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Post subject: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photos
Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 1:13 pm
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I have searched until I'm blue in the face and for whatever reason can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 50s reissue and a 57. This is supposed to be a 57 reissue but from what I've seen it looks more like a '50s.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... otostream/

Close up of body:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... otostream/

Here is the serial number:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... otostream/

And I've tried to find out why there is a "2" stamped on the back of the headstock but can't figure out the correct search terms to yield a result:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... otostream/


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:06 pm
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That is a Fender Vintage Reissue '57 Precision Bass with the raised "A" string pole pieces on the split pickup.
The V serial number is the other giveaway.

As far as I Know, a 50's precision will be either Japanese or Mexican in its origination, not USA.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:23 pm
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BC is correct. These are photos of an American Vintage '57. It is in black so it will be an earlier vintage than current production because black is not currently offered on this model.

V serials can not be dated solely by serial, therefore you have to look at the date on the butt on the neck which usually requires removing the four neck bolts. This serial is a Corona serial which is about all I can tell from it. That means since 1985.

The mounted black tugbar (finger rest) on the pickguard and the third strap button on the back of the headstock are both features on the AV series that aren't stock on the MIM 50's, but of course they can be added but usually are not. "Made In USA" is NOT on the decal on these, since they were only made in the USA in 1957 the origin didn't need to be clarified. The best giveaway is the V serial. All V serials are American Vintage Series instruments.

This instrument would have come with a factory case plus chrome pickup and bridge covers.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:49 am
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@brotherdave

This black AV '57 looks pretty similar to a Montego Black Metallic post 2004/pre-2010 AD, however both basses had their own persona.

I believe the Montego Black AD P is a more "modern" interpretation of the black AV '57.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 1:57 am
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Montego Black is a nice metallic black, but that wouldn't be exactly the same as used on the American Vintage Reissue which would be in Black with no metallic particles. If I was going to have a new black one, like that Deluxe, I'd for sure love the metallic over plain black. It is a really classy if not classic color.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:06 am
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The AD uses a beveled gold vinyl pickguard while the AV a gold anodized aluminum.

Both basses although having similarities cosmetics-wise are different each other in terms of features and specifications.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:06 pm
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brotherdave wrote:
BC is correct. These are photos of an American Vintage '57. It is in black so it will be an earlier vintage than current production because black is not currently offered on this model.


I got tied up with life after posting this but thanks a bunch BC and brotherdave for giving me a little more peace of mind and thanks to chromeface for the shot of the other black basses for reference. I'm going to pop the bolts off and check the date on the butt of the neck.

I'm still love to know what the number 2 stamped on the back of the headstock means.


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Post subject: Number 2 stamp? and illegible issue date on neck butt
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 2:25 pm
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Thanks again for the clarification so far...it took me awhile to get to this but I've added 3 photos of the issue date stamped on the butt of the neck

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... hotostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... hotostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... hotostream

And can someone please tell me what the 2 stamped on the back of the neck means?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76293984@N ... hotostream


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 3:56 pm
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I have no idea what the 2 on the back of the neck means. I have never seen this type of marking done on any American made Fender let alone a Vintage reissue. I can only guess that the "2" was added by a subsequent owner or store. For what reason? I can't say.

The smudged date stamps seem to read Aug. 23 1991 or something similar.

You have a very nice '57 Precision vintage reissue IMHO. I hope you have fun owning and playing such a nice bass.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 4:03 pm
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You mentioned that Made in the U.S.A. was not on the bass.

I don' t think that "Made in the USA" was put on Fender instruments until the late 70's.

I know it was on them when the first generation Squires came out in 1982.

That is one way of identifying a Fender bass or guitar from the 50's or 60s.
It doesn't have Made In the USA on it!

Of course neither do the relics or Custom Shop Fenders but it bears mentioning.


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 4:35 pm
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Thanks for the other reply as well!

BCbassman wrote:
You mentioned that Made in the U.S.A. was not on the bass.


Actually, it was brotherdave who brought that up. :-D


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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 12:46 pm
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Hi Pbass805,
The 2 on the headstock would normally mean its a "second" However, Fender does not sell 2nds to dealers etc..and has not since I've been working here.
However, the reason I specify dealers etc rather than just simply stating that we don't sell 2nds (which is easier to say!!) is that there are some employee sales of proto's and occasionally 2nds. Of course, we expect and require that those do not get out into the "wild" of general circulation.

On the other hand.......can't imagine why it would have the 2 on it....cuz it looks pretty nice.

Hope that helps a bit,
rob

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Post subject: Re: PLEASE HELP? Is this '50s or 57 Precision AVRI? 4 photo
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 1:46 pm
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Rob Schwarz-Fender wrote:
Hi Pbass805,
The 2 on the headstock would normally mean its a "second" However, Fender does not sell 2nds to dealers etc..and has not since I've been working here.
However, the reason I specify dealers etc rather than just simply stating that we don't sell 2nds (which is easier to say!!) is that there are some employee sales of proto's and occasionally 2nds. Of course, we expect and require that those do not get out into the "wild" of general circulation.

On the other hand.......can't imagine why it would have the 2 on it....cuz it looks pretty nice.

Hope that helps a bit,
rob


That's what I thought, thanks for the great explanation!


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