The 1963 Fender Precision Bass is a highly regarded vintage bass guitar, known for its role in shaping the sound of modern music. This era of the Precision Bass (P-Bass) is particularly sought after by collectors and musicians due to its build quality, tonal characteristics, and historical significance.

 

History

    •    The Fender Precision Bass was first introduced in 1951 as the world’s first mass-produced electric bass guitar.

    •    By the early 1960s, the P-Bass had undergone several refinements, both in design and components.

    •    The 1963 model represents a transitional period for Fender, shortly before the company was sold to CBS in 1965. This era is often considered the “golden years” of Fender instruments.

    •    It became a staple in rock, blues, jazz, and soul music, used by legendary bassists such as James Jamerson, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and John Entwistle.

 

Specifications

 

Body & Finish

    •    Body Material: Alder (except for some blonde-finished models, which were often ash).

    •    Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer.

    •    Colors: Standard finish was Sunburst, but custom colors were available (Olympic White, Candy Apple Red, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, etc.).

 

Neck & Fingerboard

    •    Neck Material: One-piece maple.

    •    Neck Profile: “C” shape, slightly thicker than later 60s models.

    •    Fingerboard: Rosewood (typically Brazilian Rosewood) with clay dot inlays.

    •    Scale Length: 34 inches.

    •    Frets: 20 frets.

 

Electronics

    •    Pickup: Single split-coil Precision Bass pickup (Alnico V magnets).

    •    Controls: 1 Volume, 1 Tone.

    •    Output Jack: Mounted on the body (not on the pickguard).

 

Hardware

    •    Bridge: Traditional Fender four-saddle bridge (threaded steel saddles).

    •    Tuning Machines: Reverse-wind “cloverleaf” tuners.

    •    Pickguard: Tortoiseshell (common on Sunburst models) or white (on custom colors).

    •    Nut Width: 1.75 inches (wide by modern standards).

 

Notable Features

    •    Clay dot inlays (replaced by pearloid dots in late 1964).

    •    Spaghetti Fender logo (transitioning to the bold CBS-era logo in 1964-65).

    •    Nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which ages beautifully over time.

    •    Threaded bridge saddles, allowing for adjustable string spacing.

 

Sound & Playability

    •    The split-coil pickup provides a warm, punchy tone with a deep low end and clear mids.

    •    The nitro finish and aged wood contribute to a more resonant and “broken-in” feel.

    •    Known for its thick, vintage-style neck, which some players find more comfortable for certain playing styles.

 

Legacy & Value

    •    1963 Fender Precision Basses are highly collectible, often selling for $15,000-$30,000+ depending on originality and condition.

    •    Used extensively in Motown, rock, blues, and jazz recordings.

    •    Considered one of the finest years for the Precision Bass, offering exceptional build quality and tone.