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Average Price: $6,500

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$400

$1001+

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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

What makes the 1962 Fender Precision Bass unique compared to other basses?

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.

What type of music is the 1962 Fender Precision Bass best suited for?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1962 Fender Precision Bass?

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.

Is the 1962 Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

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.

How does the 1962 Fender Precision Bass handle in live performances?

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.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1962 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Video thumbnail for 1962 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1962 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1962 Fender Precision Bass played by Daniel Kimbro by Carter Vintage Guitars

1962 Fender Precision Bass played by Daniel Kimbro

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 Fender Precision Bass, Sunburst by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1962 Fender Precision Bass, Sunburst

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 FENDER PRECISION BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars by ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

1962 FENDER PRECISION BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone with unique harmonic richness and warm, punchy character

  • Highly resonant and lightweight design enhances playability

  • Comfortable, worn-in neck offers effortless playability

  • Vintage aesthetic with transitional features like anodized guard and Brazilian rosewood board

  • Versatile sound range with simple tone knob adjustments

  • Strong visual appeal, especially in well-worn finishes

  • Considered a peak year for Precision Bass production

  • Rare find, making it a prized collector's item

CONS

  • Limited availability; difficult to find in good condition

  • 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

  • The '63 is akin to a Custom Shop "Thin Skin" model, with the exception of lacking a quartersawn maple neck.

    Source
  • The difference in neck feel between the American Original and Pure Vintage is attributed to the radius change.

    Source

Build quality

  • The '63's position markers are noted for being very brown, making them difficult to see in low light.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The '62 neck is slightly thinner than the '63, affecting playability and comfort.

    Source
  • The American Original model features a 9.5" radius neck and slightly higher frets compared to the '62.

    Source
  • The '63 pickup is highly regarded, often noted for its tonal quality, though specifics are not detailed.

    Source
  • The Fender '62 P-bass pickup significantly enhances smoothness in lows and articulation in highs compared to stock pickups.

    Source

Other

  • The '62 is praised for its rich low mid, phat bottom, punch, and endless sustain, providing a vintage-y sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source
  • Adding a rosewood thumb rest can enhance playability for genres like doom metal, providing a more "woody Geezer Butler sound."

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Fender '62 P-bass pickup upgrade can transform inexpensive 80s basses into instruments with sound quality comparable to high-end models.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner noted that modifying older basses with quality pickups like the Fender '62 can yield impressive results without a high cost barrier.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Krist Novoselic uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Mike Dirnt uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Bassplayer

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.”

See how Mikey Way uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Mikey Way

Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Mikey can be seen with a Fender '62 Precision Bass.

See how Matt Freeman uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

...
Verified via Uberproaudio

Matt Freeman uses a 1962 Fender Precision Bass, as detailed in the Uberproaudio article "Rancid - Matt Freeman Bass Rig Gear and Equipment."

See how Jeremy Davis uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Jeremy Davis

Bassist

Paramore

...
Verified via Ixquick-proxy

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.

See how Jason McCaslin uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Jason McCaslin

Bassist, Music Producer

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo

"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."

See how Viktor Tsoy uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Viktor Tsoy

Singer, Guitarist

KINO

...
Verified via Photo

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"--

See how David Desrosiers uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

David Desrosiers

Bassist

Simple Plan

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:22, David can be seen using a 62' P-Bass with an ashtray.

See how Takahiro Yamada uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Takahiro Yamada

Bassist

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Janick Thibault uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Janick Thibault

Singer, Guitarist

Amasic

...
Verified via Instagram

Janick Thibault is seen playing a 1962 Fender Precision Bass in his rock cover video of Adele's "Hello," as shared on Instagram.

See how Kurt Danielson uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Kurt Danielson

Bassist

Tad

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Ashley Dzerigian uses 1962 Fender Precision Bass

Ashley Dzerigian

Bassist

Great Northern

...
Verified via Photo

"Got my poor-man's Pino Paladino up and running with it's new pick-guard and #DDTstrings....Fender 62' PBass RI lookin' all fine n sheeeit."

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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shifter_bass

shifter_bass

Gear IQ 632

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