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Description

In the world of electric basses, the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass stands out as a timeless classic. Channeling the spirit of its iconic predecessor, this bass guitar delivers the vintage vibe and sound that defined an era. Whether you're laying down grooves in a studio or jamming on stage, its authentic vintage tones offer a sonic journey back to the early '60s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass features a sleek alder body, ensuring a comfortable and resonant playing experience.

The rosewood fretboard offers smooth playability, lending to the rich, warm tones that Precision Basses are renowned for. Available in an array of classic finishes—3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Faded Sonic Blue, and Seminole Red—this bass guitar not only sounds incredible but looks stunning as well. The split single-coil pickup captures those unmistakable, punchy lows and articulate mids, ensuring your sound is never lost in the mix. With vintage-style hardware and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this bass is as much a work of art as it is an instrument.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Split single-coil pickup for classic Precision Bass tones
  • Available in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Faded Sonic Blue, and Seminole Red finishes
  • Vintage-style hardware and design elements

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '63 Precision Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Faded Sonic Blue, Olympic White, Seminole Red
Year 2013 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Blue, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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 Vintage

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass?

The Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass offers a warm, full-bodied tone with a strong low-end and clear mids, characteristic of its split-coil passive pickups. This makes it ideal for genres such as rock, blues, and soul.

Is the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass is a high-quality instrument often favored by experienced players, its classic design and playability can also benefit dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass like?

The neck of the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass features a classic 'C' shape, providing a comfortable grip that suits a wide range of playing styles, from fingerstyle to pick playing.

How does the rosewood fretboard affect the sound of the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass?

The rosewood fretboard adds warmth and depth to the instrument's tone, enhancing its smooth, rich sound, which complements the bass's vintage character.

Does the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass typically includes a vintage-style hard shell case, offering protection and a classic aesthetic appeal.

Fender

Fender

Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender AVRI '63 Precision Bass (Michel Camilo - Why Not) by Daniel Sing

Fender AVRI '63 Precision Bass (Michel Camilo - Why Not)

Daniel Sing

Daniel Sing

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage Precision Bass 1963 REVIEW! by Johnny David

Fender American Vintage Precision Bass 1963 REVIEW!

Johnny David

Johnny David

Video thumbnail for HC Meets the Fender Am Vintage 63 P Bass by HarmonyCentral

HC Meets the Fender Am Vintage 63 P Bass

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage ´63 Precision Bass Faded Sonic Blue by lalofierro

Fender American Vintage ´63 Precision Bass Faded Sonic Blue

lalofierro

lalofierro

Video thumbnail for Fender Americanvintage '63 Precision bass demo by 渡部 広大

Fender Americanvintage '63 Precision bass demo

渡部 広大

渡部 広大

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant authority from PV63 pickup; full and articulate sound across lows, mids, and highs

  • Stunning Seminole Red finish with matching mint pickguard

  • Vintage vibe with authentic '63 neck feel, ideal for classic P bass tones

  • Well-balanced weight at around 8 pounds

  • Perfectly adequate vintage bridge with threaded steel "barrel" saddles

  • Low action and smooth playability with Thomastick Flatwounds

  • Eye-catching color combinations; finish has a relic effect without personal wear

  • Considered superior to other reissues, close to an actual '63 bass

CONS

  • Neck might feel too wide or chunky for some players

  • Truss rod access requires removing pickguard and possibly the neck

  • Vintage-style tuners may not suit everyone's preference

  • Poorly visible fret markings on neck side in low light conditions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The bridge cover includes a replica foam strip that acts as a string mute, a nod to the vintage design.

    Source
  • Originally designed with thumb playing in mind, the pickup guard serves as a palm rest, with a lower mounted finger rest.

    Source
  • Modern nitro finishes on the American Vintage II series are more durable than older versions, taking longer to develop wear patterns.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the super fat neck, finding it surprising but perfect in size for playability.

    Source
  • The sonic blue color is particularly favored, with one owner expressing love for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the warm tone and aesthetic of the Daphne Blue American Vintage II, finding it inspiring and visually appealing.

    Source
  • Some users find the extra hot signal from Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders challenging to manage, suggesting trying stock pickups before considering a swap.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Fender Custom Shop basses offer superior build quality and sound compared to standard vintage production models, making them a preferred option for those seeking vintage vibe.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggested pickup replacements for enhancing tone include Fender Pure Vintage '63, Seymour Duncan Vintage P SPB-1, and EMG Geezer Butler.

