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Average Price: $1,000

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Introducing the Fender American Professional Precision Bass, an evolution of a classic that stands at the pinnacle of electric bass craftsmanship. This instrument marries vintage soul with modern precision, making it an indispensable companion for bassists seeking a versatile and robust tone. At its core is the Pro-V Split-Coil pickup, engineered in collaboration with the legendary Michael Bump, delivering a punchy, vintage-voiced sound with unmistakable clarity and presence.

Crafted for comfort and reliability, the Precision Bass features a '63 "Golden" P Bass neck profile that fits naturally in your hand, finished in a smooth satin for effortless playability. The incorporation of Posiflex graphite rods ensures neck stability, maintaining that perfect sound alignment even in varying climates. Whether you're laying down the groove on stage or refining your tracks in the studio, this bass offers a responsive and dynamic performance.

The Fender American Professional Precision Bass is more than just an instrument; it's a statement of your dedication to quality and sound excellence. Its combination of classic design and modern enhancements makes it a seamless fit for any musical style, from rock to jazz to funk.

Key Features:

  • Pro-V Split-Coil pickup for vintage-voiced sound
  • Smooth-action '63 "Golden" P Bass neck profile
  • Satin neck finish for enhanced playability
  • Posiflex graphite rods for neck stability
  • Alder body for balanced tonality
  • 20 narrow-tall frets for precise intonation
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased resonance

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Professional Precision Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Antique Olive, Black, Candy Apple Red, Olympic White
Year 2017 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Brown, Green, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material 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 American Professional

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Fender American Professional Precision Bass best suited for?

The Fender American Professional Precision Bass is highly versatile and often favored for rock, punk, blues, and pop music due to its deep, punchy tone and strong low end, making it a staple in many genres.

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

The Fender American Professional Precision Bass features a '63 P Bass neck profile, which is designed for comfort and playability, offering a slightly wider grip that is ideal for traditional bass playing styles.

What type of pickups does the Fender American Professional Precision Bass have?

This bass is equipped with V-Mod split-coil pickups, which are passive and provide a classic, full-bodied P Bass sound with enhanced clarity and definition.

Is the Fender American Professional Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender American Professional Precision Bass is a professional-level instrument, its straightforward design and classic tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a quality bass.

Does the Fender American Professional Precision Bass come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Professional Precision Bass typically comes with a hardshell case to protect the instrument during transport and storage.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Precision Bass by Musician's Friend

Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender P-Bass Review - American Professional Professional Precision Bass - 2018 by The World's 'Okayest' Bass Player :/

Fender P-Bass Review - American Professional Professional Precision Bass - 2018

The World's 'Okayest' Bass Player :/

The World's 'Okayest' Bass Player :/

Video thumbnail for L&M @ NAMM 2017: Fender American Professional Basses by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

L&M @ NAMM 2017: Fender American Professional Basses

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Precision Bass 3-Colour Sunburst @ Belfield Music w/ Daniel by BelfieldMusicShop

Fender American Professional Precision Bass 3-Colour Sunburst @ Belfield Music w/ Daniel

BelfieldMusicShop

BelfieldMusicShop

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Precision Bass Will Rock Your World by C. A. House Music

Fender American Professional Precision Bass Will Rock Your World

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality and craftsmanship

  • Classic single coil tone, versatile for various genres

  • Hefty 60's style neck, great for those who prefer a chunky feel

  • Easily adjustable for personalized playability

  • Strong market value, good for long-term investment

  • Massive, well-rounded sound suitable for gigging and recording

  • Available in attractive color options like Olympic White and Sunburst

  • Responsive and dynamic, great for adding effects

  • High playability with low action setup

CONS

  • V-Mod pickups may lack definition on E string

  • Some models experience dead spots on G string

  • Tone may lose bottom end when fully rolled up

  • Not ideal for those accustomed to thin necks

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend shimming the neck to accommodate low action with the hi-mass bridge on the American Professional II Precision Bass.

    Source
  • Adjusting pickup and string height is crucial to balance playability and prevent strings from slapping the pickup.

    Source

Build quality

  • The American Professional II's case includes TSA locks and plush lining, but users doubt its robustness for flight checking without additional protection.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Professional II features graphite neck rods, which some find effective in reducing dead spots, unlike the Player II.

    Source
  • Several owners prefer the B string tone of budget Ibanez 5-string basses over the Fender Precision 5-string due to better definition.

    Source
  • The Japanese Aerodyne Precision Bass is praised for its lighter weight and excellent quality, despite slightly lower-tier components compared to American models, and costs under $1,000.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest upgrading the Player II with a hi-mass bridge and better tuners for enhanced performance, costing around $300.

    Source

User experience

  • Reports indicate the American Professional II feels more substantial, addressing concerns of a lightweight body imbalance noted in the Player II.

    Source
  • Despite its beauty, some users find the Fender 5-string P bass's low B to lack definition compared to other brands, impacting purchase decisions.

