Fender Precision bass timeline
1950s

1953

1954 Contoured ash body with bevelled edges
Two tone sunburst finish as standard.
White single ply plastic pickguard, (though black pickguard still available on blond models until 1955).

1955 Pickup poles are staggered, with a raised A pole.
Bridge saddles are changed to steel towards the end of the year.
Serial number moved to the neck plate.

1956 Sunburst models are Alder, blond models remain ash
Earliest examples of custom colours are made: peach pink, black, light blue and metallic blue. Custom paint colours available based on DuPont automobile colours
String winding changes from black to white
Neck shape is less rounded and more V shaped

1957 Split-coil two piece humbucking pickup.
New gold coloured anodized aluminum pickguard, covering only the lower horn, but also mounting the pickup, input jack, and tone/vol pots
Wider headstock to match the Stratocaster
Finger rest now has two screws
Price: $219.50 (custom colours 5% extra)

1958 The standard sunburst finish is now three-tone rather than two-tone
Pickup poles are now level.
Redesigned bridge with four saddles and no longer strung through the body
Chrome covers made smaller
Neck shape is less V shaped, and more U shaped

1959 Rosewood fingerboard over the same maple neck.
New celluloid three layer white pickguard (custom coloured instruments), or four layer tortoiseshell (usually for sunburst and blond models). Includes metal under layer to provide sheilding

Fender American Deluxe Ash Precision Bass 5-String Tobacco Sunburst Rosewood Fretboard

This premium ash-bodied P-Bass is a stunning piece of Fender handiwork. The graphite-reinforced maple neck has a modern C shape. Appointments include deluxe Lite-Bass tuning machines, a chromeplated bridge that permits string-thru or top-loading, a new design split single-coil pickup (mid position), and a humbucker at the bridge. It also has 3-band active EQ with master volume and a pan pot for pickup blend. Great looking, great sounding, and highly dialable. Includes hardshell case

Fender American Deluxe Ash Precision Bass Butterscotch Blonde

Deluxe in every way: woods, hardware, and electronics.
This premium ash-bodied P-Bass is a stunning piece of Fender handiwork. Equipped with deluxe Lite-Bass tuning machines, a deluxe chromeplated bridge that allows both string-thru or top-loading, a New Design split single-coil pickup (mid position), and a humbucker at the bridge. It also has 3-band active EQ with master volume and a pan pot for pickup blend. Great looking, great sounding, and highly dialable.

Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass

Made in U.S.A. This vintage reissue features a traditional maple neck, alder body, vintage hardware, and gold anodized pickguard. Maple or rosewood fretboard.

Fender 51 Precision Bass

A vintage single-coil pickup halfway between the bridge and neck, 2-saddle bridge, gorgeous ash body, and one-piece maple neck and fretboard make up the killer combination that carried the low end of half the top acts of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Amoeba pickguard, vintage chrome knobs and knob plate, stunning butterscotch blonde see-through finish, and classic narrow headstock make it look as cool as it plays.

Fender American Vintage 62 Precision Bass

Following its introduction in '51, the P-Bass went on to dramatically influence the way we play and hear music, impacting every genre in every decade since. The '62 Precision pays tribute to this landmark instrument as it starts its second decade. It features accurate detailing in electronics and hardware from the split single-coil pickups to the vintage tuning machines. Finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. Includes Fender deluxe hardshell case, vintage cable, and leather strap.

Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass Amber Maple Fretboard

Beautifully crafted and equipped.
The American Deluxe P Bass? features a select alder body, graphite-reinforced maple neck with modern C shape, a deluxe bridge that allows either top-loading or string-thru-body, lite-Bass tuners, active 3-band EQ, a new design split single-coil paired with a bridge humbucker, and a high degree of neck and fret work that makes it extremely easy to play. It's perfect for the player who wants a top-of-the-line modern Precision Bass?.