Well folks, we’ve done quite a few posts here on our “In The Shop” series and they’ve all been on guitars. While we love to shine a light on top notch vintage guitars, we certainly don’t want to neglect our thumpin’ low-end brethren. So, we’re going to kick off this article with a very stellar piece that just arrived to IVG. A 1958 Fender Precision Bass

The Fender Precision Bass, often referred to as the “P-Bass,” is one of the most important electric basses of all time. After 1951, when Fender originally introduced the P-Bass to the world, it quickly became the world’s first commercially successful solid-body electric bass guitar, revolutionizing the way bassists played and the sound they produced.

The 1958 model marked a pivotal year for the Precision Bass, as it featured several significant design changes. It received a new pickguard design and body contours similar to a Stratocaster. The pickguard was now made from gold anodized aluminum, rather than the single-ply white plastic pickguard found on earlier models. These vintage beauties also had their headstocks updated from a Telecaster headstock shape to Strat style. This example boasts a one-piece maple neck with a comfortable medium ‘C’ 50’s profile, providing a distinctive vintage feel that many players will cherish.

One of the standout features of the Precision Bass in ’58 was its new split-coil pickup design, which delivered a rich, clear, and powerful bass sound that became the foundation of countless iconic recordings across various music genres. This pickup design significantly reduced unwanted noise, making it a preferred choice for studio and live performances. This example is no different, the pickups and overall sound of this bass are true to its namesake, precise. It has a focused and articulate sound with all the low frequency and plunky tones you could hope for. It’s truly a remarkable sounding and feeling instrument with comfortable action and excellent playability.

This ’58 Precision is 100% original and includes the original tweed hard shell case. It sports its original 3-tone sunburst finish in nitrocellulose lacquer, which has gracefully aged and is complete with light weather checking and a bit of play wear, as is expected on an instrument of this vintage. It’s clearly a bass that was lovingly played over the last 60 years, just the way we like ’em! The 3-tone sunburst color was first introduced in 1958, and has become synonymous with vintage Fender instruments. This one showcases it in all its glory. It has minimal fading and retains its vibrant red hue within the burst. Its double-cutaway body shape also provides easy access to the higher frets, enhancing its versatility for different playing styles.

Do you have a vintage Fender bass or guitar that you’d like to sell? Contact us here!

Over the years, the Fender P-Bass has found its way into the hands of legendary musicians, including James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Brian Wilson, Roger Waters, Sting, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and John Entwistle to name a few. The list of notable players who relied on its distinctive sound to create timeless and influential music is quite long, and for good reason.

Today, the 1958 Fender Precision Bass is not only a highly sought-after vintage instrument but also a symbol of excellence and craftsmanship that Fender has consistently brought to the world of music since the early 1950’s. Whether you’re a touring musician, a longtime collector, or a passionate player or enthusiast, owning a 1958 Fender Precision Bass like this is like possessing a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and shape the future of bass playing.

As time moves forward, instruments like this become harder and harder to find, and certainly more valuable as a result. So if you’re potentially interested in acquiring a well-loved ’58 for your collection, don’t miss out! Give us a call or inquire via email.