SOLD - Vintage Fender Telecaster Bass – USA 1968

SOLD

The original Fender Telecaster Bass was introduced in 1968. It was very similar to the early 1950s Precision bass - a single pickup and just one volume and tone control. Initially the single coil pickup was placed fairly centrally in the body, but by 1972 the bass was redesigned. Gone was the single coil pickup, replaced by a Fender humbucker positioned right up against the neck.

This from the 1969 Fender catalogue -

“Fender has gone back more than 15 years to reintroduce the original solid-body electric bass. Recently, veterans and newcomers alike in the music field have rediscovered the smooth playing action and moving sounds of the Telecaster Bass. The slender all-maple neck is remarkably fast, truss-rod reinforced and set for low string, high-speed playing action. The single pickup is located for the maximum string response and is adjustable at either end for custom string balance.

Both the tone and volume control are located for easy access and permit a wide variation of values. Two individual bridges are adjustable for both length and height enabling the player to achieve perfect string intonation. The comfort contoured body is finished in natural blond and trimmed with a white pickguard. All metal parts are case hardened and chrome plated to maintain a like-new appearance indefinitely. “

This is a beautiful example of a classic Fender Tele bass from its first year of production in 1968. And it has not been messed with. This was a one owner guitar bought new in USA in 1968, then handed down to his son who did not play and kept it untouched in storage for 40 years.

It was subsequently purchased by a pro player in Sydney who has had it set up superbly, but used it sporadically until financial priorities required a thinning of the herd.

And the best thing about this lovely old girl is that it appears that the only thing changed on it in over 50 years were the strings. We have been all over this one and cannot find a thing to indicate any alterations from its original spec. Even the original bridge cover, pickup cover and finger rest are present and accounted for.

The neck on this vintage classic is one of the best we’ve ever come across. Frets appear to be original are in very good condition. This bass plays well in all positions without dead spots, fret buzz or any compromise required. Currently set up with a comfy medium height action, but you can dial this one in with action as low as you want it. 

The hardware is all clean and the truss rod is fully functioning with no issues.

The original wiring appears untouched and there is no evidence of later solder joints. Everything works as it should – the volume and tone pots are smooth and adjust properly. The pickup sounds great and the tone is rich, warm & full.

The neck is dated August 1968, the pickup is dated September 1968, and the pots date to 23rd week of 1967. Original nitro finish in Olympic white now ageing gracefully into a lustrous cream colour.

Serial # 223xxx.  Nut width is 1 ¾”. Weight 10.6 lbs

It is quite remarkable to find a classic vintage Fender Tele Bass from 55 years ago in unmolested condition. Not only is this a true collector grade original, it happens to be one of best playing 60s Fender basses we’ve ever listed at PREMIER GUITARS.

Comes with its original Fender hard case. Its logo is missing and there is a split in the base, but it is functional and could easily be repaired.