Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,549

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Discover the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Fender American Elite Precision Bass. This iconic instrument, celebrated for its timeless design, now features cutting-edge enhancements tailored for the modern musician. At the heart of this bass is the Fourth Generation Noiseless Precision/Jazz pickup combination, delivering a pure, hum-free tone that stands out in any mix. The onboard 18v preamp ensures dynamic range and clarity, empowering you to shape your sound with precision through the three-band EQ.

Built for comfort and speed, the compound neck profile transitions from a modern C to a D shape, allowing for seamless playability across the fretboard. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio session or commanding the stage, this bass offers versatile performance capabilities. Its timeless design stays true to Fender's legacy, while its advanced features make it an essential tool for today's bassists.

Key Features:

  • Fourth Generation Noiseless Precision/Jazz pickup combination
  • Onboard 18v preamp with three-band EQ
  • Compound neck profile: modern C to D shape
  • Classic Fender design with modern enhancements
  • Versatile sound shaping for a wide range of genres

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Elite Precision Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Champagne, Natural, Ocean Turquoise Metallic, Olympic White, Satin Ice Blue Metallic, Satin Jade Pearl Metallic, Tobacco Sunburst
Year 2016 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
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 / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender American Elite

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Elite Precision Bass?

The Fender American Elite Precision Bass features a modern "C" to "D" neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and smooth transition for fast playing. This design caters to both traditional and modern bassists, enhancing playability across various styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Elite Precision Bass?

The American Elite Precision Bass is equipped with a split-coil pickup configuration, offering a classic P-Bass tone with added clarity and punch. The active preamp allows for versatile tonal shaping, suitable for genres ranging from rock to funk and jazz.

Is the Fender American Elite Precision Bass suitable for beginner or advanced players?

The Fender American Elite Precision Bass is designed for advanced players seeking professional-grade features and performance. Its advanced electronics and superior build quality make it ideal for serious musicians looking for a reliable instrument for stage and studio use.

Does the Fender American Elite Precision Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Fender American Elite Precision Bass features passive pickups paired with an active preamp. This combination provides the classic P-Bass tone with the added flexibility of active tone shaping, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Elite Precision Bass?

The body of the Fender American Elite Precision Bass is made from alder or ash, with a maple neck and a choice of maple or rosewood fretboard. These materials contribute to the bass's balanced tone and sustain, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound with both active and passive modes

  • High-quality build with excellent attention to detail

  • Noiseless pickups offer a clear and dynamic sound

  • Comfortable neck with compound radius and smooth fret ends

  • Wide range of tones from vintage to modern

  • Lightweight design reduces playing fatigue

  • Eye-catching finishes and wood grain

  • Excellent playability with quick neck adjustments

  • Comes with high mass bridge for enhanced sustain

  • Reliable and solid American-made craftsmanship

CONS

  • Gig bag included instead of a hard case

  • Tone control can be overly sensitive off center detents

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Compared to American-made models, the Mexican-made Fender Precision Bass often requires more setup work to achieve similar performance.

    Source
  • In terms of fretwork, some Sire models exhibit issues in fit and finish that are reportedly less common in Fender basses.

    Source
  • Sire instruments are often heavier than Fenders, with owners noting this particularly in models using alder wood.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sire basses are noted to maintain only around 50% resale value, significantly lower than Fender’s 75-85% in the UK market.

    Source
  • Users express that at $850, the Player Precision Bass feels less like a bargain given the additional work needed to improve its playability.

    Source

Build quality

  • Sire's stacked knobs on active models can interfere with certain cases, occasionally leading to broken pots.

    Source
  • Some users report that the Player Precision Bass suffers from sharp fret edges and poor fretwork, requiring significant effort to rectify.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Sire basses are praised for their rolled fingerboards, providing a comfortable playing experience compared to some Fender models.

    Source
  • The American Elite Precision Bass features an active/passive switch, providing flexibility for different tonal needs without relying solely on the active preamp.

    Source
  • The active mode offers a significant volume boost compared to passive, useful for maintaining tone integrity over long cables and quick on-the-fly adjustments during live performances.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently replace Sire tuners due to issues, with lightweight alternatives improving balance and reducing neck dive.

    Source
  • Many owners suggest swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan or Fralin pickups to enhance tone quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Player Precision Bass is favored for its simple setup, making it a reliable choice for straightforward gigging situations.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to switch between active and passive modes, especially when playing diverse sets that require different tones quickly, like rock and punk.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners of the Fender Player Precision Bass often replace stock tuners with Hipshot lightweight tuners for better tuning stability.

    Source

User experience

  • The preamp in active mode is favored for its ability to retain top-end clarity, even with flatwound strings, offering versatile sound options for various music styles.

    Source
  • The "satin jade" finish is highly praised for its aesthetic appeal, with owners noting its striking appearance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Elite Precision Bass Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender American Elite Precision Bass impresses with its blend of classic Precision tones and modern improvements. It boasts a comfortable satin-finished neck and a versatile P/J pickup setup, making it suitable for various music genres. The active mode offers extensive tonal control, while its sleek design and robust build add to its appeal. However, traditionalists might be wary of its modern tweaks, and the price might deter budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it's a high-quality, adaptable instrument for serious bassists.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Havelka uses Fender American Elite Precision Bass (Duplicate)

David Havelka

Bassist

The Desperate Mind

...
Verified via Photo

David Havelka has been using the Fender American Elite Precision Bass as his main live bass since 2016, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account, stamgast_dave.

Genre Usage

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

More Fender Electric Basses

Fender Bass VI

$874.99 - $2,759.23

# 40

Rank

John Frusciante Wes Borland David Gilmour
102 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides