The Evolution of the Fender Precision Bass

Late 1951

First shipped; ash body; fretted maple neck; blonde finish; black pickguard; single-coil pickup

Spring 1952

First advertised; 26-watt/1x15 Bassman (partner amp)

1954

Strat-style contoured body; 2-tone sunburst finish; white pickguard

1956

Alder body

1957

Strat-style headstock and gold pickguard; humbucking split pickup; 4-saddle bridge

1958

3-tone sunburst finish

1959

Tortoiseshell cellulose nitrate pickguard; ‘slab’ rosewood fretboard

1962

Veneer rosewood fretboard

1967

Offered with maple fretboard

1968

Early 50s-style Telecaster Bass (Blonde, Paisley Red & Blue Flower finishes)

1970

Offered with fretted maple neck