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Average Price: $1,956

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$1001+

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Description

Immerse yourself in the authentic sounds of the golden age with the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass. A true musical game changer, this iconic bass guitar fuses classic style with modern playability, delivering the very essence of Fender's revolutionary influence on music.

Born in the '50s, the Precision Bass unequivocally transformed the music industry, making bass playing more accessible to musicians and paving the way for new music genres. The American Original '50s Precision Bass revives the spirit of this groundbreaking instrument, maintaining its authentic sound and style that truly changed the world.

At the heart of this instrument lies the Pure Vintage '58 P Bass split-coil pickup, meticulously designed to replicate the original as closely as possible. From the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins, and alnico 5 magnets, the robust punch of this pickup is undeniable.

Authentic touches don't stop at the pickup. Its vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, and vintage-style hardware, including a four-saddle vintage-style bridge, all contribute to its legacy. The lacquer finish not only allows the wood to "breathe" resulting in a resonant tone, but also wears in a uniquely attractive way.

Key Features:

  • Pure Vintage '58 P Bass split-coil pickup for authentic, powerful sound
  • Vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, and vintage-style hardware for classic style
  • Four-saddle vintage-style bridge for stable tuning and intonation
  • Lacquer finish for natural wood "breathing" and distinctive wear patterns
  • Comes with a vintage-style hardshell case for protection and transport.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Original '50s Precision Bass
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Aztec Gold, White Blonde
Year 2018 - 2022
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 Brown, Gold, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
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 American Original

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass?

The neck profile is a "Thick 'C'" shape, reminiscent of the original 1950s Fender Precision Basses, providing a comfortable grip and vintage feel for bassists familiar with classic designs.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass?

This bass delivers warm, punchy tones typical of the classic Precision Bass sound, thanks to its split-coil pickup, making it ideal for rock, blues, and Motown genres.

Is the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While it's crafted with high-quality materials appealing to seasoned players, beginners can also appreciate its straightforward design and iconic sound, though it may be a significant investment for newcomers.

What are the main materials used in the construction of the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass?

The body is made from alder or ash, depending on the finish, and the neck and fretboard are crafted from maple, ensuring durability and a classic tonal quality.

Does the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass come with active pickups?

No, this bass features passive split-coil pickups, providing a traditional, warm bass sound without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

Empire Music

Empire Music

Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass by Jurren Mekking

Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Jurren Mekking

Jurren Mekking

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 50s Precision Bass-This Is The Bass You're Looking For by Alamo Music Center

Fender American Original 50s Precision Bass-This Is The Bass You're Looking For

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Revisiting The Fender American Original '50s P Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Revisiting The Fender American Original '50s P Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 50s Precision Bass MN, Aztec Gold | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Original 50s Precision Bass MN, Aztec Gold | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for 시연 Fender USA American Original 50s Precision Bass by BUZZBEE TV

시연 Fender USA American Original 50s Precision Bass

BUZZBEE TV

BUZZBEE TV

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - Zozo Bass by ZozoKOfficial

Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - Zozo Bass

ZozoKOfficial

ZozoKOfficial

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - Maple Fingerboard - Aztec Gold by Big Music Australia

Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - Maple Fingerboard - Aztec Gold

Big Music Australia

Big Music Australia

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible feel and tone, surpassing other Fender Ps

  • Booming lows and rich highs offer versatile sound

  • Gorgeous tobacco finish and lightly aged neck

  • Balanced weight with no neck dive

  • Fat chunky neck with 58 pickup sound

  • Top shelf fit, finish, and overall feel

  • Light instrument, easy to handle during long sessions

  • Offers vintage Precision vibe without the hefty price

  • Saved by original tweed/plywood case from shipping damage

CONS

  • Original tweed/plywood case isn't as airtight as newer cases

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass.

Comparisons

  • The American Original '50s Precision Bass features a wider nut and thicker neck profile compared to the American Professional, potentially affecting comfort for players used to thinner necks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The American Original '50s model includes a more curved fretboard and smaller frets, while the American Professional offers a flatter fretboard and larger frets for modern playability.

    Source
  • Users note the American Original '50s has reverse tuners and old-school pickups, contributing to its vintage appeal and tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The American Original '50s requires truss rod adjustments at the heel, possibly necessitating neck loosening, unlike the easier access in the American Professional series.

    Source

Build quality

  • The American Original '50s might lack shielding in the cavity and does not have rolled fretboard edges, which are features found in the American Professional series.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Original ’50s Precision Bass Review

guitar.com

Fender's American Original '50s Precision Bass beautifully marries classic aesthetics with modern playability, showcasing a stunning translucent finish and a vintage-inspired tone that resonates with authority. However, while the comfortable neck and vintage pickups earn high praise, some players may find the tone control a bit challenging to navigate, especially with roundwound strings. The price tag could deter budget-conscious musicians, but for those seeking a bass that captures the spirit of rock's golden era, this model stands out as a compelling choice.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
goddamfreezer

Very well built instrument

I like the fat chunky neck and the 58 pickup sound. The finish is killer and the instrument is quite light with no neck dive.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyler Joseph uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Tyler Joseph

Singer, Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

Tyler is playing a white Bass in the 'My Blood' Video. His known Squier Jaguar Short scale is hanging on the wall to the right along with a Uke and 2 other Basses, but one slot is missing (obviously the Bass he is playing). In the Beats 1 / Apple Music Interview the white Precision Bass can be seen behind Tyler on the wall.

See how MonoNeon uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

MonoNeon

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, MonoNeon can be seen using a 2 tone sunburst Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass.

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via YouTube

On April 28, 2024, at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, Álvaro Henriquez used a Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass during the song "No me falles" at the concert. This is evidenced in a video recording of the event, where it is shown that his primary bass, a Höfner 500/1 Ignition, encountered a technical issue and was inaudible. Consequently, the production team provided him with the Fender Precision Bass, which was used by the bassist Titae Lindl throughout the performance. This information is corroborated by a YouTube video titled "Los Tres - No Me Falles | Revuelta @ Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile 2024 4K HDR," uploaded by Benja.

See how Roberto Lindl uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Roberto Lindl

Bassist, Composer

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Titae usa este bajo desde la grabación del disco "fome" y ha sido su bajo principal en toda su carrera desde entonces

See how Tim Payne uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Tim Payne

Bassist

Thursday

...
Verified via YouTube

In the L.S. Dunes Permanent Rebellion music video (0:09), Tim Payne is seen playing a Fender Original '50s Precision Bass. The slanted pickup parallel to the fretboard gives it away.

See how Pancho Molina uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Pancho Molina

Drummer, Composer

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Pancho Molina used the Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass during Los Tres's performance at Arena Puerto Montt on June 8, 2024, for the instrumental section of the album "Fome," as seen in this photo from the soundcheck of the same show. The bass belongs to Roberto "Titae" Lindl.

See how Alex Espiritu uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Alex Espiritu

Bassist

Badflower

...
Verified via YouTube

Alex Espiritu has been using this bass guitar during most of Badflower's live shows during 2018 and 2019.

See how Jack B. Anderson uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Jack B. Anderson

Bassist, Keyboardist

Calpurnia

...
Verified via Photo

This is Jacks main bass when with Calpurnia

See how Fred Cimato uses Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass

Fred Cimato

Bassist

Cute Is What We Aim For

...
Verified via Photo

In this image you can clearly see Fred Cimato holding a Blonde Fender Precision Bass at the Warped tour 2007. Cute is what we aim for.

Album Usage

The Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 Bass Cabinet
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1

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