Description

The Fender Vintera® II '60s Precision Bass® in 3-Color Sunburst takes one of the most important electric bass designs ever made and focuses firmly on its early-1960s character. With an alder body, slab rosewood fingerboard, Early-’60s “C” maple neck and vintage-style ’60s split-coil Precision Bass pickup, this is a strong choice for players who want a genuinely traditional P Bass feel rather than a modern interpretation.

Its classic 34" scale is combined with a rounded 7.25" fingerboard radius, vintage-tall frets and substantial 1.75" nut width, creating an authentically old-school playing experience. Add the instantly recognisable 3-Color Sunburst finish, tortoiseshell pickguard and simple volume-and-tone control layout, and the result is a bass built around the qualities that have kept the Precision Bass relevant for generations.

At A Glance

Feature Details
Brand Fender
Series Vintera® II
Model '60s Precision Bass®
Finish 3-Color Sunburst
Body Alder
Neck Maple, Early-’60s “C”
Fingerboard Slab Rosewood
Pickup Vintage-Style ’60s Split Single-Coil Precision Bass®
Scale Length 34"
Condition New
Included Item Deluxe Gig Bag
Main Appeal Traditional early-’60s Precision Bass feel and tone
Best For Vintage Fender fans, recording, rock, soul, blues, indie, pop and classic bass tones

What’s Included?

  • Fender Vintera® II '60s Precision Bass®

  • Fender Deluxe Gig Bag

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

As with the new instruments we sell, this Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass is checked by the Fair Deal Music team before it leaves us. Key hardware, controls, electronics and general playing condition are assessed so that obvious issues can be identified before dispatch.

Guitar and bass setups can naturally move slightly during transport as instruments respond to changes in temperature and humidity. Players also have different preferences for string height, relief and playing feel, so a final adjustment to personal taste can sometimes be beneficial after the bass has acclimatised.

Why Choose The Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass?

Authentic Early-’60s Playing Feel

The combination of an Early-’60s “C” neck, 7.25" fingerboard radius and 1.75" nut width gives the Vintera II a distinctly traditional P Bass personality. It feels more substantial and period-inspired than many contemporary Fender basses, making it especially appealing if vintage-style neck dimensions are part of what draws you to older Precision Basses.

The Classic Precision Bass Formula

One split-coil pickup, one volume control and one tone control: the P Bass remains a masterclass in keeping things simple. Rather than offering dozens of different sounds, the Vintera II concentrates on a strong fundamental bass voice that can be shaped quickly from clear and punchy to darker, warmer and more rounded.

Vintage-Style ’60s Split-Coil Pickup

The vintage-style ’60s Precision Bass pickup is voiced around the familiar qualities players expect from a traditional P Bass: solid low end, present midrange and enough definition to maintain its place in a full band arrangement. The split-coil design also helps reject the mains hum associated with conventional single-coil pickups.

Classic Fender Appearance

Few combinations say “classic Precision Bass” quite as clearly as 3-Color Sunburst, rosewood and tortoiseshell. The nickel/chrome hardware, vintage-style open-back tuners and threaded-saddle bridge complete an appearance that draws heavily on Fender’s early-1960s design language.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass vs Fender Player II Precision Bass

Choose the Player II Precision Bass if you prefer a more contemporary playing experience. Its Modern “C” neck, flatter 9.5" fingerboard radius, 1.625" nut width, medium-jumbo frets and rolled fingerboard edges give it an immediately accessible modern feel. Choose the Vintera II if the vintage neck dimensions, rounder fingerboard and early-’60s styling are a bigger part of the attraction.

Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass vs American Vintage II 1960 Precision Bass

The American Vintage II 1960 Precision Bass goes considerably further towards period reproduction, adding details including nitrocellulose lacquer, a Pure Vintage ’60 pickup, bone nut and additional vintage-spec appointments. The Vintera II is the stronger choice for players wanting much of the fundamental vintage P Bass feel without stepping into Fender’s premium American Vintage II tier.

Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass vs American Professional II Precision Bass

The American Professional II Precision Bass is aimed more towards the modern professional working musician, with a 9.5" radius, 1963 “C” neck, narrow-tall frets, V-Mod II pickup, HiMass Vintage bridge and enhanced upper-fret access. The Vintera II is better suited to the player who actively wants traditional hardware, dimensions and playing characteristics rather than modern refinement.

Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass vs Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass

The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass is an excellent lower-cost route into vintage-inspired P Bass territory, using a slim “C” neck, 9.5" Indian laurel fingerboard and Fender-designed alnico pickup. The Vintera II is the natural step up for the player looking for a Fender instrument with slab rosewood, more period-focused neck geometry and Fender’s vintage-style ’60s Precision Bass pickup.

Who Is The Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass For?

This bass is particularly well suited to players who already know they prefer a traditional Precision Bass feel. The wider nut and rounded fingerboard make it different from many modern basses, and that is exactly the point: Fender has deliberately retained characteristics associated with the instruments that inspired it.

It is a strong option for gigging and recording bassists wanting an uncomplicated passive instrument, guitarists moving onto bass who appreciate vintage Fender designs, and experienced players searching for a traditional P Bass without moving immediately into the American Vintage II range.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Precision Bass, bass amplifier or complete bass setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres & Applications

The Precision Bass has become a studio and stage standard partly because its fundamental tone works in so many arrangements. The Vintera II '60s Precision Bass is particularly at home with rock, soul, Motown-inspired music, blues, indie, alternative, punk, country and pop, but there is nothing preventing it from being used far beyond those styles.

Its direct passive electronics also make it an excellent recording instrument. A P Bass can often be placed into a mix with surprisingly little processing, while changing playing position, technique and tone-control setting provides considerably more variation than the simple control layout might suggest.

What Makes A '60s-Style Precision Bass Different From A Modern P Bass?

Much of the difference is in the neck rather than the basic body shape. The Vintera II uses a 7.25" fingerboard radius, which is noticeably rounder than the 9.5" radius used on Fender models such as the Player II Precision Bass. Its 1.75" nut width is also broader than the 1.625" measurement found on many modern Fender P Basses. Combined with the Early-’60s “C” profile, these dimensions give the instrument a more substantial, traditional feel in the fretting hand.

The vintage-tall frets provide useful fret height while preserving the vintage character, and the slab rosewood fingerboard is another important element of the early-1960s-inspired specification. If you enjoy older Fender necks, these features are a major part of the Vintera II's appeal. If you favour a slimmer nut, flatter board and satin-backed modern neck, a Player II may be the better match.

Story & Context

The original Fender Precision Bass arrived in 1951 and fundamentally changed how bass players could approach amplified music. Its fretted neck made accurate pitch easier to achieve than on an upright bass, while its solid-body electric construction made it practical for increasingly loud live performances.

The design underwent a major transformation in 1957, when Fender introduced the familiar split-coil pickup and revised appearance that became the basis of the Precision Bass we recognise today. By the early 1960s, the model had developed many of the visual and playing characteristics now strongly associated with vintage P Basses.

The Vintera II '60s Precision Bass draws directly on this period rather than simply adding vintage-looking cosmetic details to a modern instrument. The neck profile, rounded fingerboard radius, slab rosewood board, pickup voicing and vintage-style hardware all contribute to the period-inspired character.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Model Fender Vintera® II '60s Precision Bass®
Model Number 0149220300
Series Vintera® II
Orientation Right-Handed
Colour 3-Color Sunburst
Body Shape Precision Bass®
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Early-’60s “C”
Neck Construction 4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish Gloss Urethane
Fingerboard Material Slab Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 7.25" / 184.1 mm
Scale Length 34" / 864 mm
Number of Frets 20
Fret Size Vintage Tall
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Nut Width 1.75" / 44.45 mm
Position Inlays White Dot
Truss Rod Vintage-Style Butt Adjust
Pickup Vintage-Style ’60s Split Single-Coil Precision Bass®
Pickup Configuration Split Single-Coil
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Bridge 4-Saddle Vintage-Style with Threaded Steel Saddles
Bridge Mounting 5-Screw Vintage-Style
Tuning Machines Vintage-Style Open-Back
Hardware Finish Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard 4-Ply Tortoiseshell
Pickup Covers Black
Control Knobs Knurled Flat-Top
Strap Buttons Vintage-Style
Strings Fender® USA 7250M Nickel Plated Steel, .045–.105
Case / Gig Bag Deluxe Gig Bag

Power Requirements

The Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass uses passive electronics and requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect the bass to a suitable bass amplifier, audio interface, DI box or effects setup using a standard ¼" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass is a particularly strong choice for anyone who wants their P Bass to feel vintage as well as look vintage. The Early-’60s neck profile, wide 1.75" nut and 7.25" slab rosewood fingerboard give it genuine old-school character, while the familiar passive split-coil layout keeps the sound uncomplicated and useful.

