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Post subject: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 4:40 pm
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Just in time for Christmas, I think I have purchased an original, one owner, 1951 Precision bass. Since that was #1 on my wish list, I am really excited. I think my 52P is disappointed because I will likely find a new home for it.

Will have pics when it gets here after being authenticated, so this is a little premature, but I am kind of excited. I was born in 51, too, so this is special.

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:17 pm
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Fantastic! You do know there were less than 300 of them made I'm sure. Very special!


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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:46 pm
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Oh, man! That's HUGE! Congratulations! I'll have my fingers crossed that everything works out for you!

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:18 pm
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That really made me smile, that you were able to find that special of a P BASS! Merry Christmas is right. 8) I'll second the hoping it is what it's suppose to be. :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:37 pm
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I am really pumped. Stay tuned. It's not real until authenticated. But I am optimistic, based on the photos and comparisons to known good pieces

The number I have for 1951 is 83. Problem is, no one seems to know for sure if that is sold, shipped or produced. Production for the first six months of 1952 was to be 400. I would not be surprised if some of the 1952 basses were built in 1951, including this one.

The owner bought it in 1952, so he thought it was a 1952. Turns out the body dates to 11/9/51, and the neck to 12/17/51. So, if it shipped in 51, it was a Christmas bass, just like it is now, in 2014. I can live with that.

Thanks for sharing my excitement.

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:47 pm
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:mrgreen: WOOT! :mrgreen:


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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 7:49 am
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Wow! That's really something. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 12:15 pm
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Wait. 1951 model year runs through June 30 1952. Or am I wrong? This one is out of St. Louis right? I'd say if that same one I've seen that it is an authentic neck and body but can't say for sure about anything else. For sure Tadeo Gomez marked it, and he marked "Brownie" too. I'm not sure about much else on this example.


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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 1:14 pm
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Yes, St. Louis.

Good question. Not sure if they actually had a "model year" at the beginning. While I know there are other references, I tend to use Detlef Schmidt's 51-54 book on Precision basses. The electronics look correct when compared to the wiring diagram from his book, for a 51. The electronics in my 52 look correct when compared to the wiring diagram from his book, for a 52. My 52 was made in March, which would make it a model year 51, if they did go by the model year.

On the 52 authentication/appraisal by George Gruhn, it simple calls it a Precision bass made in 1952, without reference to it being a 51 model year.

If they did not start with a model year, when did they begin the practice?

Bottom line, is I don't know, it is a good question and would be interested in any insight you have. Do I have two 51's, one of which was made in 52 and has different components and locations?

Comparing the pictures to pictures of others, and my 52, I only found a couple items that gave me pause. It is missing the grip bar, at least for now, it is being looked for. The weird wear on the pick guard was also troublesome, but I was able to locate basses with similar issues, though not quite as extensive. And I am not sure about the saddles. The treble saddle is cracked appropriately, but they look kind of dark, it could be picture, and there is no clear picture of the hardware.

I think it might be good. But I will feel much better once I hold it and have it authenticated by someone with a better eye than I have.

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 4:53 pm
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Very cool. Looking forward to your pix.

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 1:52 pm
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I am also looking forward to seeing this bass. A real 1951 Precision bass is truly a museum piece if not a hall of fame piece of Fender history.

It would be really cool if you could find one of the original tan leather straps to go with it!

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 3:12 pm
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Image Well, We're waiting……. That's true, it's not every day someone acquires a real 1951 Precision bass. Image

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 6:52 pm
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Mr. Nylon wrote:
Image Well, We're waiting……. That's true, it's not every day someone acquires a real 1951 Precision bass. Image

Hear hear!

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 10:06 am
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I am impatient too. Fedex says it is "on delivery truck" today. Fingers are crossed.

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Post subject: Re: Merry Precision Christmas....to me!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 1:08 pm
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The 51 arrived this afternoon. It is very cool. The back of the neck is like a rough road, but, other than that, it is very playable. Missing the tug bar, so I may move the one from my March 52 over...only four months difference, and same model year if they did that back then. The 52 is a refin, so better it go without.

Haven't taken it apart yet to authenticate yet, but have seen the pictures. Received a written appraisal and authentication from Dave Hinson who does this type of work for Heritage Auctions in Texas, but since his company also sold it, it could be considered a conflict. Nothing I can see gives me any negative vibes.

Here is my Christmas pic and my normal intake shot. More to come when I tear it down, likely after the holidays.

I am just as happy as you can be. To a guy like me, this is like the holy grail of basses.

Steve

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