Introduction:
The Fender Precision Bass, introduced in 1951, was the world's first mass-produced electric bass guitar. Leo Fender's revolutionary design solved the fundamental problem of volume that upright bass players faced in amplified music, forever changing the sound of popular music.
From the walking bass lines of early rock and roll to the thunderous foundation of modern music, the Precision Bass (affectionately known as the "P-Bass") has been the backbone of countless recordings. Understanding your P-Bass's age and authenticity is crucial, as early examples can be worth $50,000-100,000+, while later models range from $1,000-15,000.
This comprehensive guide covers Precision Bass serial numbers, dating methods, and the evolutionary changes that make certain years more valuable than others.
Fender Precision Bass Dating
Enter your Precision Bass serial number to identify the model year and value
Precision Bass Serial Number Guide
Bridge Plate Era (1951-1954)
The earliest Precision Basses had serial numbers stamped into the bridge plate, making them among the most valuable bass guitars ever made.
First Year Production (1951)
100-300: Early 1951 production
300-600: Late 1951 into 1952
Key 1951 Features:
Single-coil pickup with black cover
Blonde finish standard
Simple volume and tone controls
20-fret maple neck
Production Expansion (1952-1954)
0001-0900: 1952-1953
0900-2000: 1954
Evolution 1952-1954:
1952: Pickup mounting refinements
1953: Bridge design improvements
1954: Preparation for neck plate serial numbers
Value Note: Any bridge plate Precision Bass is museum-quality, with values starting at $30,000 for player condition examples.
Neck Plate Era (1954-1976)
When serial numbers moved to the neck plate, the Precision Bass entered its classic period.
Pre-Split Coil (1954-1957)
0001-8000: 1954
8000-16000: 1955
16000-25000: 1956-1957
Pre-Split Features:
Original single-coil pickup design
Continues bridge plate era electronics
Increasing production quality
Maple neck standard
Split-Coil Introduction (1957-1965)
25000-30000: 1957 (split-coil introduced)
30000-40000: 1958-1959
40000-58000: 1960
58000-72000: 1961
72000-93000: 1962
93000-L20000: 1963
L20000-L55000: 1964
L55000-L99999: 1965 (pre-CBS)
Split-Coil Era Features:
1957: Revolutionary split-coil pickup
1959: Rosewood fingerboard option
1961: Clay dots replaced with pearl
1962: Curved rosewood fingerboard
CBS Era Neck Plate (1965-1976)
100000-110000: 1965 (post-CBS)
110000-200000: 1966
200000-280000: 1967-1969
280000-300000: 1970
300000-330000: 1971
330000-520000: 1972-1973
520000-690000: 1974-1975
690000-750000: 1976
CBS Changes:
1965: Larger headstock
1966: Bound fingerboard option
1970s: Various finish and hardware options
Precision Bass Model Variations
Standard Precision Bass (1951-Present)
The basic P-Bass design that established the template:
Pre-CBS Features (1951-1965):
Single-coil (1951-1957) or split-coil (1957+) pickup
Volume and tone controls
Maple neck standard, rosewood optional from 1959
Various body finishes available
CBS Era Changes (1965-1985):
Larger headstock from 1965
Different pickup specifications
Polyurethane finishes
Various cosmetic updates
Precision Bass Special Models
Telecaster Bass (1968-1972)
Smaller body size
Single-coil pickup
Telecaster-inspired design
30" scale length
Limited production and high collectibility
Precision Bass with Humbucker (1970s)
Some models featured humbucker pickups
Less common than split-coil versions
Varied by specific year and model
Key Dating Features Beyond Serial Numbers
Pickup Evolution
Single-Coil Era (1951-1957)
Design: Large single-coil pickup
Cover: Black plastic or chrome
Characteristics: Classic early bass tone, some hum
Value: Highly sought after by collectors
Split-Coil Era (1957-Present)
Introduction: 1957 revolutionary design
Advantages: Reduced hum, increased output
Evolution: Various wind specifications over time
Standard: Became the classic P-Bass sound
Neck Construction Changes
Neck Attachment:
1951-1971: 4-bolt neck attachment
1971-1981: 3-bolt with micro-tilt
1981+: Return to 4-bolt design
Scale Length:
Standard P-Bass: 34" scale (standard since 1951)
Telecaster Bass: 30" scale (1968-1972)
Consistency: 34" scale maintained throughout most production
Fingerboard Materials:
1951-1959: Maple only
1959+: Rosewood option available
1983+: Both maple and rosewood standard
Body and Hardware Evolution
Body Woods:
1951-1954: Ash primary wood
