Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,225
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Fender
Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass Demo | Fender
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
Build quality
-
Some early '70s models may have gaps between the neck and body, affecting playability and requiring careful inspection.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
241
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
Artist usage
Add artist
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
"At #SlamDunkFestival on the blue @fender American Vintage '63 -???? @stevenhaddock"
In this photo Jacob Fink can be seen playing a Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass.
"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.
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
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).
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/.
Album Usage
The Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Cherry Medicine
Ace Frehley (2024)
Origins Vol.2
Ace Frehley (2020)
Space Truckin'
Ace Frehley (2020)
The Atlantic Years
Frehley's Comet & Ace Frehley & Frehley's Comet (2019)
Spaceman
Ace Frehley (2018)
Rockin’ With the Boys
Ace Frehley (2018)
Bronx Boy
Ace Frehley (2018)
Anomaly (Deluxe Edition)
Ace Frehley (2017)
Origins, Vol. 1
Ace Frehley (2016)
White Room
Ace Frehley (2016)
Space Invader
Ace Frehley (2014)
New York Groove
Ace Frehley (2009)
Music From "The Elder" (Remastered)
Kiss (1981)
Dynasty
Kiss (1979)
Kiss: Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley (1978)
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.
More Fender Electric Basses
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Electric Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
nikolaikristensenGear IQ 108
-