Fender Japan '57 Precision Bass PB57-53 Sunburst 1998
Fender '57 Precision, two tone sunburst, crafted in Japan 1997-00. The 'P Bass' debuted in 1954, initially with a slab style body and a skinny single coil pickup, and was the first fretted electric bass guitar ever produced. It took this basic form in 1957, and this beauty references that seminal offering: silver spaghetti logo, golden maple fretboard, big fat neck, single ply pickguard and a split coil pickup. The classic two tone burst finish looks suave, it's a classic look. The neck is pretty fat, with a generous 45mm nut width, which lends itself to careful note choice, but it feels very agreeable and makes for a fun groovy play feel. At 3.9kg, it's a lightweight example too. The tone is classic P stuff: fat and round, lots of attack, strong fundamental note with a nice midrange kick... perfect for rounding out the bottom of a band. P=perfect.
Model: Fender Precision Bass PB57-53
Made: Japan, 1997-00, Dyna Gakki factory
Serial: O053160
Finish: 3-tone sunburst, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 34" scale, 7.25" radius, 45mm nut, 50s D shape
Weight: 3.880kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan PB-Vintage split single coil
Accessories: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has scuffs on both horns, the middle of the body and along the bottom edge, as well as some dimples in the elbow area and along the belly carve. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, scuffs and dimples and a very small chip in the elbow area, some small chips along the back edge, dimples and scuffs near the jack and some minor scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has dimples around the bridge and elbow area, a dent up from the pickup and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only