Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,956
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
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.
Videos
Empire Music
Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC
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
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
329
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
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.
In this video, MonoNeon can be seen using a 2 tone sunburst Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass.
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.
Titae usa este bajo desde la grabación del disco "fome" y ha sido su bajo principal en toda su carrera desde entonces
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.
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.
Alex Espiritu has been using this bass guitar during most of Badflower's live shows during 2018 and 2019.
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.