Best suited for: Players wanting a traditional early-1960s-inspired Precision Bass experience.

A natural upgrade from: Squier Affinity, Classic Vibe and other entry-to-mid-level P-style basses.

Most commonly paired with: A quality bass amplifier, instrument cable, comfortable strap and tuner.

Our tip: Pay particular attention to the neck specification when comparing this with a Player II Precision Bass. The 7.25" radius and wider nut are major parts of the Vintera II experience and may matter more to your decision than small differences elsewhere.

Showroom feedback: This is very much the choice for players who enjoy a substantial, traditional P Bass neck. Anyone moving from a slimmer modern bass should try the Vintera II alongside a Player-series model to decide which feel suits their hands best.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team has spent decades helping beginners, enthusiasts and professional players choose the right instruments and equipment. We understand that specifications only tell part of the story, so we're always happy to offer practical advice when you're deciding between models.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

  • Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

  • Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

  • Competitive prices on leading music brands

  • Secure UK-wide delivery

  • Friendly support before and after your purchase

  • Secure online ordering

  • A large Birmingham music showroom

  • Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your bass, guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 7.25" fingerboard radius difficult to play?

Not necessarily. A 7.25" radius simply feels rounder beneath the fretting hand than the 9.5" radius found on many modern Fender basses. Players who enjoy vintage Fender instruments often actively prefer it. The main consideration is personal preference rather than playing ability.

Does the 1.75" nut width make the neck feel large?

It gives the bass a broader feel at the nut than models such as the Player II Precision Bass. This can feel comfortable and substantial for players who like traditional P Bass necks, while anyone accustomed to slimmer modern basses may notice the difference immediately.

Is a Precision Bass suitable for recording?

Yes. The Precision Bass has remained a recording favourite because its strong fundamental, focused midrange and straightforward passive electronics can sit very naturally in a mix. It works equally well through an amplifier, DI box or suitable audio interface.

Can I fit flatwound strings to the Vintera II '60s Precision Bass?

Yes. Flatwound strings are a particularly popular match for vintage-inspired Precision Basses and can produce a smoother attack with a warm, rounded fundamental. Changing string gauge or tension can alter neck relief and intonation, so a setup adjustment may be beneficial afterwards.

Is the split-coil Precision Bass pickup noisy?

The Precision Bass split-coil design is inherently hum-cancelling, making it generally quieter than a conventional single-coil bass pickup while retaining the direct, punchy character associated with a passive P Bass.

Can the Vintera II Precision Bass be used for slap bass?

Absolutely, although its natural personality is different from the brighter bridge-pickup sounds associated with many Jazz-style or active basses. Its P Bass pickup gives slap playing a strong fundamental and muscular midrange rather than an especially scooped or hi-fi sound.

Is this bass suitable for lower tunings?

The standard 34" scale gives the Vintera II a solid platform for alternative tunings. For significantly lower tunings, heavier strings and a corresponding setup adjustment can help maintain suitable tension, intonation and playing feel.

Who should choose the Vintera II instead of the Player II Precision Bass?

Choose the Vintera II if you specifically want vintage-inspired Fender characteristics such as the rounder 7.25" fingerboard, wider nut, gloss-finished Early-’60s neck and vintage-style hardware. Choose the Player II if your priority is a slimmer, more contemporary neck feel and a flatter fingerboard.

The Fender Vintera II '60s Precision Bass in 3-Color Sunburst is a compelling option for players who want the simplicity and authority of a traditional P Bass combined with unmistakably early-1960s Fender character. Speak to the Fair Deal Music team if you'd like help comparing it with another Precision Bass or choosing the right bass setup for your playing style.


 

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

Need more help?

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