Offered here is a stunning example of an early 1962 Fender Precision Bass, a model that represents one of the most iconic periods in Fender’s golden age. This particular instrument is in exceptionally well-preserved original condition, featuring a slab rosewood fingerboard and a lightweight alder body finished in a beautifully aged three-tone sunburst. It’s a rare find—both a collector’s piece and a phenomenal player.
 
By 1962, the Precision Bass had already become the industry standard, nearly a decade after its groundbreaking debut in 1951. Leo Fender’s design was revolutionary: the first mass-produced solid-body electric bass, offering pitch stability, amplification, and portability that transformed popular music.
 
Over the years, the model evolved through subtle refinements—rounded body contours, split-coil pickups, and the introduction of rosewood fingerboards in mid-1959. The early 1960s versions, like this one, are particularly coveted for their feel, tone, and craftsmanship, produced during a period when Fender’s output balanced innovation with meticulous handwork.
 
This bass is a joy to play, with a remarkably comfortable neck profile and perfect balance. It remains original, with only one capacitor changed (original in the case), reverse tuners, and original bridge and pickup covers. Weighing just 3.95 kg (8.71 lbs), it’s wonderfully resonant and lightweight—an ideal player’s instrument that also satisfies the most demanding vintage purist.
 
Every component aligns perfectly with an early ’62 build:
Pots are Stackpole stamped 304-6152 (52nd week of 1961)
Neck pencil date: December 1961
Body date: January 1962 (in the pickup cavity)
Pickups: original black-bobbin coils with undisturbed winds
 
As typical for late ’61 and early ’62 Fenders, the neck pocket shows no paint stick shadow, a production detail consistent with the era.
 
The headstock logo bears four patent numbers, introduced in late 1961, marking the transition to Fender’s mid-’60s aesthetic while retaining the magic of the pre-CBS era.
 
Visually, the bass displays light lacquer checking and only minor scuffs or handling marks—all consistent with gentle aging over six decades. The frets show virtually no wear, the neck finish is smooth and clean, and the headstock is nearly pristine aside from a few tiny edge dings. The pickguard shows only the faintest shrinkage and remains free of cracks. Overall, it is an extraordinarily clean example—rare for an instrument of this vintage.
 
It is accompanied by its original brown Fender tolex case with orange interior, correct for instruments produced after mid-1961 (when the lining color changed from yellow to orange).
 
Adding a touch of provenance, this bass once belonged to Simon Casier of the Belgian band Balthazar, who is known for his rich tone and tasteful playing.
 
Specifications
Model: Precision Bass
Serial: 70821
Pickups: Original black-bobbin split coil
Pots: Stackpole 304 6152 (52nd week of 1961)
Neck: Slab rosewood, dated 12/61
Body: Sunburst, dated 1/62
Tuners: Original reverse-wind
Covers: Original bridge & pickup covers
Weight: 3.95 kg / 8.71 lbs
Case: Original brown Fender case (orange interior)