    Source
  • The DiMarzio Model P is noted for providing a hot P bass sound, contrasting with the scooped tone of Quarter Pounders.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some early '70s models may have gaps between the neck and body, affecting playability and requiring careful inspection.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pure Vintage '63 pickups provide mid-range grunt suitable for cutting through pop-punk power chords when used with round wound strings and a pick.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass - Bass Guitars - Harmony Central

harmonycentral.com

Fender's American Vintage '63 Precision Bass is a triumph of historical accuracy, capturing the vintage essence with its authentic sound and look. The careful attention to detail, from the nitrocellulose lacquer finish to the vintage-correct neck design, makes it a standout reissue. While its wider neck may not suit everyone, especially those with smaller hands, it offers a classic P-Bass feel that's appreciated by many. The additional "case candy" and vintage-style case enhance the nostalgic experience. However, the delicate finish requires careful handling to prevent damage. Overall, this bass is a remarkable tribute to Fender's legacy, offering a rich, throaty growl and a deep, powerful tone that vintage enthusiasts will adore.

positive

Fender American Vintage '63 P-Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass is a nostalgic gem, delivering impressive build quality and classic tones that remain relevant today. With its period-accurate aesthetics and sound, it's a standout for vintage enthusiasts. However, its steep price might deter some buyers. Overall, a solid choice for those seeking authentic vintage vibes.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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martin_hofmann

Fantastic bass guitar

It might be the thin laquer or the fine quality of selected wood what makes this 3,7 kg bass the best Precision of my collection - awesome! I find it somewhat annoying that the poorly visible fret markings on the side of the neck have also been taken over from the past. You have to use a marker to help you when you have to expect darkness on stage

tomjorgensennorway

Brilliant!

I had high expectations, and they were fulfilled! Faded Sonic Blue!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

"#Basstime #Tokyo #63SonicBluePbass"

See how Ace Frehley uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Ace Frehley

Guitarist, Singer

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1978

A picture of Steve Brown in Ace in the Hole Studios NJ plays Ace Frehley's Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass (Cherry Medicine song), which Ace used in his 1978 solo album and for all subsequent albums where he plays bass. A photo with Ace himself is expected

See how Dallon Weekes uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Dallon Weekes

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Photo

"At #SlamDunkFestival on the blue @fender American Vintage '63 -???? @stevenhaddock"

See how Dan Andriano uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Dan Andriano

Singer, Guitarist

Alkaline Trio

...
Verified via Photo

Bangin' on this one since '05

See how Jacob Fink uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Jacob Fink

Bassist

Foster the People

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Jacob Fink can be seen playing a Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass.

See how Josh Smith uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Josh Smith

Bassist

Halestorm

...
Verified via Bassplayer

"Love my Fenders! Early last year, my guy at the company, Chris Boone, and I hooked up, and they made me my dream bass: a ’63 Reissue Precision. I wanted a P-Bass with gold tuners and hardware, and he ended up tarnishing them and it turned out just right. I’m quite sure this will be my primary live bass for some time." - Josh Smith in an interview with Bassplayer.com.

See how Rob Pope uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Rob Pope

Bassist

Spoon

...
Verified via Photo

Spoon bassist Rob Pope with his American Vintage '63 Precision Bass as noted on this facebook post on the Fender fanpage. He also talks about it in this interview by Moshcam were he said: ...but personally I tend to go as analog as possible – I feel it’s more fun that way. I tour around with a 1960’s Fender bass, and every time I take it out, people go “You take that on tour!?!” and I’m like “Yeah, of course I do, it sounds awesome!”. But yeah, there’s definitely a lot of old gear on stage when we play live. https://www.moshcam.com/articles/features/51215/hot-thoughts-spoons-rob-pope

See how Niels Kinsella uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Niels Kinsella

Bassist

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in the September 28, 2016 Premier Guitar Rig Rundown for God Is An Astronaut .

Going with the one-instrument motif, bassist Niels Kinsella only lugs around a Fender American Vintage '63 P Bass that has been upgraded with a Curtis Novak PB-CC Charlie Christian pickup, which gives Niels a big, thick, thumping tone. He typically rides the tone knob in the middle and strings it up with a set of Ernie Ball Custom Hybrid strings (.045-.105).

See how Sebastián Cabib uses Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass

Sebastián Cabib

Singer, Guitarist

Pettinellis

...
Verified via Photo

Sebastián Cabib used the Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass during performances with Pettinellis in 2022 and in other projects. This is evidenced by a photo of him playing the bass live: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2cscaIutJV/.

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 American Vintage '63 Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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