1969 Fender Precision Bass

Check the serial number on the neck plate (or headstock for later models). Fender serial numbers were not strictly sequential — the neck date stamp (penciled on heel) and body date stamp (neck pocket) are more reliable for precise dating. The neck date stamp (penciled on the heel, visible when the neck is removed) is the single most reliable dating method for Fender guitars. Body dates in the neck pocket or under the pickguard corroborate. Pot codes should read 304 (Stackpole) or 140 (CTS) followed by date codes from 1968-1969. Pots should predate the guitar by no more than 12-18 months. Transitional era for finishes — some models still received nitrocellulose, others got early polyester. Check finish thickness — poly is noticeably thicker. Veneer (round-laminated) rosewood fingerboard — thinner than slab-cut. Round-lam boards are curved on the bottom. Post-CBS production. Larger headstock on some models. Polyester finishes beginning. Quality still generally good. Bass guitar — larger body and longer 34-inch scale. Split-coil humbucker pickup from 1957 onward. Check for replaced tuners (original F-stamped tuners should be present), refrets, body routing modifications, and any filled screw holes. Original custom color finishes are verified by examining color in pickup cavities and under the pickguard. Original case adds provenance value.