Fender Precision Bass 1954 – Black Guard Butterscotch Blonde, Vintage

No sales tax for customers outside California.

The Fender Precision Bass 1954 represents the birth of the modern electric bass guitar and remains one of the most iconic instruments in Fender history. This early “Black Guard” Precision, finished in classic Butterscotch Blonde, embodies the raw character and groundbreaking design that forever changed the role of the bass in popular music.

Leo Fender introduced the Precision bass in 1951, revolutionizing low-end playing.  This model is one of the last with the first-iteration's slab body.

The black pickguard against the Butterscotch Blonde finish gives it the unmistakable early Fender aesthetic, a look instantly recognizable by vintage collectors and players alike. Its maple neck and fingerboard provide the snap and clarity that defined countless early rock, country, and R&B recordings.

This example has all the vibe one could hope for.  The instrument was well loved by a prior owner!  It appears that there was some sort of cover on the back.  There are filled screw holes in locations that don't make a lot of sense, but a closer look shows that the finish on the back is shinier than the front, like it was protected from exposure. 

The finish on the entire instrument is original.  Screws were added to the pickguard, unfortunately. 

The rest of the bass is original with the exception of the frets, which were professionally replaced at some point.  Production dates are present in the control cavity (Gloria 3/30/54) and on the neck heel (TE 3-54).

The bass plays really well, feels absolutely heavenly, and sounds simply amazing.

A non original case is included.

Early, blackguard Precision Basses are among the most sought-after instruments in the vintage market. With its historical significance, collector-grade appeal, and undeniable sonic authority, this P-Bass is not just a musical instrument—it’s a piece of Fender’s legacy.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is carefully inspected, professionally set up, and documented with detailed photographs, ensuring that players and collectors can buy with confidence.

Explore more at maharsvintageguitars.com:

• Color: Butterscotch Blonde
• Date: 3/30/54 Control cavity masking tape
• Weight: 
  
• Body: Ash
  
• Body Date/Code: See Pics
• Neck: Maple
  
• Neck Profile: C
• Neck Date/Code: See Pics
• Fretboard: Maple
• Inlays: Black Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret count: 20
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 
• Radius: 7.25"
• Scale: 34"
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: .96"
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: 1.25"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 
• Overall length: 45-7/8"
  
• Lower bout: 12-7/8"
  
• Waist: 9"
  
• Upper Bout: 11"
  
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-1/2"
  
• String gauge: 45, 65, 80, 100
  
• Hardware Color: Nickel
• Pickup/Brand: Original Fender Single Coil
  
• Pickup Reading: 6.74k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Bridge: Original
• Tuners: Original
• Knobs: Original
  
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: OHSC
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.