The Telecaster Bass Guitar – A Precision Bass Remake
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With the introduction of its Telecaster Bass guitar in 1968, the CBS-owned Fender company introduced something that put it way ahead of its time…. they started producing reissue guitars.
Reissued What, Exactly?
At this period of time in the late 60s, Fender has two of the most famous bass guitar models of all time, the Precision and Jazz basses. So when CBS was looking for an addition to their bass guitar line they decided to look back in time as opposed to designing something new. This was a radical move and had never been done before.
Their idea was to make a reissue of the original 1951 Precision Bass which they named the Telecaster Bass, also called the Tele Bass. Although it took its name, this new bass had nothing to do with Fender’s Telecaster electric guitar. However, the original Precision Bass was styled after the 1951 Telecaster electric guitar, so there is a family connection there.
Even though the P-bass was still in production it had been redesigned several times over the years and no longer resembled the original version. The ’68 Telecaster Bass was built to the same specifications as the ’51 P-bass. It had a single coil pickup, double cutaway slab body, maple neck and the same design for its control panel and pickguard.
The design of the Tele Bass may have resembled the original P-Bass but some new finishes were applied. The famous (or is it infamous) Blue Floral and Pink Paisley colors were introduced. This was accomplished by applying wallpaper to the front and back of the body and using a thick clear coat to cover it. Also, a clear pickguard was used so you could see it.
Down and Out
Reissuing a classic guitar set a remarkable precedent for that time. In addition, what better choice could there be than to re-create the iconic Precision Bass? As good as it all sounded I’m sure the decision makers at CBS were more than a little shocked when it didn’t succeed.
So, what does CBS/Fender do now? The answer is simple, they changed it. In 1972 the Tele Bass was redesigned. The single coil pickup was replaced by a large humbucking pickup. The chrome control plate was removed by necessity because of the larger pickguard and there were also changes to the neck plate and bullet truss rod adjusters were added.
And so it was that the Telecaster Bass was no longer a clone of the ’51 P-bass but all the design changes couldn’t stop the inevitable, in 1979 it was discontinued. Fender Japan, however, would reissue the ’51 P-bass in the U.S. starting in 2003 and it is still in production.
1968 Telecaster Bass
1972 Telecaster bass
Collectibility
It may not be the most popular bass ever but there are still some highly sort after models.
The original 1968 Tele Bass with the black or blond finish will run in the $4k price range.
Remember Pink Paisley and Blue Floral? If you want a 1968 in excellent condition in those colors (and who doesn’t) it will set you back at least $7k, maybe more.
I know you’re dying to see one of those custom colors. Here you are, a 1968 Telecaster Bass in a Pink Paisley finish. Enjoy!
Bought a used ’68 BlondeTele back in ’75. It had Marvin Gaye Tour Stickers all over the case. Could have been played by James Jamerson or Bob Babbit. Traded it and a Rickenbacher 4001 for a custom P Bass in 1980. Who Knew what the value would be back then? Certainly not Me. For some reason I still have the bridge cover. If Someone Needs this We need to talk.
Bruce Pace on Bass
May be interested in your bridge cover – what are asking for it?
??????? Waiting for a reply from Bob Babbit to see if there is historical significance. Will post and set a price then. Thanx for Your interest.
Bruce Pace
on Bass