Since 1951, the Fender Precision Bass has been a straight, no-frills approach to powerful low end that fits any stage. In those 67 years, no bass has shaken doors and rattled windows quite like the P-Bass. If you can’t get it done on a Precision, you’re probably missing the point.
By the 1970s, the Precision Bass design was well established—contoured body, three-tone sunburst, split double-rectangular pickup, wider Strat-like peghead—and it was available in a variety of finishes. This 1973 Fender Precision Bass features a heavily faded Olympic White finish with a Maple fingerboard. With authentic wear and patina from years as a road dog, this Precision bass is a real relic. But despite the wear and tear, it plays really nicely and still has tons of mileage left in the tank.
This Precision Bass has a serial number that dates to 1973. Both of the pots date to the 43rd week of 1973, so it's possible this bass wasn't shipped until early '74. The neck date code has become illegible over the years. The original Olympic White finish is heavily worn, checked, and faded to a deeper blonde color. To preserve the remaining finish, there is clear lacquer overspray over the worn parts. The neck has been refretted and refinished on the fingerboard and back of the neck. But the peghead was spared, and it has turned a darker orange color that matches the patina of the body. The pickguard has been replaced, but all of the other parts and hardware look to be original.
This 1973 Fender Precision Bass is a fantastic player with tone and authentic worn-in vibe to match. A lot of the color fading is nicotine from playing in smoky roadhouses over the years, so there's a slight nicotine smell to the bass and a noticeable smell to the original case, which is included and has an awesome Smokey the Bear sticker (fitting!) Despite the years, this 1973 Precision Bass is a hard-working instrument ready to be put back into service. It's a testament to the Fender designs—this P Bass is a formidable tool that will remain reliable and dependable night after night.