PRODUCED: 1951-1954

ORIGIN: USA

TYPE: Solidbody, passive 4-string

BODY: Twin cutaway slab, ash

NECK: Solid maple, U-profile, skunk stripe covers truss rod, 20 fine frets

SCALE LENGTH: 864mm (34-inch)

FINGERBOARD: No separate board, part of the maple neck, black dot inlays

HARDWARE: Chrome, 2-saddle bridge, open reverse gear tuners

PICKUP: Exposed single-coil 4-pole

CONTROLS: Volume & tone on separate chromed control plate

FEATURES: Telecaster-style headstock, large single-ply black pickguard, separate chromed metal control plate, through-body stringing, chrome cover plates over bridge and pickup, finger rest with single screw in centre, edge mounted jack socket

FINISHES: Blonde

COMMENTS: This is the original design for the Precision so had the job to convince upright bass players to change allegiance! The connection to the Telecaster is obvious but the additional upper cutaway was introduced in order to give the instrument much better balance.

It had its faults however so was comparatively short-lived in this early format but it was the beginning of the most successful bass guitar ever produced. It’s been continually tweaked over the years as we shall see but remains as an iconic and magnificent instrument.

Hear it here: Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock