New for 2023, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the ’53 Precision Bass Journeyman Relic. Exactly 70 years after its groundbreaking (and ground shaking) predecessor, the instrument is loaded with looks, sound and vibe that expertly evoke the Precision Bass in one of its earliest incarnations.
This special treatment imparts the look of a bass that has changed hands or been handed down over the years, mostly played around the house and the occasional jam session or weekend gig. This generally well-cared-for look includes light finish checking, several “friendly” down-to-the-wood nicks and dings, some dulling of the hardware, and general moderate playing wear. The look of a very lucky find, in short.
The one-piece quartersawn maple neck has a ’51-style P Bass “U” profile and is thicker at the body end, with a slight taper toward the nut for feel that’s big and round but not cumbersome; topped by a 7.25”-radius maple fingerboard with 20 medium vintage (47095) frets and a bone nut. Beneath the early-’50s-era chrome cover sits a Custom Shop hand-wound Vintage Precision Bass pickup with vintage wiring for full and warm low-end power and tone.
Highlights
Celebrating 70 years of this amazing instrument
Stunning classic look and tasteful relic job
Classic P-Bass tones
Comes with a hard-shell case and certificate of authenticity
Specifications
Model Name: 1953 Precision Bass® Journeyman, Maple Neck, Aged Butterscotch Blonde
Series: Time Machine
Color: Aged Butterscotch Blonde
Body Shape: Precision Bass
Body Material: Slab Body with No Contours
Body Finish: Journeyman Flash Coat Lacquer
Neck Material: 1-Piece Quartersawn Maple
Neck Shape 1951 “U”
Scale Length: 34″ (86.36 cm)
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25″ (184.1 mm)
Number of Frets: 20
Fret Size: Medium Vintage (47095)
String Nut: Bone
Nut Width: 1.70″ (43.2 mm)
Headstock: Telecaster
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt with Custom Shop “V” Logo
Neck Finish: Flash Coat Lacquer with Dark Tint
Position Inlays: Black Micarta, 0.25″ (6.35 mm)
Controls: Volume, Tone
Neck Pick Up: None
Middle Pick Up: None
Bridge Pick Up: Hand Wound 55 P Bass Relic
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
Orientation: Right-Handed
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard: 51 P Bass 1-Ply Black Phenolic Relic
Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome
Included Accessories Deluxe Hardshell Case
