Fender Precision Bass 57 reissue | 97-00| CIJ
Bringin you a Fender 57' reissue Precision Bass factory fitted with US pickups, produced between 1997 and 2000, is a standout instrument from Fender’s revered Japanese manufacturing era, blending vintage-inspired design with exceptional craftsmanship. Built under the 'Crafted in Japan' (CIJ) banner, this model pays homage to the iconic 1957 Precision Bass while delivering the reliability and playability that modern players demand. It’s a bass that oozes retro cool and thumps with authority; a true collector’s piece with stage-ready soul.
The body is crafted from solid alder, a tonewood prized for its balanced resonance and lightweight feel. Finished in a stunning 2-Tone Sunburst deep amber fading into rich tobacco hues. A true stunner showcasing the classic Fender aesthetic, accentuated by a single-ply white pickguard that screams ’50s nostalgia. The contours are smooth and ergonomic, hugging the player comfortably whether you’re laying down grooves in the studio or holding the low end live.
The neck is a bolt-on masterpiece of maple, topped with a matching maple fretboard sporting a vintage-correct 7.25" radius for that authentic old-school feel. With a 'U'-shaped profile, it’s chunky yet fast, offering a substantial grip that bassists love for its stability and resonance. The fretboard features 20 vintage-style frets, dressed and polished for smooth slides and precise articulation, adorned with black dot inlays for understated elegance. The headstock bears the classic Fender logo in gold spaghetti-style lettering, paired with open-gear tuners in chrome that lock in tuning with rock-solid dependability.
At the heart of this PB57 lies its single split-coil Alnico V pickup, a nod to the original P-Bass design that redefined low-end tone in 1957. This pickup delivers the signature Precision sound: fat, warm, and punchy, with a midrange bite that cuts through any mix. Whether you’re dialing in Motown thump, punk grit, or jazz smoothness, the simple yet effective control layout—master volume and tone knobs with knurled chrome tops—gives you everything you need to shape your sound. The electronics are wired with high-quality components, reflecting Japan’s meticulous attention to detail during this production run.
Hardware-wise, the PB57 is equipped with a 4-saddle vintage-style bridge, offering adjustable intonation and solid string-to-body contact for enhanced sustain. The chrome finish ties the look together, complementing the tuners and control plate for a cohesive, polished vibe.
This bass hails from the late ’90s to 2000, a sweet spot for Fender’s Japanese output when quality control was sky-high and MIJ/CIJ instruments earned a cult following. Compared to their American counterparts, these basses often boasted tighter tolerances and premium finishes at a fraction of the cost making the PB57 a sleeper hit among players and collectors alike. Its condition shows light player wear, overall it's a well-kept example that shines like a time capsule. Comes along with a generic gig bag.
Tonally, this Precision Bass is a beast: it growls with authority, sings with clarity, and holds down the pocket like a seasoned pro. The 1997-2000 Fender Precision Bass PB5 isn’t just an instrument—it’s a vibe, a legacy, and a testament to why the P-Bass remains the king of the low end.
SPECS
- Shape: Precision Bass (double-cutaway with vintage contours)
- Body Material: Alder
- Finish: 2-Tone Sunburst (polyurethane, gloss)
- Pickguard: Single-ply white
- Neck Material: Maple
- Neck Profile: "U" shape (vintage-style, thicker and rounded)
- Scale Length: 34" (86.36 cm)
- Fretboard: Maple (one-piece with neck, typical for ’57 reissue)
- Fretboard Radius: 7.25" (184 mm)
- Frets: 20 vintage-style (narrow and tall)
- Inlays: Black dot markers
- Nut Material: Synthetic bone
- Nut Width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
- Neck Joint: Bolt-on, 4-bolt neck plate (chrome)
- Headstock Design: Classic Precision Bass shape
- Headstock Finish: Gloss polyurethane (matching neck)
- Headstock Logo: Gold "spaghetti" Fender logo with "Precision Bass" script
- Tuners: Open-gear, vintage-style (chrome)
- Pickup: Single split-coil Precision Bass pickup (Alnico V magnets)
- Controls: 1 Volume knob
- Controls: 1 Tone knob
- Output Jack: 1/4" mono, front-mounted on control plate
- Wiring: Standard passive single-pickup configuration
- Bridge: 4-saddle vintage-style (chrome, steel saddles with slotted screws)
- Control Plate: Chrome
- Knobs: Knurled chrome
- Strap Buttons: Standard Fender pegs (2, chrome)
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Accessories: Often shipped with a generic gig bag