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Post subject: 1969 Fretless Precision
Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:41 pm
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I have had a 1969 Precision Fretless for 25+ years. It is all original including the hard shell case with the orange velvet interior. Somewhere along the way I lost the bridge and pick covers (although they might be stashed somewhere in the basement?). Anyways, is there somewhere to get actual vintage replacement parts? Some kind of Fender junkyard? Also, I've been told that this bass is rare. Anyone know anything about this? The serial number is 297517. Thanks.


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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:31 am
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Your bass is rare just because it is 40 years old. Most Fenders don't make it to that age, and when they do, you have to pay a lot to get one.

The pickup covers or ashtrays are available from Fender but be advised it is much better to find those original parts so that your bass is complete
Also know that the pickup "ash tray" cover is now different that what came with your bass. The old chrome pickup covers had different shape that what is now made by Fender. The ones shipped with vintage reissues and custom shop relics are the new shape and not the original 60s shape.

Yo can buy these parts on ebay but obviously you will pay the going rate, which is substantialy more than what Fender sells the replacements.


Good luck with your bass. If it still has the original finish your have a nice keeper.

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Post subject: Thanks
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 11:43 am
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I thought the fretless part would make it even more rare. Oh well. The starburst finish is original and in terrific shape. Only a few "road dings" from mic stands, drumkit stands, etc. as I tend to move a lot when I play. This bass has served me well for over 500 gigs, although it is not my main axe anymore. The music I currently play demands a 5-string, but I still break it out when possible.

Also, I seem to remember that it had two thumb rests when I got it. One on each side (E and G). Is this normal for a 1969 or did someone add one on later? The pick guard and body seem factory tailored to have both positions available.

I guess I better scour the junk boxes in the basement for the original covers.

Thanks for the advice.


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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:34 pm
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The fact that it is fretless does make it more rare but a fretless bass is never as valuable as a fretted just because a fretted bass is in more demand.

The Sunburst finish is original and the bass is in good shape. that helps that value a lot.

The finger rest was originally installed below the strings on the G- string side and it only came with one finger rest from the factory although these rests were often relocated on Fender basses so that players could use them to help with two finger technique.

If your bass has two, one was added to it.

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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:23 am
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Just for a rough benchmark, I saw a guy selling a sunburst 1969 Jazz bass (fretted) in good condition. He's asking $4700.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:27 pm
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If you do go to replace the parts on your bass i'd go to Fender first to see if you can pick up some N.O.S parts to make it as close to real thing as possible, definately worth the extra money to help retain as much value as possible.

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