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Average Price: $699

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$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of vintage sound with the Fender '72 Precision Bass, a timeless electric bass that pays homage to the classic era of funk and rock. Known for its authentic split single-coil pickup, this bass delivers the powerful, full-bodied tone that defined a generation. With a solid alder body, this instrument ensures durability and rich sound resonance, making it a reliable partner for both stage and studio performances. The bolt-on maple neck offers a smooth playing experience, and the rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable feel for your fingers, allowing for effortless transitions across frets.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the '72 Precision Bass invites you to explore its versatile tonal range, from punchy mids to deep lows. Its vintage-style bridge and tuning machines not only enhance its classic look but also ensure stable tuning and intonation. Perfect for a variety of genres, this bass is a testament to Fender's commitment to quality craftsmanship and enduring musical heritage.

Key Features:

  • Authentic split single-coil pickup for powerful tone
  • Solid alder body for rich sound resonance
  • Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Vintage-style bridge and tuning machines for stable tuning
  • Suitable for a wide range of genres, from funk to rock

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Precision Bass
Finish Antigua, Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blonde, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Mocha Brown, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1970 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade, Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Precision Bass
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Fender '72 Precision Bass, and how does it affect the sound?

The Fender '72 Precision Bass features a body made from alder or ash. Alder provides a balanced tone with clear highs and strong mids, while ash offers a brighter sound with pronounced highs and a slightly scooped midrange.

What is the neck profile of the Fender '72 Precision Bass, and how does it affect playability?

The Fender '72 Precision Bass typically has a "C" shaped neck, which is comfortable for most players and allows for easy navigation across the fretboard, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.

Are the pickups on the Fender '72 Precision Bass active or passive, and what does that mean for the sound?

The Fender '72 Precision Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, which provide a warm, punchy tone with a classic vintage sound, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and funk.

How many frets does the Fender '72 Precision Bass have, and what impact does this have on playing?

The Fender '72 Precision Bass has 20 frets, offering a range that is standard for most bass guitars, allowing for comfortable playability and access to a wide range of notes.

Is the Fender '72 Precision Bass suitable for beginners, or is it more suited to advanced players?

The Fender '72 Precision Bass is versatile and can be used by both beginners and advanced players. Its classic design and reliable sound make it a great choice for those starting out or experienced musicians seeking a vintage-style bass.

Jonathan Grooms

Jonathan Grooms

1972 Fender Precision Bass Demonstration/Review wi

Video thumbnail for 1972 Fender Precision Bass Demonstration/Review wi by Jonathan Grooms

1972 Fender Precision Bass Demonstration/Review wi

Jonathan Grooms

Jonathan Grooms

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass 1972 | fb.com/angeldust.guitars Test by AngelDust Guitars

Fender Precision Bass 1972 | fb.com/angeldust.guitars Test

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass from 1972 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Precision Bass from 1972 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass from 1972 natural presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Precision Bass from 1972 natural presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1972 Fender Precision Bass - 3t-Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Fender Precision Bass - 3t-Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 72 Fender P by PinkbassmanMusic

72 Fender P

PinkbassmanMusic

PinkbassmanMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight under 9 lbs, rare for this era

  • Resonant with a thick, grinding tone

  • Combines warmth of alder with brightness of maple

  • Original American-made with vintage character

  • Matches vintage '70s models in appearance and build

  • No need for immediate setup adjustments

CONS

  • Broken pickguard tip can cause cable issues

  • Inconsistent quality across models from this era

  • Heavy weight compared to pre-CBS models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '72 Precision Bass.

Value and pricing

  • Early 70s Fender Precision Basses can range from $2,500 to $8,600, heavily influenced by condition and originality.

    Source
  • A bass with original pickup covers and hardware without corrosion can fetch around $3.5k to $4k.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Checking for date stamps on pickups, pots, and necks is crucial for verifying a '72 model's authenticity.

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  • Avoid modifying or cleaning the bass before professional evaluation, as original condition impacts value significantly.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some users suggest that sunburst/rosewood board/tortoise pickguard models from this era are particularly desirable.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Lollar split coil pickups are popular for their superior tone in place of the original pickups, which can be kept for resale value.

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  • An aftermarket pickguard is a common modification, allowing easy restoration to original appearance if desired.

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  • The Nordy Mute is recommended as an elegant alternative to using a dish sponge for string muting, though it may be considered costly compared to DIY options.

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Features and functionality

  • Retaining the original pickups, even if not installed, is crucial for maintaining potential resale value.

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  • The thumbrest near the neck was initially intended for finger positioning while thumping, illustrating design evolution over time.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the early 70s Fender P Basses to have a unique vibe and aesthetic that's highly desirable.

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  • Owners appreciate the appropriately reliced look of a well-used 1972 Precision Bass, enhancing its vintage appeal.

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  • The use of a large sponge for muting strings creates a percussive 'thump,' ideal for Motown and soul, particularly with flatwound strings.

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  • Heavy gauge strings like 49-109 laBella's often require substantial muting materials to achieve desired tonal qualities.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Chuck Garric uses Fender '72 Precision Bass

Chuck Garric

Bassist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Guitar Girl Magazine

For the Alice Cooper tours, I use Fender Basses: A 1972 P-bass, American Jazz bass and a 57 re-issue P-Bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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