1955+: Alder becomes standard for most finishes
Special Runs: Various woods for different series
Bridge Evolution:
1951-1957: Original bridge design
1957+: Various improvements and updates
Modern: High-mass bridges on some models
Tuning Machines:
1951-1965: Kluson tuners standard
1965+: Various manufacturers
Modern: Precision-style tuners maintained
Most Valuable Precision Bass Years
The Holy Grail: Bridge Plate Era (1951-1954)
Value Range: $30,000-100,000+
Why Valuable: First electric basses ever made
Rarity: Fewer than 2,000 total produced
Historical Significance: Invented the electric bass category
Pre-Split Coil (1954-1957)
Value Range: $15,000-40,000
Why Valuable: Original single-coil design, pre-CBS quality
Tonal Character: Unique sound different from later split-coil
Collector Appeal: Bridge between bridge plate and classic eras
Early Split-Coil (1957-1962)
Value Range: $8,000-25,000
Why Valuable: Introduction of classic P-Bass sound
Peak Years: 1957-1960 for innovation and quality
Player Favorites: Established the template for modern bass
Late Pre-CBS (1962-1965)
Value Range: $6,000-20,000
Why Valuable: Refined design with premium materials
Features: Mature split-coil design, excellent craftsmanship
Market Position: Entry point for vintage P-Bass collecting
Early CBS (1965-1970)
Value Range: $3,000-12,000
Why Valuable: Transition period maintaining vintage characteristics
Features: Large headstock but vintage electronics
Player Appeal: Modern playability with vintage tone
Precision Bass Authentication
Common Counterfeit Patterns:
Fake Early Models:
Bridge plate reproductions with incorrect features
Single-coil pickups on later-style bodies
Artificially aged finishes on modern instruments
Pre-CBS Conversions:
CBS-era basses with fake pre-CBS serial numbers
Neck swaps to change apparent age
Refinished instruments with period-incorrect features
Authentication Checkpoints:
Serial Number Analysis:
Correct format for claimed era
Appropriate stamping depth and style
Numbers align with physical features
Cross-reference with known production data
Construction Verification:
Neck pocket fit and date stamps
Body routing appropriate for pickup type
Hardware correct for claimed period
Finish type and aging patterns authentic
Component Dating:
Potentiometer date codes align with serial
Pickup construction matches era
Tuning machine styles correct
Electronic components period-appropriate
Precision Bass Market Guide
Investment Potential:
Bridge Plate Era: Museum-quality investments
Pre-CBS Models: Strong appreciation potential
Early Split-Coil: Solid collector interest
CBS Era: Player market with some collector appeal
What Affects Value:
Age and Era: Earlier models command higher prices
Pickup Type: Single-coil vs split-coil affects value
Condition: Original finish and hardware crucial
Originality: All original components preferred
Provenance: Famous ownership adds significant value
Buying Considerations:
Authentication: Professional verification recommended for valuable examples
Condition Assessment: Understand difference between player and collector condition
Market Research: Compare recent sales of similar instruments
Investment vs Player: Determine intended use before purchase
Our Expertise:
30+ years evaluating vintage Precision Basses
Extensive database of authentic examples
Current market pricing knowledge
Authentication documentation services
Insurance appraisal capabilities
Comprehensive Assessment Includes:
Complete serial number analysis
Pickup type and dating verification
Hardware authenticity assessment
Electronics component evaluation
Finish analysis and documentation
Fair market value determination
Free Initial Evaluation:
Submit clear photos of your Precision Bass:
Front and back of complete instrument
Headstock showing serial number clearly
Close-ups of pickup and electronics
Bridge and hardware details
Any unique features or modifications
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Fast & Simple Process
No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.
Trusted Experts
Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.
Selling your guitar is EASY
Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions?
Multiple Ways To Sell
Sell Online
Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.
Sell By Phone
Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.
In-Person Evaluation
Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.