Home
... Musical Instruments
Bass Guitars
Electric Basses
Fender
Fender Precision Bass (1970-1983)

Fender Precision Bass (1970-1983) main image

Fender Precision Bass (1970-1983)

$699.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender '77 Precision

1 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (69)

$699.00 233 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $699

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender Precision Bass (1970-1983) is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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

The Fender '77 Precision Bass brings a classic vibe to modern performance with its iconic design and unmistakable sound. Crafted for those who appreciate the rich heritage of Fender instruments, this bass guitar excels in delivering the thick, punchy tone that has defined countless hits over the decades. Equipped with a split single-coil pickup, this model ensures a balanced output that is perfect for both stage and studio.

The neck features a comfortable "C" shape, providing a smooth playing experience for both traditionalists and contemporary musicians. A rosewood fingerboard offers a warm tonal quality, while the vintage-style bridge and tuners maintain tuning stability and sustain. Whether you're laying down foundational grooves or exploring intricate bass lines, the Fender '77 Precision Bass is a reliable companion. Ideal for genres ranging from rock and pop to jazz and funk, this bass adapts effortlessly to any playing style.

Key Features:

Split single-coil pickup for classic Fender tone
"C" shaped maple neck for comfortable playability
Rosewood fingerboard for warm sound
Vintage-style bridge and tuners for enhanced sustain and tuning stability
Iconic Precision Bass design with a timeless appeal

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 pickups does the Fender '77 Precision Bass have?: The Fender '77 Precision Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering a warm, punchy tone ideal for various music genres.
Is the Fender '77 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: While the Fender '77 Precision Bass is a classic instrument with a rich history, its straightforward design and playability make it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
What materials are used in the construction of the Fender '77 Precision Bass?: The body of the Fender '77 Precision Bass is made from alder or ash, with a neck crafted from maple and a fretboard available in either maple or rosewood.
How many frets does the Fender '77 Precision Bass have?: The Fender '77 Precision Bass features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for most playing styles.
What are the available finishes for the Fender '77 Precision Bass?: The Fender '77 Precision Bass comes in a variety of finishes, including Antigua, Arctic White, Black, Candy Apple Green, and several others, allowing players to choose a style that suits their aesthetic preference.

Videos

Add video

bass till death

Custom Shop vs. 1977 Fender Precision Bass

bass till death

Fender Precision Punk 1977 vintage (Olympic White) - BASS PILLS

Precision Bass Fanpage

Fender Precision Bass 1977 vintage (Sunburst) - BASS PILLS

Precision Bass Fanpage

1977 Fender Precision Bass Setup

JD Pinckney / Pinckney Custom Shop

1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS - ROSEWOOD VS MAPLE - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Fender Precision Bass from 1977 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS - Andy's Vintage guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Lightweight for its era, under 9 lbs, making it comfortable to play
Combines warmth of alder body with brightness of maple board
Resonant sound, praised as one of the best P basses ever
Vintage appeal with original parts and characteristic wear
Original case included, adding value for collectors
Maintains rich, thick tone unlike some other 70s models
Known for exceptional build quality when you find a good one
Long-lasting feel and playability, described as smooth as butter
Retains soul and character not found in newer models

CONS

Broken pickguard tip causes cable issues and signal buzz
Requires replacement of pickguard for secure fit
Potential inconsistency in quality among models from this era
Some models may be in non-playable condition despite appearing mint

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Precision Bass (1970-1983).

Build quality

0 0

A '77 P bass's weight can vary significantly; one example weighed 11.5 lbs, indicating heavier build compared to modern models.
Source
0 0

The maple neck can appear darker when treated with tru oil, giving it an "artificial tan" while enhancing the grain.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Ensure original parts by checking serial numbers on pickguard and neck pocket; pot codes and neck date codes should match 1977 specs.
Source
0 0

Tru oil is used to bring out the neck's grain and color, offering an alternative to traditional lacquer.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The late 70s P bass is praised for vintage tones suitable for R&B and soul, with a classic warm sound particularly noted in fretless models.
Source
0 0

A '77 Precision Bass can be used with an HX Stomp XL for versatile, amp-less rigs, suitable for both bass and guitar.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report the poly finish on '77 models can be brittle, which may affect long-term durability.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate refinished models with unique colors like metallic purple, even if not original, for their distinct aesthetics.
Source
0 0

Fretless maple necks from this era are relatively rare and can be highly prized for their aesthetic and tonal uniqueness.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

$1800 is considered a good price for a '77 P bass, contingent on all parts being original and in good condition.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

EMG active pickups with a 9V battery are a common modification, offering a distinct sound compared to the original passive pickups.
Source
0 0

The Badass II bridge is a popular mod for improved sustain and tuning stability.
Source
0 0

A light foam sponge under the ashtray is used alongside TI Jazz Flats to achieve a specific sound profile.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

LaBella Deep Talkin Flats are recommended for achieving a vintage, Duck Dunn-like tone, compared to modern, zingy strings like Ernie Ball cobalt flats.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

Verified via reverb.com

Color/Finish: Green Year: 1979

This Fender Precision Bass is Owned by Matt Freeman Of Rancid

Serial number: S905719

This bass has an awesome greenish-gold finish.

mcbaise

Guitarist, Bassist

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "mcbaise - 40 ° in London," starting at 0:01, mcbaise is seen playing a black Fender Precision Bass. The shape, size, and position of the Fender logo on the headstock suggest it is a vintage model from the late '70s.

Alberto Torrado

Guitarist, Bassist

Siniestro Total

Verified via Photo

Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1980s

At ST's first concert (December 27, 1981), he didn't have a bass guitar, so Pablo Novoa (Golpes Bajos) lent him a P-Bass. He liked it so much that he bought an identical one in a shop in Redondela, probably in January 1982, and recorded ST's first demo with it. He recorded "Ayudando A los Enfermos", "Cuando se come aquí", "El regreso", and "Menos mal que nos queda Portugal" with it. In 1985, he bought a Guild Jetstar and alternated between the two. It's unknown whether he used the P-Bass or the Guild Jetstar on "Bailaré sobre tu tumba" and "De hoy no pasa". It's likely that he recorded "Fai un sol de carallo" and "Musica domestica" with that bass.