1990 Fender Billy Sheehan Precision Bass PB57-1100 "the Wife" Order Made Non-Catalog, Japan MIJ Fujigen

Up for sale, a 1990 Fender Billy Sheehan signature Precision Bass model PB57-1100 in perfect working order. One of only two known examples of this non-catalog Order Made model, this bass was produced during Fender Japan's golden age, manufactured at the Fujigen factory. A surprisingly thorough replica of Sheehan's "The Wife" bass, this Fender Japan model features the pairing of a EB-0 Mudbucker and P Bass pickup, with a unique control array, a Hipshot D-tuner, and factory scalloping of the last four frets on the treble side.This bass features an ash Precision body paired with a one-piece maple Telecaster Bass neck for an immediate, articulate, and rich natural acoustic tone. The bass delivers a thick, rumbling range of tonalities, with more definition and smooth growl from the P pickup, and a distinctive breadth and subwoofer power from the Mudbucker. Blending the two is extremely effective and the tonal range of the instrument is particularly wide. This Sheehan signature model weighs 9lbs 4oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with fresh 45-105 roundwound strings, comfortable action and accurate intonation.The one-piece maple neck has a slender C-shaped profile carve at the nut, with nicely rounded shoulders in every register, measuring .820" deep at the 1st fret and .970" at the 12th. There is light wear through the gloss on the fretboard edges, and the original slender frets show only light wear on the crowns of frets 1-5. The bass plays cleanly up the 34" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The brass nut measures 42.5mm in width (1.675"), and the headstock features vintage-spec tuners with full-size baseplates and clover buttons. The Hipshot D-Tuner allows for instant drop D tuning with excellent reliability. The "Made in Japan" text and I-prefix serial are present above the four-bolt "Fender"-embossed neck plate, and the neck heel and pocket have matching Order Made stamps, with the PB57-1100 model designation stamped in the neck pocket.The factory electronics all function as intended, with untouched solder joints and full-size Japanese pots that date to May of 1990. Knobs include a Volume for the Mudbucker, a centrally located Master Tone control, and a Volume for the P pickup closest to the input jacks. The two-way mini toggle is a tone shift for the Mudbucker. The bass can be played mono or stereo, and using a standard 1/4” mono cable on either input jack will engage both pickups. Hardware includes an ESP-branded brass bridge (likely not original) and a trio of domed knurled brass knobs, all of which show light surface patina. Plastics include the stock red tortoise pickguard. Cosmetic wear on the Natural gloss finish includes buckle rash central to the back, and various minor dings and scuffs on the body as a whole, all of which is of course far more restrained wear than on Sheehan’s actual bass.A gigbag is included.