1976 FENDER PRECISION BASS
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During the year the serial number moved from the F Series neckplate to the headstock decal. The headstock decal transitioned from the large "C" logo including four individual patent numbers and an ® mark to the "76" or "S6" serial number logo. Both decals were applied under the finish. This transition caused the lettering style to change and the logo to become smaller. A serial number sticker was often added onto the underside of the pickguard. The tuners transitioned from Fender name imprinted non-reverse clover tuners to Schaller "open back" Fender name imprinted clover tuners. Both versions of tuners included an ® mark and no rivet. F series neckplate serial numbers ranged from roughly 631000 to 750000 although there are many overlapping exceptions. For more precise dating cross reference the serial number with the instrument's neck butt stamp, pickup codes and pot codes. The tortoise shell pickguard was discontinued. The silver plastic "Fender Made in the USA" logo was introduced onto the black Tolex case with orange interior.
Other 1976 Precision bass characteristics: Curved rosewood fretboard or one piece maple neck with skunk stripe, fretless option, pearloid or black plastic dot fret markers, medium jumbo fret wire, neck butt date etc. ink stamps, extra hole on neck butt for hanging while painting, black plastic neck plate gasket, neck pocket paint stick etc., extra body hole in neck pocket for hanging while painting, black/white/black/white vinyl pickguard or white/black/white vinyl pickguard, metal foil ground shielding on pickguard horn underside, thumb rest above E string, date ink stamped grey bobbin pickups, ground shield under pickups, chrome pickup cover and bridge cover, flat top knobs, CTS potentiometers, round yellow or orange tone capacitor, plastic wiring, input jack, oval ground wire route underneath bridge, single groove bridge saddles, hang tag.