1966 Fender Precision P-Bass, Sunburst, Maple, Rosewood, Alder, Case, #140881

Description

1966 FENDER PRECISION P-BASS, SUNBURST, MAPLE, ROSEWOOD, ALDER, CASE, #140881, A PLAYER!
Fender Precision Bass Model Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar (1966), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 140881, sunburst lacquer finish, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, alder body, original (period correct) black tolex hard shell case.
This is a very clean example of an early CBS-era Fender Precision Bass  The CBS Corporation had owned Fender for just over a year when this bass was built; it shows only minor cosmetic changes from the pre-CBS pattern and still retains the feel of Leo's earlier instruments. Most of these basses have been played for decades and rightfully so considering the sound, feel and response. .
This bass shows the typical features for this period; a thin-lam rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay and the older smaller frets, the silver "transition" Fender logo decal on the headstock and a 3-ply tortoise pattern plastic pickguard in place of the earlier nitrocellulose piece. The thin lacquer sunburst finish is the brighter and tightly defined "target" burst typical of 1965-66. The neck is still finished in the thinner lacquer that feels more comfortable to most players than the thicker finishes Fender began using the next year.
Looking under the pickguard to verify the electronics are in place, secure and as they should be, and the visible pot date is 2866. The ink stamp on the heel of the neck is 5 May 66C, so this bass probably was assembled and sold in the summer of that year. Besides its looks, this is a superbly light and resonant bass; an effortlessly excellent player. We often find that 1966 era Precisions have a distinctive sound, a bit brighter than earlier versions and with a noticeable midrangey growl. They can make great rock basses and has an attractive warm sound.
Overall length is 45 in. (114.3 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) . Scale length is 34 in. (864 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.)., 8.63 lbs.
This lovely bass shows signs of use but considering it is now almost 60 years old. There are some dings, dents, and chips to the finish, and light wear with minor scrapes to the edges. Back of the neck is in nice shape with hand wear showing, but no troublesome dings or issues. Truss rod still functions well. The sunburst lacquer on the body shows strong color with hardly any fade to the red layer. The lower body edge has a few deeper wear spots, mostly from bouncing around in the case which is period correct and has the logo on the outside. The back of the body shows finish wear from use and the belts of the time. Lots of checking showing on the top, but no peeling or damage.
Apart from this it remains completely original with all hardware original and intact down to the last screw. There are no other alterations or repairs other than the volume pot. The tone pot is dated 2866. The Tone pot has been replaced and is dated 1069 making it a 1969 pot. Pickguard and screws all appear original. We hope this info is helpful to your decision but let us know of any questions you may have. We know she shows her age, but it's all there and sounds wonderful.
This 1966 Fender Precision Bass Guitar is a used item in Good Plus condition. Please review the listing above and the pictures to ensure a full understanding of this instrument.  You will receive this item well-packed in a period correct case, but without a gig bag, its original packaging or paperwork. Please contact this seller for additional information. Returns are limited so please ask all questions before bidding as your satisfaction is important to me before you purchase. Customer 100% satisfaction is our one and only goal. The only way to show that to our customers is via our feedback. If for some reason you are not 100% satisfied, please do not leave negative or neutral feedback. Give us a chance to fix or resolve any problem you may have with your transaction. We want to earn every single positive feedback because we don't plan to work with you only once, we want you to come back. PayPal preferred and all payments need to clear before shipping. Insurance included with shipping. Buyer is responsible for any and all local taxes or custom duties with this purchase. Most importantly, thank you for looking!