Description
In the early ’50s, Leo Fender revolutionized the bass sound in modern music by creating the Precision bass, which for the enabled amplification to match volumes for the rest of the band, as compared to double basses that came before. It’s also fretted so pitch can be achieved more precisely, and hence the name. This custom shop ’51 Precision Bass model is based on the first version of Precision bass that came into production. When we say Precision bass, a familiar sound immediately comes to mind. But, that sound in our heads came from post 1957’s 3rd version, with a split-coil P pickup. Or more likely than not, we are more accustomed to the alder body /rosewood fingerboard versions came in the early ’60s. The ’51 Precision sounds and plays differently. Many vintage factors contribute to the differences from your more modern P bass tone:
- Single-coil pick up based on Telecaster guitars at the time
- Slab ash body (2-piece)
- 2 fiber saddle at the bridge
- ’51 U neck profile A.K.A “baseball bat”
If thin necks are considered modern as opposed to vintage, then this bass is as vintage as it can ever be. The thickness of the neck does impact tone, in our opinion. Whilst it is definitely a thick and round neck, as a 4-string we didn’t find it difficult to play.
The pickup is changed to a Lindy Fralin ’51 Precision handwound pickup, delivering a faithful tone of that era. The bass is strung with LaBella Deep Talkin’ flats, although the originally Fender flats are included in the hard case. The tone can be related to double bass, but played with a pick it produces the classic rock n roll tones. Sustain is shorter than post-1957 versions of P basses, but no where as short as a Hofner violin bass, for example.
Ergonomics of a slab body need some getting used to, as well as the thicker and rounder neck. It balances very well seated or strapped on shoulder, as we didn’t experience any neck dive.
Cosmetically this bass is very pretty and just oozes quality from Fender C.S. It is painted with flash coat lacquer in new-old-stock (NOS), meaning no relic. Flash coat is very thin as compared with normal nitrocellulose lacquer process by Fender. The thin coat of Nocaster blonde finish is quite transparent, and we think the finish will wear quickly and beautifully.
This is a used bass, and is in Excellent+ condition. The body shows virtually no wear front, side, and back. The black pickguard has fine scratches and also visible wear at the truss rod adjustment area. The quartersawn maple neck and fingerboard is gorgeous – it is also finished in flash coat lacquer and the back of the neck has some sign of usage as the finish became duller with playing. The electronics work flawlessly, as well as the truss rod. Hardwares have very little signs of usage; the chrome still shines. The vintage style output jack needs to be used carefully, since it is not secured by any screws. It’s built that way to be authentic to its vintage style, and with care i.e. don’t yank out the lead cable, you should be fine.
The bass comes with its original tweed deluxe hardshell case, the bass’ original pickup and bridge plate covers with their original screws, COA and other case candies. All specifications are listed in the Additional Information tab above.
Notes on the buying process
Our items are listed on this site (bellaromeo.com), as well as being available in our physical showroom in Wan Chai, Hong Kong and third-party online shopping platform(s). In rare occasions, the item may be sold out first via other channels, in which case we regrettably will need to prioritise the order fulfilment by the time stamp of the order being placed on a first-come-first-sold basis.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENT. When you place an order with us here at bellaromeo.com using a credit card, the checkout process only authrorize a hold of the payment amount. Once we received your order, we will review the order to check (1) if there are any combined shipping opportunity, (2) stock is not sold elsewhere, and (3) accuracy of all information about your order. We will send you an updated invoice if there are any changes for your agreement. Once everything is in good order, we will charge your credit card.
DIRECT BANK TRANSFER. If you wish to pay by bank transfer, you may pay in US dollars (USD), European Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), Japanese Yen (JPY), Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Australian Dollars (AUD), New Zealand Dollars (NZD), Swiss Francs (CHF), and Singaporean Dollars (SGD). This could help our customer save on currency conversion charges by credit card / payment companies. Once we received your order, we will review the order to check (1) if there are any combined shipping opportunity, (2) stock is not sold elsewhere, and (3) accuracy of all information about your order. If everything is in good order, we will send you an email about our bank account details.
