Vintage Fender L-Series Precision Bass Refin - USA 1963

Here is a 1963 Fender Precision Bass from the early L-Series era, one of the most celebrated periods in Precision Bass history. Since its introduction by Leo Fender in 1951, the Precision Bass fundamentally changed popular music, replacing the upright bass with a portable, amplified instrument that quickly became the industry standard. By the early 1960s, the L-Series instruments (1962–65) had refined the design into what many consider a golden era for the model.

These early-’60s Precisions are known for their slim, fast-playing neck profiles, resonant alder bodies, and a tonal character that defined countless recordings across soul, rock, pop, and jazz. This 1963 example retains that core identity, while also showing the character of a well-played, well-travelled instrument.

Originally finished in sunburst, it has since been refinished in Olympic White, now aged to a naturally worn, played-in patina. Over the years, the instrument has seen various updates and modifications, but it still retains the essential feel, balance, and resonance that make an L-Series Precision Bass so highly regarded. The neck remains particularly comfortable, with the familiar early-’60s profile and an unmistakably vintage Fender response.

For reliability and performance, the bass has been modernised where necessary. It is fitted with Fender Pure Vintage ’63 pickups, delivering a warm, rounded low end with the signature Precision Bass punch. The electronics have been refreshed with replaced pots and a Switchcraft output jack, while the bridge and tuners have also been updated to Fender Pure Vintage ’63 components for improved stability and function. There is evidence of additional routing from a previous Jazz Bass pickup modification, though this does not detract from its stability or core tonal character. The original Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has been professionally replaced with Madagascan rosewood work carried out by respected Australian luthier Jeff Mallia.

Specifications: 

Year: 1963
Country: USA
Model: Fender Precision Bass
Finish: Olympic White
Body: Alder body
Neck: Maple neck
Fingerboard: Madagascan rosewood
Scale: 34"
Pickups: Fender Pure Vintage ’63 Precision Bass pickup
Bridge: Fender Pure Vintage ’63 bridge
Tuners: Fender Pure Vintage ’63 replacement tuners
Case: Modern Fender hard shell case