Fender Precision Bass 1963

This Fender Precision Bass 1963 with Sunburst finish bass guitar came through the shop last year. It was a very nicely preserved example that played like a dream. This Precision Bass was made during the golden age of Fender guitars before the CBS buyout in 1965. Fender Precision Bass model bass guitar is a preferred standard in basses because of its wide nut width and punchy split coil pickup. 

I'm always a Fender Precision Bass guitar buyer but I especially love the guitars from the 1950s and 1960s. I am a passionate Fender guitar collector and have been looking to replace this incredible Fender Precision Bass 1963 since I sold it a few years ago. You can contact me here to sell a Fender guitar. 

Check out another vintage Fender Precision Bass that came through the shop last year: 1976 Fender Precision Bass Olympic White Maple Fretboard

How to date a Fender Precision Bass Guitar

Knowing how to date a Fender Precision Bass guitar is more than just checking the serial number, it should also include the neck and body dates, potentiometer codes, and features. Fender serial numbers are applied to the neck plate on the back of the guitar which is easily swapped with only a screw drive. Not only that, but Fender serial numbers are not necessarily sequential. That's why checking the neck and body dates and potentiometer codes are important as well.

In the case of dating this Fender Precision Bass 1963, the serial number starting with 95xxx does indicate that it was made in 1963. The neck heel ink stamp reads "5JAN63C" where 5 = Precision Bass model, JAN = January, 63 = 1963, and C = 1 11/16" nut width. The potentiometer codes indicate that they were made during the 35th week of 1962. The features of this guitar are best identified by a Fender guitar expert, but they include the clay dots, spaghetti logo, and 

For more on Fender guitar dating, check out How to date Fender guitars.

 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Values

 Fender Precision Bass guitar values depend heavily on the year it was made, exact color, condition, and originality. That's why accurate guitar identification by a Fender guitar expert can be pretty important. An early 1960s Fender Precision Bass could be almost double the value as a late 1960s P-bass. Not only that, but a custom color bass could be double the value as the standard Sunburst color bass depending on the color. 

The condition and originality of a Fender Precision Bass also greatly affects is value and pricing. Fender guitars in near mint condition are usually more valuable than guitars that have been played a lot. It was also common in the 1960s and 1970s for players to modify their bass guitars. Fender guitar collectors like myself do not usually appreciate modifications to collectible Fender guitars as much as their owners in the 1970s did. 

 You can find out more about the value and pricing of your Fender Precision Bass here: Sell a Fender guitar. 

More information about this Fender Precision Bass 1963:

"FENDER PRECISION BASS - One of the most popular of modern instrument developments, the Fender Precision Bass has rapidly become the choice of bassists in every field. Requires only a fraction of playing effort as compared with old style acoustic basses; compact in size allowing freedom of movement on stage, in addition considerably more volume is attainable. The fast action neck facilitates playing technique, playing in tune and is extremely comfortable... These qualities have made the Precision Bass a stock item in many of the nation's top musical organizations." -- 1962/1963 Fender Electric Instruments catalog

Year: Early 1963. Serial 95xxx, neck stamp: 5JAN63C (Precision Bass model, January, 1963, C neck width)

Specifications: 34" scale length Brazilian Rosewood fretboard, 1 11/16" nut width, .80" neck depth at the first fret, 1.00" depth at the 12th fret, 8lbs 12oz with covers.

Playability: Excellent! The frets are in great condition and the neck is straight with a properly working truss rod. I cleaned and lubricated the potentiometers, input jack, bridge saddles, and tuners. They all function like new.