Pricing and availability

Average Price: $24,276

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back into a pivotal era of music history with the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass, a legendary instrument cherished by bassists and collectors alike. Known for its distinctive slab body design, this iconic electric bass offers a vintage vibe that resonates with the sounds of the '60s. Its unique body shape not only contributes to its classic aesthetic but also enhances its resonant sound, making it a favorite for those seeking a rich and full-bodied bass tone.

The 1966 Precision Bass is equipped with a split single-coil pickup that delivers that quintessential Fender punch, perfectly capturing the deep, warm lows and clear, articulate highs. The neck is crafted from premium maple, ensuring smooth playability and excellent durability. Whether you’re laying down foundational grooves or intricate bass lines, this instrument provides both precision and comfort.

The slab-body design is complemented by a rosewood fingerboard, offering a timeless visual appeal and a comfortable playing experience. As a part of Fender’s illustrious history, this bass is not just an instrument but a piece of musical heritage. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a vintage gear enthusiast, the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass is sure to add depth and character to your sound.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive slab body design for enhanced resonance
  • Split single-coil pickup providing classic Fender tone
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Part of Fender's iconic lineup from the 1960s
  • Ideal for both collectors and performing musicians

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Precision Bass with Slab Body and Maple Fretboard
Finish Blonde
Year 1966
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Yellow
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Precision Bass
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 CBS Era

FAQs

What makes the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass unique compared to other Precision Basses?

The 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass features a distinctive slab body design and a maple fretboard, which contribute to its unique tonal characteristics and vintage appeal, setting it apart from other Precision Basses.

What type of pickups does the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass have?

This bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering a classic, punchy sound that suits a variety of music genres, especially rock and blues.

Is the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While it offers excellent playability and sound quality, the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass is a vintage instrument that may be more suited for experienced players or collectors due to its historical value and unique features.

How does the slab body design affect the sound of the 1966 Fender Precision Bass?

The slab body design provides a solid feel and contributes to a more pronounced midrange tone, enhancing the bass's overall sonic presence and articulation.

What is the neck profile like on the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass?

The neck of the 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass typically features a comfortable C-shape profile, allowing for smooth playability and ease of movement across its 20 frets.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass.

Build quality

  • The headstock shape is incorrect for a genuine Fender and has a suspicious sheen, raising doubts about its authenticity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck shows signs of artificial relic wear, especially with uniform sander marks, which is not typical of natural aging.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's recommended to replace the neck with a player Jazz Bass neck for a better playing experience while maintaining the appealing body aesthetics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The relic job resembles the Flea signature Jazz Bass, known for its playability despite not being a fan of relics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with experience in relicing identify the filled headstock truss rod access as a clear indicator of a non-authentic Fender neck.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Cool and classic basses: Fender Slab Body Precision | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass is a standout, defying its ordinary production era with a unique British origin and impressive tonal qualities that have attracted notable musicians. Its larger headstock and slab body design offer a vintage vibe that resonates with players seeking authenticity. However, its scarcity and niche appeal may pose challenges for those unfamiliar with its history, potentially limiting broader interest. Still, for dedicated bassists and collectors, this model is an exceptional find, linking a rich legacy to modern playing styles.

positive

The Unique Guitar Blog: Fender Precision Slab Bass

uniqueguitar.blogspot.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Entwistle uses 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video from a 1967 Who concert at the Marquee, you can see that John Enwistle is using a 1966 Precision with a slab body, a maple fingerboard and a black pickguard.

(timestamps : 0:00 - 0:05 - 0:48 - 1:07 - 2:37)

See how Andy Rourke uses 1966 Fender Slab-Body Precision Bass

Andy Rourke

Bassist

The Smiths

...
Verified via Photo

Andy Rourke’s 1966 Fender Slab body Precision bass in white. A very rare bass which only few musicians have owned. It is said that around 20 to 30 have been made ever. It was a special production line specifically for the UK. A notable player of this bass is John Entwistle of the Who. A major influence on Andy Rourke.

This bass can be seen most predominantly during the 1986 Smiths era in TV appearances and live performances on the Queen Is Dead tour.

Album Usage

The 1966 Fender Slab-Body 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.

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