Fender Precision Bass Serial Numbers: Everything You Need to Know About Your Bass's Age and Origin
some of the serial numbers are stamped directly on the body of the instrument. some of them can be found on parts and on the package. others are stamped on the body of the guitar, sometimes near the neck, and also in different locations. in some cases, you have to remove a part to find the serial number. the serial number may be found on the rear end or sides of the body, on the neck plate, on the bridge, on the top or back of the headstock, on the back of the headstock, near the junction of the neck and the body, or on the vibrato cover plate.
Fender Precision Bass Serial Number Guide
we have compiled a list of serial numbers that have been documented and can help you to identify your instrument. the list below is not exhaustive, but it is very accurate and complete. in addition, we have created a serial number chart on the next page. feel free to use it if you want to help identify your serial number, and to help us create additional entries.
serial number numbers have been used in various locations on fender instruments, such as the top of the neck plate, the front or back of the headstock and the back of the neck near the junction with the body. serial numbers were stamped on the back vibrato cover plate on early 50s stratocaster guitars, and on the bridge plate between the pickup and the saddles on some telecaster guitars.
serial number locations on fender guitars are very consistent. the numbers are always centered on the top or back of the body on the neck plate, and are always located between the neck and the body. for example, the following serial numbers are for guitars with a 3-bolt neck joint: