The Fender Precision Bass Timeline: 1951-1982

When Leo Fender invented the first mass-produced electric bass, no one could have guessed that it would have such a massive impact on music. The first Precision basses looked liked over-sized Telecaster guitars. But by the late 1950s, the Fender Precision Bass became the definitive electric bass in modern music. So dominant was the Fender P-Bass that any musician who used an electric bass was known as a Fender bass player, regardless of the actual make they played. The P-Bass completely and totally changed music forever. Let’s take a look at the Fender Precision Bass timeline and the slow, steady evolution of this iconic instrument.

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How to Ship a Fender Bass Guitar

You’ve just sold your Fender (or other) bass guitar online, and now you have to ship it. For many people, packing and shipping such a large and precious object can seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn’t need to be. Keep reading, and we’ll explain the ins and outs of how to ship a bass guitar.

I’ve personally shipped dozens of basses over the years with no issues at all.

If you follow these simple steps, you can easily and safely pack and ship that bass to its new owner without much hassle.

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Poly vs. Nitro Guitar Finish – Does It Matter?

Ask any two bass players about nitrocellulose versus polyurethane finishes and you’ll often get a heated argument. The debate over which finish is better has been raging for over 40 years now. Fender, and other manufacturers, have used both over the years. And, as vintage collectors clash with modern techniques and sensibilities, we’re left asking if the poly vs. nitro guitar finish debate is even worth fighting anymore.

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Jazz Bass vs Precision Bass: The Ultimate Fender Fight

Probably one of the most argued and passionate dilemmas in bass history centers around the Fender Jazz Bass vs Precision Bass debate. For many bass players, once you decide on a Fender, the decision over which axe to choose, the Fender Jazz or the Fender Precision, is one that takes much thought and consideration.

Both instruments are legends in the music world. Over the years, musical legends themselves have created their specific sound playing these amazing instruments. And, both basses have been time-tested to the nth degree.

The Jazz and the P Bass are both used by amateurs and pros alike. And, for a lot of people, myself included, the decision is so difficult that you have to have both. However, many bass players, especially beginners, can only afford to choose one. And, we get it, the choice is not easy.

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Fender Bass Setup Tips

One of the most important things you can do for your Fender Bass is a general setup. Unfortunately it’s also one of the most neglected things for many bassists.

If you have a serious set up issue or a major mechanical problem you should take your bass to a professional, but minor adjustments to your bass can help avoid a serious issue later on and make your bass sound and play better.

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The Fender Bass Player Gift Guide

Buying a bass player a gift can be a tricky thing. That’s why we put together this bass player gift guide. The first thing to consider is the level of the player. Buying a gift for a beginner is the most straightforward because you most likely will be looking at budget basses and accessories. For more experienced players it can get a little more involved but I put together some bass gift ideas that hopefully will help.

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Fender Rumble Bass Amp Review

After picking up a Fender Rumble Bass Amp, I thought it would be a good idea to write a review about it. To be totally honest, I had never been a big fan of the Rumble series amps in the past. I always thought they sounded kind of sterile. And, I wasn’t in love with the looks either. However, while browsing through the music store a while back, I noticed that Fender had a new series of Rumble amps, and it immediately caught my eye.

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Top 10 Vintage Fender Bass Years

Coming up with the top 10 vintage Fender Bass years is a tall task, especially when you consider all the years that Fender produced great basses. I decided to concentrate on the vintage years between the 50s and the 70s, even though there are many awesome years after that, including up to today. It would be almost impossible to play a vintage Fender from every year, and of course, any given bass from the same year could either be amazing or not so great for many reasons. For instance, one bass may have some hidden electronics issues, a warp in the neck from damage or weather, and many other possible problems.

I, therefore, put the main criteria on the significance of a particular bass in Fender’s history, on the great players that used them, and the overall reputation of that year’s quality when I was working on this best vintage Fender bass years list.

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Fender Road Worn Basses Review

When Fender first released the Road Worn bass line, I was both puzzled and fascinated with them.

I had always considered relic basses to be Custom Shop instruments, built by master craftsmen with a high attention to every detail, not stock production models that anyone can pull off the wall.

Of course it was inevitable that one day relic guitars and basses would be mass produced, given their huge surge in popularity over the last few years. The question is…are the Road Worn basses any good?

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Fender U.S. Vintage Reissue Basses

Fender has completely revamped their American Vintage Series bass line for the first time since they introduced them in 1982. Gone are the ’57 and ’62 Precision Bass and the ’62 and ’75 Jazz Bass. Fender is now offering a ’58 and ’63 Precision and a ’64 and ’74 Jazz Bass.

So the question is….what’s the difference?

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