live performances.
As one of the last models produced before the CBS era, the 1962 Precision Bass holds a special place in the history of music, offering a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and sound that defined a generation. Whether you're a seasoned player or an avid collector, this bass is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of musical heritage.
Key Features:
- Year: 1962
- Split-coil pickup design
- Rosewood veneer fretboard
- Classic Precision Bass body shape
- Comfortable neck for easy playability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Precision Bass |
| Finish | Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Sherwood Green, Shoreline Gold, Sunburst |
| Year | 1957 - 1964 |
| 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, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | 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 Pre-CBS Era |
FAQs
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What makes the 1962 Fender Precision Bass unique compared to other basses?
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The 1962 Fender Precision Bass is renowned for its classic split-coil pickup configuration and passive electronics, offering a warm and punchy tone. Its vintage design and craftsmanship from the pre-CBS era make it highly sought after by collectors and musicians for its historical significance and iconic sound.
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What type of music is the 1962 Fender Precision Bass best suited for?
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The 1962 Fender Precision Bass is versatile and excels in genres like rock, blues, and jazz, thanks to its deep, resonant tone and solid low-end presence. Its adaptability makes it a favorite among bassists across various musical styles.
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What materials are used in the construction of the 1962 Fender Precision Bass?
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The 1962 Fender Precision Bass features a body made from alder or ash, with a neck crafted from maple. The fretboard is available in either maple or rosewood, contributing to its distinct tonal characteristics and playability.
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Is the 1962 Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginner bass players?
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While the 1962 Fender Precision Bass is a legendary instrument, its value and historical significance might make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors. Beginners might prefer modern, less expensive models that offer similar playability without the vintage price tag.
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How does the 1962 Fender Precision Bass handle in live performances?
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The 1962 Fender Precision Bass is known for its robust build and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for live settings. Its punchy and clear sound cuts through the mix, providing a solid foundation in band performances.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1962 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone with unique harmonic richness and warm, punchy character
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Highly resonant and lightweight design enhances playability
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Comfortable, worn-in neck offers effortless playability
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Vintage aesthetic with transitional features like anodized guard and Brazilian rosewood board
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Versatile sound range with simple tone knob adjustments
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Strong visual appeal, especially in well-worn finishes
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Considered a peak year for Precision Bass production
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Rare find, making it a prized collector's item
CONS
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Limited availability; difficult to find in good condition
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Price varies significantly, often high due to vintage status
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1962 Fender Precision Bass.
Comparisons
Build quality
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The '63's position markers are noted for being very brown, making them difficult to see in low light.
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Features and functionality
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The '62 neck is slightly thinner than the '63, affecting playability and comfort.
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The American Original model features a 9.5" radius neck and slightly higher frets compared to the '62.
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The '63 pickup is highly regarded, often noted for its tonal quality, though specifics are not detailed.
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The Fender '62 P-bass pickup significantly enhances smoothness in lows and articulation in highs compared to stock pickups.
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Other
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The '62 is praised for its rich low mid, phat bottom, punch, and endless sustain, providing a vintage-y sound.
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Mods and upgrades
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Installing a Fender '62 P-bass pickup on a no-pickguard bass may require removing the shield plate and soldering ground wires directly due to space constraints.
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Adding a rosewood thumb rest can enhance playability for genres like doom metal, providing a more "woody Geezer Butler sound."
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Use cases and applications
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A Fender '62 P-bass pickup upgrade can transform inexpensive 80s basses into instruments with sound quality comparable to high-end models.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8zFhyct4Bo&t=2310s Krist Novoselic borrowed this bass from Kurt Danielson of TAD. He borrowed this bass after he noticed his Ibanez Black Eagle went out of tune during Floyd the Barber and Love Buzz. Through out the live he used this bass during Dive until About a Girl to switch to his Sunn Mustang Precision Bass copy. But after Krist smashed his Sunn Mustang, he borrowed the 1962 Fender Precision bass of Danielson to play Blew and dropped it at the end of the live.
Fun fact: Dive and Sliver was recorded with the 1962 fender precision bass.
His collection also includes a Höfner, a black 1982 Gibson Victory bass, a ’65 candy-apple red Jazz Bass, and an Olympic white ’62 P-Bass that “sounds like a Steinway.”
Matt Freeman uses a 1962 Fender Precision Bass, as detailed in the Uberproaudio article "Rancid - Matt Freeman Bass Rig Gear and Equipment."
Jeremy Davis is seen at Warped Tour in 2007 using a '62 Reissue Precision Bass. He has this one and a white one, with the same style pickguard, that's body has been sanded, grinded down and chipped away.
"Jason Paul McCaslin, also known as "Cone" (Sum 41). He has a Sid Vicious vibe in his look not only because he's played a Precision throughout his whole career.
He owns a '62 (listed online as a reiussue), rosewood fretboard. I've seen him playing basically all of the most famous P around, always spotting a Badass II on."
Rare picture of Viktor Tsoy (Kiev 1986) with Fender Precision Bass (perhaps 62's model). --Tsoy started to play bass in his first band "Palata№6"--
At the start of the music video (0:00-0:03) you can see the 62 P-Bass in charcoal frost metallic with matching headstock. More of it is in these parts 0:49-0:51,2:28-2:34,2:45-2:48 He uses it in music videos and gigs.
Janick Thibault is seen playing a 1962 Fender Precision Bass in his rock cover video of Adele's "Hello," as shared on Instagram.
Kurt Danielson prominently uses a 1962 Fender Precision Bass, which has been his signature instrument throughout his tenure with TAD. This bass features in all their albums from "God's Balls" to "Infrared Riding Hood." The official video for "Wood Goblins" by Sub Pop on YouTube showcases Danielson playing this iconic bass, further highlighting its significance in his performances.
Album Usage
The 1962 Fender 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 1962 Fender Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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