1957 Fender Precision Bass
The revolutionary 1957 Precision Bass — the split-coil pickup and contoured body that defined the instrument for all time. The P-Bass sound on virtually every major recording from 1957 onward traces back to this design.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Ash (contoured — body now has comfort contour like Stratocaster) |
| Neck Wood | Maple (one-piece) |
| Fingerboard | Maple (integral) |
| Scale Length | 34.000" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Four-saddle bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe (bass) |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Blonde, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 1,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Split single-coil (hum-cancelling) pickup — the definitive P-Bass sound introduced this year. Two-piece pickup with offset halves. This is THE Precision Bass sound.
What Changed in 1957
Two transformative changes: split-coil hum-cancelling pickup introduced (the definitive P-Bass sound), and the body received Stratocaster-style comfort contouring. The 1957 P-Bass is the definitive version of the instrument.
Notable Examples
James Jamerson's Motown recordings defined what a P-Bass could do. The P-Bass was the foundation of popular music bass from the late 1950s onward.
Collector's Notes
Verify split-coil (hum-cancelling) pickup — the definitive change. Pre-CBS P-Basses are extremely collected and highly modified by players over the decades. Full originality commands dramatic premium.