This page about 1981 Fender Precision Bass is a stub. You can help improve it:

Home
... Musical Instruments
Bass Guitars
Electric Basses
1981 Fender Precision Bass

1981 Fender Precision Bass

Find out who is using Fender Precision Bass 1981

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step back in time with the 1981 Fender Precision Bass, a classic instrument that has defined the sound of rock, funk, and soul for decades. This bass guitar captures the essence of a pivotal era in music history, offering both seasoned musicians and collectors a piece of authentic craftsmanship. Known for its signature split-coil pickup, the Precision Bass delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that has been the backbone of countless iconic tracks.

Crafted during a period when Fender was pushing the boundaries of musical innovation, this bass is celebrated for its solid construction and timeless design. The Fender Precision Bass features an alder body paired with a maple neck, providing a smooth playing experience with a comfortable grip. Its rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth to your sound, ensuring each note resonates with clarity and depth.

Whether you're laying down groove-heavy basslines or exploring intricate melodies, the 1981 Fender Precision Bass is versatile enough to adapt to your style. The vintage aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail make it an alluring choice for musicians who appreciate quality and heritage.

Key Features:

Signature split-coil pickup for deep, powerful sound
Alder body with a smooth maple neck
Rosewood fingerboard for warm tonal quality
Classic vintage design
Renowned for its durability and reliability

Videos

Add video

Bassklasse

FENDER PRECISION BASS DEMO 1981 RUBY RED

Bassklasse

1981 Fender International Series Monaco Yellow Vintage P-Bass

Imperial Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1981 Fender Precision Bass.

Build quality

0 0

A unique feature of this early 80s Precision Bass is the extra screw on the pickguard, which some models from that era share.
Source
0 0

The thick poly finish can be brittle, highlighting the importance of careful handling and maintenance.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Check the pots for dating; original CTS pots begin with "137," followed by year and week of manufacture, useful for verifying originality.
Source
0 0

The fingerboard was shaved slightly to address "ski jumping," which caused cracks near the truss rod nut.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Early 80s models may show a mix of 70s-era parts and newer hardware, such as modern tuners and headstock truss rod access.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some owners note the remarkable condition of certain models, suggesting minimal playtime and potentially long-term storage, enhancing collectible value.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

The bass was modified with a concentric knob to control a 2-band EQ, replacing the original preamp setup.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Acquiring a 1981 Precision Special for $400 is considered a great deal, even with extensive modifications.
Source

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Dallon Weekes

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

Verified via YouTube

Dallon describes this bass at 0:26 in the video. He says that the body is from a 1981 Precision bass, and the neck is a 50s reissue.

Evan Thomas Weiss

Singer, Guitarist

Into It. Over It.

Verified via Gearmetropolis

In this article Evan says, "My bass of choice on most of the record I’d made had been my 1981 Fender P-Bass Plus. It was stolen from my van in 2012 and I have been on the search for something to fill it’s void ever since."