    Source
  • Some players compared the neck of the American Professional II to an original 1963 Precision Bass, noting a similar feel and enjoyable playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The B string on the 5-string version is often described as lifeless, particularly for fast, heavy styles, but maintains the classic P bass low-end character.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fender 5-string P bass is suggested for gospel and soul genres, but not recommended for genres requiring a fast, articulate B string.

    Source
  • The American Professional II is favored by some punk musicians for its feel and sound, though it may not be deemed necessary for the genre.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest not paying list price, as new basses are marked up by 40%, and recommend negotiating for at least $400 off.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Professional Precision Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Professional Precision Bass is a subtle evolution of a timeless classic. It boasts significant improvements like a new pickup design and hardware tweaks, maintaining its legendary rock 'n' roll tone while adding a hint of refinement. The build quality is impeccable, with flawless finishes and a perfectly balanced, resonant body. Despite its increased price, the bass offers a simple yet versatile sound palette, from mellow thuds to aggressive clangs. While it might be getting pricey for some, the AP series remains a testament to Fender's commitment to quality, making it a top choice for bass enthusiasts.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
bennohoundsuk

Another great instrument!

I bought this bass by accident thinking it was a bass I tried in the shop a few months prior to buying it. it didn't take me long to realise it wasn't after I brought it home, but I wasn't disappointed at all! mine is a sunburst body with a black scratch plate and looks like a rock and roll bass as well as plays like one!

Roles:
Genres:
From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dougie Payne uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Dougie Payne

Bassist

Travis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "The Beautiful Occupation" Dougie is seen with a white Fender Presicion Bass.

See how Ron Ficarro uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Ron Ficarro

Bassist

Falling In Reverse

...
Verified via Photo

"My brand new American Pro Precision Bass and I backstage in Birmingham U.K. Waiting to jam with @camrynrocks on the @fifthharmony #727tour. I love this bass!!! ????: @jodiphotography #fender #bass #bassist #tour"

B

Bailey Lupo

Bassist

Scowl

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance at Hellfest 2024, Bailey Lupo can be seen playing a Fender American Professional Precision Bass, as documented by the Hellfest Open Air Festival on their YouTube channel.

See how Marvin Nygaard uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Marvin Nygaard

Singer, Bassist

Kvelertak

...
Verified via Photo

Marvin Nygaard plays a Fender American Professional Precision Bass in Sunburst, customized with a tortoise pickguard. This is evidenced by the user-uploaded photo.

See how Hama Okamoto uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Hama Okamoto

Bassist

OKAMOTO’S

...
Verified via Photo

Hama Okamoto uses a Fender American Professional Precision Bass, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account, where he is seen holding the bass and mentions its upcoming release in a new color.

J

Joseph D. Rowland

Bassist

Pallbearer

...
Verified via YouTube

Joe talks about his American P-bass and the changes he's made to it in Pallbearer's Rig Rundown video at 11:30.

"I had an opportunity last year to start working with Fender, which was like a dream for me. Always loved the P-bass more than anything else, played it on a lot of different stuff over the years. [...] It's so great, I love it, really it's like the ultimate P-bass for me. Honestly, the only thing I've done is I stuck the Avedissian pickups in it. I took the pickups that were stock out, even though they sounded really good. Alex, that does Avedissian pickups, custom winds pickups for me and I was like 'I gotta hear his pickups in this bass' and it's been killer." Joe uses Stringjoy strings in his P-bass, his gauges are .140, .105, .085 and .065 approximately.

See how Dan Kanter uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Dan Kanter

Singer, Guitarist

ArtistsCAN

...
Verified via Photo

Dan Kanter confirms using a Fender American Professional Precision Bass in an Instagram post, where he mentions naming his P Bass "Duff."

See how Tommy Taylor uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Tommy Taylor

Bassist

Black Honey

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Rotosound titled "Black Honey live rig | Turn On, Tune Up, Rock Out," Tommy Taylor is seen playing a Fender American Professional Precision Bass, with another similar bass in the background. A similar bass can also be seen in the following article: https://www.thevpme.com/reviews/black-honey-live-the-castle-hotel-manchester-5022015/

See how Hayley Jane Batt uses Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Hayley Jane Batt

Bassist

...
Verified via Fender

According to an article on the official Fender website titled "Fender in Focus: The War on Drugs and Børns," Hayley Jane Batt is confirmed to use the Fender American Professional Precision Bass.

B

Brian Stanley

Bassist

...
Verified via Fender

The article titled "Fender in Focus: Chris Stapleton, Royal Blood and LP" by Mike Duffy on the official Fender website confirms that Brian Stanley uses a Fender American Professional Precision Bass.

E

Eric Keen

Bassist

The Menzingers

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Keen uses the Fender American Professional Precision Bass during live performances, as shown in his Instagram post where he expresses gratitude to Fender and Jason Klein for the instrument.

Album Usage

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

Community setups

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alexmoore10

alexmoore10

Gear IQ 124

bennohoundsuk

bennohoundsuk

Gear IQ 253

bennohoundsuk

bennohoundsuk

Gear IQ 253

bennohoundsuk

bennohoundsuk

Gear IQ 253

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