This amazingly clean 1966 Fender Precision Bass came into the shop with the collection I bought in Greeley, Colorado! It's one of the cleanest 1960s era Fender guitars that I've ever seen. It's a testament to Leo Fender's design that it still functions and plays exactly as it was intended when it was made new in 1966. The Sunburst finish has survived in clean and unfaded condition with very little evidence of wear.
As a Fender guitar collector, I'm always on the hunt for the nicest examples of vintage Fender guitars. If you've inherited a Fender guitar and are looking for the year by serial number then check out Fender Serial Numbers. If you're considering selling a vintage Fender then I may be the buyer you're looking for: Sell a Fender.
1966 Fender Precision Bass
Leo Fender introduced the Precision Bass solid body electric bass with frets in 1952. Although he didn't technically invent the solid body bass guitar with frets, he was the first to mass produce one as well as the strings necessary for great tone. By 1966, the Precision Bass was still largely the same as it was when it was introduced except for largely aesthetic upgrades including the Sunburst finish, red faux tortoiseshell pickguard, and veneer Rosewood fretboard. For more on the history of the Precision Bass, I recommend Fender: The Golden Age 1946-1970 by Kelly, Foster, and Kelly.
We can easily date this Fender Precision Bass to 1966 using its serial number, neck heel ink stamp, and features. The serial number plate is found on the back of the body with four bolts which secure the neck to the body. The large stylized F found on the plate began in 1965, so it must have been made at least after 1965. The six digit serial number begins with 128 which falls within the range used for Fender guitars made in 1966. The neck heel ink stamp reads "5APR66C" where 5 = Precision Bass model, APR = April, 66 = 1966, and C indicates the standard nut width of 1 3/4". The most helpful feature in supporting the 1966 year of manufacture is the headstock logo which was in use until 1968.
In my opinion, what makes the 1966 Fender Precision Bass a fantastic bass guitar is the neck width, punchy pickup, and easy to transport light weight. The C neck width measures about 1 3/4" wide at the nut which leaves plenty of space to move around. I personally find the skinny neck on the Jazz Bass to be a bit too skinny. The Precision Bass pickup is simple but has a great punchy tone which helps drive the rhythm of the song. The light weight of Leo Fender's Precision Bass design makes it easy to hold up and more robust than nearly any other vintage bass guitar design.
Check out another vintage Precision Bass here: 1965 Fender Precision Bass Olympic White.
Fender Guitar Collector
As a Fender guitar collector, I am always buying Fender Precision Bass guitars made in the 1950s and 1960s. If you've inherited an older Precision Bass and are curious about how much I would value it then you can contact me here: Sell a Fender. I travel world wide to acquire the vintage Fender guitars I've always dreamed of. I can offer an in-person transaction with no risk to you.
