Fender 1966 Bass V - Solid Blonde

Please note: This bass includes a hard case.

Please contact us if you'd like to see more photos of this instrument.

The mid 1960’s was an interesting point in time for Fender. There were new owners taking control of operations, and new models still being brewed. From the new blueprints of the time, came what would be one of the lesser known but truly unique models, being the Fender Bass V. While reportedly only ever having 200 Bass V’s produced during its 5 years on the assembly line, it is still generally regarded as the first five string bass. This rather “quirky” offset bass comes with some interesting design features, the foremost being that while it incorporates a standard 34” scale length, it only has 15 frets, but makes it up for the lack of higher register positions by featuring a high C tuned 5th string, instead of the lower 1st string on todays modern five string Bass Guitars.

This particular example, while showing signs of being a workhorse in days gone by, is still holding together quite well. While our photographs are intended to make up part of the overall description, here’s what we can tell you after a thorough inspection.

The pickups and wiring harness are original to this instrument, with two 250K CTS pots (volume & tone) dating to the 42nd week of 1966, complimented with original jack and ceramic disc capacitor. The split design single coil pickups are dated to the mid 1960’s though the last year is rather difficult to accurately date, and both the pickup and control cavities have the original shields in place. The control wiring is a mix of original vintage cloth, and poly coated replacement, the pickup wiring is all original.

The contoured body is in very good shape for its vintage, with a few chips and natural checking present to the original nitrocellulose finish as to be expected with its age - a minor spot test was undertaken on the finish to determine its authenticity. Interestingly it appears the body may have been drilled and doweled (for reasons unknown) prior to painting, as there are signs of 5 pilot holes in between the bridge and pickups on the top of the body only. Please refer to the pictures for a detail of this. The neck pocket is clean and while showing signs of a shim or two being used, accepts the neck well with minimal “play” either side - it’s a good fit. The pickguard appears to be factory original (or a very good copy) with no warping, however some scuffs are present below the truss rod adjustment location. The neck pocket is currently shimmed to allow for optimal action adjustments. The finger rest has a crack but is functional. The bridge is original as are the chrome covers, however the 5th saddle for the high C string has been replaced.

The neck remains playable with a functional truss rod. Signs of wear and tear however, are present. The binding surrounding the fretboard has multiple fractures and what appears to be a repair undertaken on the treble side of the fretboard where some rosewood has been chipped away. A resin epoxy seems to have been used to fill the void, however this does not affect playability, as it has been matched to the fretboard radius. Additionally the truss rod adjuster has been replaced and in the process it appears that a small chip of binding has been lost. The frets are original, and while playable it should be noted that they are on the low/worn side. The pearloid block inlays within the veneer rosewood fretboard are a combination of original and replacements. A replacement bone nut has been installed. The whole of the neck has been over sprayed with original finish underneath, there is timber discolouration, underneath the new finish and the odd spot here and there showing some “paint sag” at the headstock transition, likely the result of an overly heavy handed approach to the process. It is however fully cured and does not feel tacky under hand. The headstock shows signs of the overspray more than anywhere else, however the face of the headstock remains finish wise - original, with the simple Fender logo, and no model name - in line with the mid 1966 issue of the Bass V. The machine heads are original and fully functional. An additional string guide may have been installed and later removed, the original guide remains in place.

These were a short-lived model, with production only between 1965-1970. Most were given a sunburst finish, with rarer examples such as this solid Blonde lacquer being much harder to come by. Opportunities to land a rare piece of Fender history don’t come around everyday, and this particular example would be at home either as part of a wider collection, or as it was intended to be used - on stage or in a studio, bringing smooth lows to the track.

SPECIFICATIONS

Make/Model: Fender Bass V
Year of Production: Mid 1966
Made in: Fullerton, California USA
Strings: 5
Tuning: EADGC
Finish: Solid Blonde Nitrocellulose
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Rosewood w/Binding
Truss Rod: Heel Access
Inlays: Block Pearloid
Pickups: Single “Split Coil”
Electronics: 1 x Vol / 1 x Tone 250k CTS.
Pickguard: White 3 Ply W/B/W
Tuners: Reverse Gear
Case: Non Orig. HSC.
Misc: String Guide, Strap Buttons, Chrome Control Plate, Finger Rest, Bone Nut (replacement).