Fender Custom Shop 1951 Vintage Custom P Bass, Nocaster Blonde

Full Description

The birth of bass tone

The year is 1951. And the first-ever Fender Precision bass guitar has just been launched as a solution to the low volume of traditional double basses. In an era where amplified instruments were becoming the norm, Leo Fender revolutionised the bass with his expert pickup design. Which is why Fender have equipped this custom shop model with a '55 P Bass.

Designed 4 years on from the original, the P bass single-coil pickup delivers all the classic punch, warmth, and clarity you'd expect from a Fender bass. But its distinctively vintage. Because the custom-shop pickups have been expertly wound for the '50s era. So you can count on their sound to kick out the coveted tones of the original P-bass, with modern Fender quality. It's on another level.

Vintage Fender feel

It's not enough to just sound '50s. It has to feel '50s, too. Luckily, Fender have ensured that every aspect of the 1951 Custom Shop P Bass has the unique, vintage feel that bassists crave in a Custom Shop model. A lightweight ash body lets players roam free on stage, along with a dual-cutaway design for effortless access to the upper frets. Fender know better than anyone that a bass should enhance creativity. And this Custom Shop model is certainly no exception.

It's not just the body, though. A 1951 "U" shaped neck fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, whilst providing authentic feel through its entirety. What's more – it's layered with a sleek maple fretboard. So, your hands can soar across every inch of the fingerboard, and perform every riff with ultimate precision. It's almost addictive to play.

Era-defining style

Not many basses look quite like this one. And it's because Fender have remained faithful to the Precision Bass's original Nocaster-style design. From the elegant blonde finish, to the eye-catching black pickguard – every aspect oozes with vintage Fender quality. But what really makes the '51 P-Bass stand out is the unique pickup and bridge covers. Offering a classy aesthetic to the body, the origin of the metallic covers is somewhat of a mystery. But one thing's for sure – they look undeniably cool. And they truly top off the heritage style shown throughout the '51 P-Bass's entirety.

A musical icon

The original. When Leo Fender designed the very first Precision Bass in 1950, he could never have imagined the gigantic effect it would have on the world of music. Its incredible sound, playability, and style has seen it become an enduring fixture in the music of some of the world's very best artists.

The first widely used electric bass guitar, the Precision is synonymous with both quality and versatility. That's why a massive variety of musicians have all employed one in their music at one time or another.

John Paul Jones, one of the greatest bassists of all-time, used one as Led Zeppelin rocked their way to super-stardom. Roger Waters played one as Pink Floyd became one of the greatest bands ever. Dee Dee Ramone helped invent punk with one. They've appeared in the music of Oasis, The Police, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Elvis Presley. Lasting pedigree.

Maximum instrument security

An instrument of such individuality needs protecting. Which is why the Fender 1951 P Bass comes with a deluxe hardshell case. Take your cherished instrument on the road, with the peace of mind that it’ll be in pristine condition every time you play. Preventing scratching, scraping, or any other damage to your guitar - the deluxe hardshell case makes transporting between venues simple and stress-free. No worries. No panic. Just the excitement of performance, the way it should be.

Specifications

Body

• Series: Vintage Custom
• Serial Number: 9235000565
• Body Material: 2-Piece Select Ash
• Body Shape: Precision Bass
• Body Finish: NOS Flash Coat Lacquer
• Body Colour: Nocaster® Blonde

Neck

• Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple
• Neck Shape: 1951-''U''
• Neck Finish: Flash Coat Lacquer
• Scale Length: 34'' (86.36 cm)
• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25'' (184.1 mm)
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Vintage Style
• Nut: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.70''' (43.2 mm)
• Position Inlays: Black Dot

Hardware & Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: '55 P-Bass®
• Controls:Master Volume, Master Tone
• Bridge: 2-Saddle Vintage Precision Bass®
• Truss Rods: Vintage-Style Heel Adjust
• Bridge: 2-Saddle Vintage Precision Bass®
• Strings: Fender® USA 7250M Nickel Plated Steel (Gauges .045 - .105)
• Pickguard: 1-Ply Black
• Case: Deluxe Hardshell Case
• Accessories: Strap and Certificate of Authenticity