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Description

Summary: This is the golden era of fender guitars and the P-Bass is no exception. This fine instrument has been played and gigged for countless hours throughout its life and has all the exceptional patina that comes with a well-worn and played in instrument. But more important, it’s been a well-loved and cared for instrument. This P-Bass has spent its whole life in Rhode Island for as far as we can tell, as the back of headstock indicates it was sold through the “Twin City Music House” in Pawtucket Rhode Island, less than 2 miles from where it lives today.
The second and most substantial revision of the P-Bass was implemented in 1957 and resulted in the Precision Bass design that endures today basically unchanged. That year, the instrument was given its now-familiar split-coil pickup, headstock shape based on the Stratocaster® guitar, and one-piece pickguard assembly to which the electronics were fixed (the pickguard itself was gold anodized aluminum with a cutout for the new pickup). This revision also featured bridge-mounted rather than through-body strings, individual threaded bridge saddles for better intonation and height adjustment, a two-screw plastic thumb rest replacing the single-screw wooden one, knurled metal knobs with flat rather than rounded tops, and redesigned pickup and bridge covers.

Body: This is the most iconic and classic of bass body shapes with a one piece ash body, belly and arm contours, 3 tone sunburst, gold anodized pickguard and plenty of matchless patina.

Neck: The one piece maple neck and fretboard on this fine instrument is unparalleled. With most of the finish on the back played through, it makes for a very soft and satin feel. Having been re-fretted masterfully, you get a very accurate and useable playing surface. There is a waterslide decal on the back of the headstock which reads “Twin City Music House Everything in music 59 Main St. Pawtucket RI” which was common practice for music shops to do in the 50’s and 60’s.

Pickups/Hardware: The pickup is the original split coil p-bass pickup. The original pots have been replaced with CTS pots. The knobs are non-original nickel plated, the pickguard is aftermarket but era correct anodized gold, original reverse gear tuning machines, all original covers and bridge.

Cosmetics: This bass has got all the real deal natural wear and patina that only 60+ years of gigging and playing can achieve. There are 2 major divots worn above and behind the pickguard where someone’s thumb has carved into the wood over its years of playing. The frets are in great shape and the neck is straight. The tuning keys have that old weathered nickel look to them but they operate beautifully. All the electronics work properly and the pickup sounds great. There are some dings in the aftermarket pickguard around the truss rod adjustment from someone adjusting the rod, exposing bare metal underneath the gold anodized finish. The finish on the back and sides of the neck has been almost completely worn through and it continues over the edges onto the fingerboard. There is not one major ding or chip on the neck to indicate it was ever dropped or neglected. For all the wear in the finish on the neck it is surprisingly uniform, even and smooth.

Playability: This light and resonant bass plays and sounds outstanding. A lot of the finish is worn off the back of the neck giving it a very natural, satin soft feel which makes for very pleasant experience. The action is low and the frets have tons of life left in them. It has been set up very nicely and strung up with flatwounds.

Modifications: The gold anodized pickguard is aftermarket, as well as the nickel plated knobs and black plastic thumb rest. The bridge and pickup covers are original but there are aftermarket chrome ones included in the case as well as one original knob. The bass has been expertly re-fretted and the fretboard and body have been professionally lacquered to preserve the beautiful natural wear and protect the bare wood from the elements and moisture. It also has a replacement nut and the pots and output jack have been replaced to new CTS brand components.

Weight: 8 lbs, 14 oz.

Case: This beautiful bass ships in a non-original 70’s Fender hardshell case with red plush interior.

Empire Guitars RI

Empire Guitars RI

1958
Fender
Very Good
Sunburst
Hard
13 Years
Empire Guitars RI
Empire Guitars
1-877-558-9264
Providence, RI
6:30 AM
Mon-Fri 10am-7pm EST Sat 9am-6 pm EST Sun Closed

We ship to select international locations. International shipping can become quite expensive. We will not falsify value on customs forms EVER! Please don't ask.

3 days on used and vintage gear. 14 days on new items. Buyer pays shipping both ways. No returns on shipped amplifiers. New items returned with out all packing materials and included inserts will be charged a 15% restocking fee.