Turn Your Guitar Into Cash
Introduction:
The Fender Precision Bass, introduced in 1951, was the world’s first mass-produced electric bass guitar, and it went through more visible design changes than almost any other Fender model. A P-Bass from 1955 and one from 1958 can look nearly like different instruments, so getting the era right matters as much here as on any Fender.
Step One: Find Your Serial Number
On most vintage Precision Basses, the serial number is stamped into the neck plate, the metal plate on the back of the body where the neck bolts on. On the earliest examples, from 1951 to 1954, the serial is instead stamped into the metal bridge plate where the strings anchor. Fender also often penciled a date on the heel of the neck, hidden until the neck is removed. Serial ranges overlap from year to year, so treat the serial as a guide and confirm the year with our Fender serial number lookup.
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Era
The Precision Bass used a different serial location than later Fender models in its earliest years. Click through the eras below to find the one that matches your bass.
Step Three: Verify with Physical Features
The Precision Bass changed more visibly than almost any other Fender model between 1951 and 1965. Physical features are often the fastest way to place your bass in the right era.
Step Four: Determine Value
After dating your Precision Bass, understanding its value depends on several factors:
Originality of the pickup, pickguard, and hardware for its year
Whether the fingerboard and neck match the claimed era
Overall condition, including neck and headstock repairs
Finish, since factory custom colors are rare and valuable on early Precision Basses
Market demand for that specific year
Most Valuable Eras:
1951 to 1954 bridge-plate examples, the first electric basses Fender ever built
1957 to 1965 pre-CBS examples with the split-coil pickup
Original, unmodified examples with the correct pickguard and hardware for their year
Need Expert Help?
Dating a vintage Precision Bass can be complex, especially around the 1957 pickup redesign and the 1965 CBS transition. If you are uncertain about your bass’s exact year, our team can help.
Whether you are looking to:
Get an accurate date for your Precision Bass
Understand what your vintage Fender is worth
Sell your guitar to a passionate collector
Simply learn more about your instrument’s history
Contact us today for assistance with dating or valuing your Fender Precision Bass!
Why Choose Us?
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.
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.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Trusted Experts
Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.
How it works
Selling your guitar is EASY
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Tell Us About Your Guitar
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Get Your Free Valuation
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Get Paid
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Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions?
Can I sell my guitar without leaving home?
Absolutely. For high-value or rare instruments, we come to you anywhere in Ohio. For other guitars, you can submit photos online and receive a cash offer within hours.
Do you buy guitars in Ohio?
Yes — we buy guitars throughout Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown, Canton, and all surrounding areas. For valuable instruments we also travel to Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia.
What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?
No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.
Do you purchase other musical instruments?
While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.
How does your online appraisal process work?
Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.
Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?
No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.
Selling Options
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.
Whether you're selling a prized vintage instrument or simply clearing space, we make the process easy, fair, and rewarding.