1983 Fender Precision Walnut Elite Fretless Bass

After the CBS takeover of Fender in the mid-1960’s, the following 1970’s decade brought about many changes. The guitar market was booming and most U.S. musical instrument manufactures attempted to produce their instruments faster and for less money. The Fender instruments suffered a gradual sloppiness associated with the fit and finishes and a subsequent “body bloat” that their instruments experienced up to and including 1981. Simultaneously, Fender’s own off-shore manufactured instruments were finding their way on to U.S. shores. These Asian made Fenders were quite nice looking and more refined, it is likely that this too was a contributing factor which spawned the motivation to improve quality and regain lost market share. The hiring of Dan Smith away from Yamaha during this period played an important role in the redevelopment process and successes that ensued. When 1982 arrived, big changes were underway at Fender and this Elite series bass is evidence of that. It was during this period that Fender began making some very nice looking and feeling instruments again. The decision to rethink and innovate, as well as put the entire Fender product line on a belated and much needed body-shape diet was very helpful. The revisions brought about the higher quality and innovative 1983 “Elite Series” instruments as well as the Vintage Reissue Series instruments that had been introduced sometime in 1982, the latter may have been what single-handedly saved Fender. The Vintage Reissue Series instruments drove sales, and the public’s interest in them still remains strong all these years later.

The “Walnut Elite II” Bass model features a solid Walnut Body and matching Walnut Neck & these were the only Elite Bass model to receive an Ebony fingerboard. The optional “Fretless” version are impossible to find today. This was the most expensive and consequently, 1 of the least produced versions of the Elite Bass Series, making it one of the rarest, which was the reason I decided to add this particular example to my collection 35 years ago and have never offered it for sale, until now. This particular bass is an exceptional, well-preserved, uncirculated example. Its dead original w/the flattest neck ever made by Fender similar to the few late 70’s Music Man Fretless Stingrays produced. It comes complete with/its Brown Molded Flight Case.