Pricing and availability

* 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

The Fender American Precision Bass is a classic choice for musicians seeking a blend of timeless sound and modern playability. Known for its punchy, rich tone, this bass has been a staple in music across genres since its inception. Its iconic split-coil pickup delivers a robust and balanced output, making it a favorite among bassists looking for both reliability and versatility.

The neck of the American Precision Bass is crafted with precision to offer a smooth playing experience, featuring a satin finish that allows for quick transitions across the fretboard. Its lightweight alder body not only provides a comfortable feel but also contributes to its distinctive sound quality. The high-mass vintage bridge enhances sustain and resonance, ensuring that every note you play is both clear and powerful.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Fender American Precision Bass offers the tonal quality and durability that professional musicians demand. With its blend of modern and classic features, this bass is a testament to Fender's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Split-coil Precision Bass pickup for a powerful, balanced tone
  • Lightweight alder body for excellent resonance
  • Smooth satin finish on the neck for ease of playability
  • High-mass vintage bridge for enhanced sustain
  • Classic Fender design with modern upgrades
  • Available in multiple finishes to suit your style
Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Test des Fender American Standard Jazz Bass et Precision Bass

Video thumbnail for Test des Fender American Standard Jazz Bass et Precision Bass by Audiofanzine in English

Test des Fender American Standard Jazz Bass et Precision Bass

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ultra Precision's Hi-Mass bridge doesn't allow for a low action setup without neck shimming.

    Source
  • The American Professional P Bass includes a hi-mass bridge with a string-through-body option, which may be a deciding factor for some buyers.

    Source
  • Neck profiles vary widely, from Jazz-like thinness to baseball bat thickness, affecting playability preferences.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users experienced significant issues, including electrical problems, twisted necks, and even one case of the bass catching fire.

    Source
  • The American Professional P Bass features graphite rods in the neck, reportedly enhancing stability and reducing dead spots, though results may vary between individual instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's possible to purchase an Ultra Precision for around $1,700 new, significantly below MSRP due to high markups.

    Source
  • An owner purchased an American Professional II P Bass for $1487 plus tax, finding it to be a worthwhile investment compared to budget models.

    Source
  • For $1,200, buying used is recommended over new, as it allows for potentially higher-quality instruments not limited to American-made options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Player Plus Precision offers many Ultra features at a lower price, despite different neck profiles and pickups.

    Source
  • The American Professional's tuners and fit and finish are generally considered superior to the Player II, although these are minor upgrades for some players.

    Source
  • Japanese-made vintage Fenders are recommended over newer American models for superior quality within a $1,200 budget.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Ultra's neck as exceptionally comfortable, with some preferring it even over their dream basses.

    Source
  • Some owners report finding exceptional quality in Mexican and Japanese models, potentially surpassing American-made instruments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have noted that the American Pro II may require neck shimming to achieve low action, particularly with the high-mass bridge design.

    Source
  • Check the nut's material and slot quality to avoid setup issues, as poorly cut nuts can significantly affect string feel and playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's advised to check an American Professional P Bass in its robust hardshell case at the gate when flying to avoid damage from baggage handling.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
criacuervos

Versatile and comfortable bass with a wide range of sounds

A very comfortable and versatile instrument, I can get almost any bass sound I want from this one.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Fender American Precision Bass

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Black Year: 2007

"Used on stage while touring with Lovecats, a Cure tribute band with members of The Bouncing Souls and Let It Burn, as well as touring with Reggie and The Full Effect. I also used this bass while writing and recording songs for Stomachaches and Parachutes." - Frank

See how Owl City uses Fender American Precision Bass

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Ayoungmusic

Adam Young's studio, Sky Harbor Studios, has a Fender American Precision Bass.

See how MISA uses Fender American Precision Bass

MISA

Bassist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via YouTube

She used this bass before joining Band-Maid as a backing musician for Becky in 2012.

See how Duncan Stewart uses Fender American Precision Bass

Duncan Stewart

Bassist

Basement

...
Verified via Photo

you can see in this picture the bass from Duncan's Instagram

See how Lisa Umbarger uses Fender American Precision Bass

Lisa Umbarger

Bassist

Toadies

...
Verified

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Lisa's rig includes a Fender American Precision Bass.

See how Charles Trippy uses Fender American Precision Bass

Charles Trippy

Bassist

We the Kings

...
Verified via YouTube

Here he is playing his fender american nitro satin p bass

See how David Caraccio uses Fender American Precision Bass

David Caraccio

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram

davecaraccio@the1975 - She's American // new bass cover on my YouTube channel ! ?????????? Check it out folks! @fender #precisionbass @uaudio #apollotwin @elixir_strings @line6_europe #g10

See how Shane Crump uses Fender American Precision Bass

Shane Crump

Singer, Bassist

Alesana

...
Verified via Instagram

In this video at the WWWY festival you can clearly see Shane's black p bass that he has used for many years now, showing some wear and tear. this is most likely a 2004 model with a rosewood fingerboard and a maple neck

See how Colin DeKuiper uses Fender American Precision Bass

Colin DeKuiper

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "RLYR at Do Division" by seijinlee, Colin DeKuiper is seen playing a Fender American Precision Bass, which appears to be equipped with a Seymour Duncan pickup.

See how Caleb Murphy uses Fender American Precision Bass

Caleb Murphy

Bassist

Expire

...
Verified via Photo

Caleb Murphy uses a Fender American Precision Bass, as confirmed by his Instagram post where he mentions, "Upgrade part two. 2011 American Precision w/ high mass bridge."

See how Jordan Miller uses Fender American Precision Bass

Jordan Miller

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Bass Magazine

In an article from Bass Magazine titled "Jordan Miller: Low Tide," Jordan Miller discusses the equipment she used to record the album "Blame My Ex," specifically mentioning her use of the Fender American Precision Bass.

Album Usage

The Fender American 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 Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM81
Shure SM81 Condenser Microphones
1
Fender American Standard Telecaster
Fender American Standard Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Empress Effects Compressor MKII
Empress Effects Compressor MKII Compressor Effects Pedals
1
Shure Beta 91A
Shure Beta 91A Condenser Microphones
1
Taylor 314CE Acoustic Guitar
Taylor 314CE Acoustic Guitar Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
gozbass

gozbass

Gear IQ 86

More Fender Electric Basses

Fender Bass VI

$874.99 - $2,737.58

# 40

Rank

John Frusciante Wes Borland David Gilmour
102 artists using

Similar

Gear Guides