Reviving Legacy – The Fender Custom Shop 1953 Journeyman Relic Percision Electric Bass in Aged 2-Tone Sunburst
New for 2023, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the ’53 Precision Bass Journeyman Relic. Exactly 70 years after its groundbreaking (and ground shaking) predecessor, the instrument is loaded with looks, sound and vibe that expertly evoke the Precision Bass in one of its earliest incarnations.
The two-piece select slab ash body is most conducive to sweet midrange and tight lows, and is wrapped in cool Journeyman Relic flash coat lacquer finishes in Aged Nocaster® Blonde, Aged Black and Aged Two-Color Sunburst. This special treatment imparts the look of a bass that has changed hands or been handed down over the years, mostly played around the house and the occasional jam session or weekend gig. This generally well-cared-for look includes light finish checking, several “friendly” down-to-the-wood nicks and dings, some dulling of the hardware, and general moderate playing wear. The look of a very lucky find, in short.
The one-piece quartersawn maple neck has a ’51-style “U” profile and is thicker at the body end, with a slight taper toward the nut for feel that’s big and round but not cumbersome; topped by a 7.25”-radius maple fingerboard with 20 medium vintage (47095) frets and a bone nut. Beneath the early-’50s-era chrome cover sits a single Custom Shop hand-wound Vintage Precision Bass pickup with vintage wiring for full and warm low-end power and tone. Other premium features include a single-ply black phenolic pickguard (parchment on Two-Color Sunburst and Aged Black models), two-saddle vintage-style bridge with fiber saddles and chrome cover, vintage-style tuners, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
- Body: 2-Piece Select Ash Slab Body with No Contours
- Body Finish: Flash Coat Lacquer
- Body Shape: Precision Bass®
- Body Material: 2-Piece Select Ash Slab Body with No Contours
Neck
- Headstock: Telecaster®
- Neck Material: 1-Piece Quartersawn Maple
- Neck Finish: Flash Coat Lacquer with Dark Tint
- Neck Shape: 1951 “U”
- Neck Thickness: .940″
- Neck Butt Width: 2.500″
- Neck Thickness 12 Fret: .990″
- Fingerboard Radius: 7.25″ (184.1 mm)
- Fingerboard Material: 1-Piece Quartersawn Maple Neck
- Headstock Thickness: 0.580″
- Position Inlays: Black Micarta Dot, 0.25″ (6.35 mm)
- Side Dots: Black Micarta, 3/32″ (2.38 mm)
- Scale Length: 34″ (86.36 cm)
- Fret Size: Jescar Medium Vintage (47095)
- Number of Frets: 20
- Truss Rod: Vintage-Style Butt Adjust
- String Nut: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.70″ (43.2 mm)
- Nut Material: Bone
Hardware
- Bridge: 2-Saddle Vintage Precision Bass® with Fiber Saddles
- Pickguard: 1-Ply Parchment
- Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome
- Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
- Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
- Neck Plate: 4-Bolt with Custom Shop “V” Logo
Electronics
- Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’55 Single-Coil Precision Bass®
- Pickup Configuration: Single Coil
- Controls: Volume, Tone
- Switching: None
Miscellaneous
- Case Type: Deluxe Hardshell Case
- Included Accessories: Strap and Certificate of Authenticity.
Manufacturer: Fender
Model: 923-6081-235
SKU: I733108-1-WHXD
We are Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center
Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.
Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.
Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.












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