1978 Fender Precision Bass, Antigua (USA)
Year: 1978
Finish/Color: Antigua
Made in: USA
Factory/Plant: Fullerton
Maybe the ugliest Fender bass color ever? They call it the “Pigeon Burst.” Some call it a factory mistake. It has been called the ugliest Fender bass color ever – but for the initiated, the 1978 Fender Precision Bass in Antigua is the ultimate cult classic. Whether you love it or loathe it, there is no denying that the Antigua finish is one of the most recognizable and collectible chapters of the CBS-era Fender history.
The legend of the “accidental” finish has it that the Antigua finish was born in the late 60s as a creative way to hide scorched wood during the manufacturing process. By 1978, it had evolved into a full-blown aesthetic movement. This P-Bass features the original matching shaded pickguard – a feature that is notoriously hard to find in good condition and essential for the “complete” Antigua look.
Vintage tone that isn’t ugly… While the color might be polarizing, the tone is undisputed. Built with a solid ash body and a thick maple neck, this ’78 P-Bass delivers the heavy-duty sustain and “clack” that defined late-70s rock. The original split-coil pickups provide a punchy, mid-forward growl that proves that while Fender might have experimented with the finish, they never compromised on the soul of the instrument.
A vault favorite Love it, hate it, or just plain want it – the Antigua P-Bass is a cornerstone of The Bass Vault. It represents a time when Fender wasn’t afraid to be weird. If you’re looking for a vintage instrument that starts a conversation (or an argument) the moment you open the case, this is it.
Part of Fender’s rare color history – read the full story here.
Antigua: A mistake or a masterpiece? Read the story of how this 1978 original compares to the rare 2012 reissue.
Frequently asked questions about the 1978 Fender Antigua Precision Bass
Antigua is a silver-to-brown shaded burst Fender offered in the 1970s, usually with a matching shaded pickguard. Nicknamed the “Pigeon Burst” and often called polarizing, it has become one of the most recognizable and collectible finishes of the CBS era. Legend has it the look began in the late 1960s as a way to hide scorched wood before growing into a deliberate aesthetic.
The Antigua look was designed as a head-to-toe shaded scheme, so the original matching shaded pickguard is essential to the “complete” appearance. Those guards are notoriously hard to find in good condition, which makes an example that still wears its original one considerably more desirable to collectors.
No – the tone is conventional late-70s Fender in the best way. A solid ash body and thick maple neck give it heavy sustain and the characteristic “clack,” while the split-coil pickups deliver a punchy, mid-forward growl. The finish was the experiment; the voice is classic P-Bass.
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