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Fender 1978 Precision Bass

Fender 1978 Precision Bass

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Oct 17, 2025

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Description

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Discover the rich legacy of the Fender 1978 Precision Bass, a staple in the world of electric bass guitars cherished by musicians for its timeless sound and robust build. This iconic instrument offers a classic vibe that harks back to the golden era of rock and roll, yet it remains versatile enough for modern genres. The 1978 Precision Bass is known for its split-coil pickup, a defining feature that delivers the deep, punchy tones that have graced countless records.

Handcrafted with precision, this bass guitar combines a solid body with a smooth neck, providing a comfortable playing experience for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals. Its simple yet effective design makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a no-frills approach to making music. The Fender 1978 Precision Bass is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and drive creativity in the bass community.

Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage, this bass offers reliability and rich tonal depth that will enhance any musical composition. Embrace the distinct sound of a bygone era and make it your own with this exceptional instrument.

Key Features:

Year: 1978
Type: Electric Bass
Body: Solid construction
Pickup: Split-coil pickup for punchy tones
Neck: Comfortable and smooth for easy playability
Ideal for both studio recording and live performances
Renowned for its classic sound and reliability

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

1978 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Fender Precision Bass 1978

Leo Xavier

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Precision Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

demo Fender Precision bass 1978 HD 720p

1978 FENDER PRECISION BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 1978 Precision Bass.

Build quality

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The thick poly finish used in this era is known to be brittle, leading to potential cracking and chipping over time.
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The headstock logo placement varied due to late 70s QC issues; some logos were placed high or close to the edge, even cutting off text.
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Features and functionality

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Late 70s Fender Precision Basses often weigh more, with some reaching up to 12 pounds, affecting playability for some musicians.
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Chromed tuners paired with nickel string trees were common; the latter would tarnish while tuners remained shiny.
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Setup and maintenance

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An original pickguard should have additional screw holes for the pickup cover and thumb rest, which can indicate originality.
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The late 70s Fender Precision Bass used both nylon and metal shaft audio taper pots; replacing with metal shaft pots is recommended for durability.
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Comparisons

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Modern American Pro P Basses are suggested to play better than late 70s models due to improved craftsmanship and materials.
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User experience

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The tonal output of late 70s Fender Precision Basses can be hit or miss, with some lacking the "magic" found in earlier models.
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Owners note cracking at the jack is common, suggesting a potential weak point in build quality.
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Users recommend keeping original pots and wiring, as the bass retains more value with these parts intact, even if replacements are installed for playability.
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Value and pricing

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Late 70s Fender Precision Basses in sunburst/maple finish have an average sold price of around $2400 over the past two years.
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Mods and upgrades

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Brass nuts were a period-correct mod, adding credibility to the age of the bass.
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Owners suggest using metal shaft pots with set screws for replacement due to compatibility with both splined and solid shaft configurations.
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Other

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Skunk stripes were less common on rosewood necks from 1978-1980, indicating a more typical top routing design for those years.
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Artist usage

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Jay Bentley

Bassist

Bad Religion

Verified via Photo

In this post jay’s collection of p basses can be seen. One bass he owns is a 1978 p bass

Rick Savage

Bassist

Def Leppard

Verified via Photo

In this photo from the Pyromania tour, Rick Savage can be seen playing a black Fender Precision bass.

Ian Farmer

Bassist, Music Producer

Modern Baseball

Verified via ianfarmer

Ian Farmer sites the 1978 Fender P-Bass in his list of equipment on his website.

Jan Haker

Bassist

Kensington

Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot this bass;

You can see it differs from the other P bass he uses as it has an added J pickup in the bridge. I think this was added later, as most Fender PJ basses have three knobs but not a front loaded jack.