Description: Up for sale, a 1965 Fender Precision Bass in 100% original, time capsule-clean condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, polish cloth, strap, and unopened case keys. A transitional example from mid-1965, this bass retains a number of Pre-CBS-era features including reverse gear, long stem tuners, an L-prefix neck plate, a deep red nitrate tortoise pickguard and a transitional split-coil pickup with one black bobbin and one gray bobbin. Most notably, this bass has a rare padauk fretboard, as Fender was experimenting with alternatives to rosewood on select examples from the '65 model year. Well-balanced on a strap and delivering a broad, relaxed natural acoustic tone, this alder-bodied P Bass can dish out ample thump and roundness. Dynamically responsive and rich, the original split coil pickup can be both articulate and thick, and this Precision Bass is ready to be the backbone of any ensemble. Weighing 8lbs 7oz and well-balanced on a strap, we've had this bass professionally setup for easy-playing action and accurate intonation. The maple neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve at the nut, with round shoulders in every register and faintly rolled fretboard edges, measuring .820" deep at the 1st fret and .975" at the 12th. The padauk fretboard has pearloid dot inlay and perfect slender fretwire. The bass plays cleanly up the 34" scale with a straight neck, optimally adjusted truss rod, and truss rod nut flush with the neck heel, necessitating little adjustment over the past half century. The nut measures a full 1 3/4" in width. The headstock retains the original positively gleaming tuning machines with long stems and clover buttons, and the transitional Precision Bass logo is flawless. On the neck heel, the original August, 1965 date is boldly stamped, and the factory paint stick markings are visible in the neck pocket. All of the electronics work as they should and the solder joints are untouched, with stock CTS pots which date to the 34th week of '65, and the original gray/black bobbin pickup with stock windings. There is an original grease pencil date on the gray bobbin, but it is illegible. All original hardware is present including the knurled metal knobs, "ashtray" bridge and pickup covers, bridge with spiral saddles, and one of the last L-prefix serial number neck plates, all presenting virtually like-new. The original tortoise pickguard is practically perfect with only a tiny amount of shrinkage, and this guard is also one of the last early Pre-CBS-style nitrate guards with swirls of yellows and a dimensional, glossy look.The nitro lacquer three-tone Sunburst finish is practically pristine in its presentation, with a thick red ring central to the burst and no "tan line" when comparing the exposed finish and that which is protected beneath the pickguard. The lacquer shows zero touch-up or overspray and is 100% original. There is just a hint of faint lacquer checking on the back, and one tiny ding on the back just south of the neck plate. The nitro gloss on the neck profile is flawless and virtually un-ambered. The original black tolex no-logo hardshell case is included and equally as pristine as the bass. The original polish cloth includes its baggie and leaflet, the case keys are in their small, unopened envelope, and the black leather strap is pristine.
Price: 15000 USD
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
End Time: 2024-09-25T16:49:32.000Z
Shipping Cost: 200 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
String Configuration: 4 String
Model Year: 1965
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Performance Level: Professional
Handedness: Right-Handed
Model: Fender Precision Bass
Brand: Fender
Body Color: Multicolor
Body Type: Solid
Type: Electric Bass Guitar