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Fender American Special P-Bass

Fender American Special P-Bass

$1,100.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

1 Review

Find out who is using Fender American Special P-Bass

1 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (17)

$1,100.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender American Special P-Bass is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Experience the perfect fusion of classic design and modern innovation with the Fender American Special P-Bass. This electric bass guitar is crafted with the discerning musician in mind, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary performance features. The P-Bass is renowned for its versatile tone, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of musical styles, from rock and jazz to funk and blues. Its alder body provides a balanced and resonant sound, while the maple neck ensures smooth playability and a comfortable grip for extended sessions.

Equipped with a powerful split single-coil pickup, the American Special P-Bass delivers that iconic, punchy Precision Bass sound that has been a staple in music history. The Greasebucket tone circuit is a standout feature, allowing you to roll off highs without adding bass, giving you precise control over your sound on stage or in the studio. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring bassist, this instrument offers an exceptional playability and sound quality that will elevate your performance.

Key Features:

Alder body for balanced tonal resonance
Maple neck with a modern C shape for comfortable playability
Split single-coil pickup for classic P-Bass sound
Greasebucket tone circuit for precise tonal control
20 medium jumbo frets for effortless fingering
High-quality Fender hardware for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Special Precision Bass
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Honeyburst, Olympic White
Year	2011 - 2014
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, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
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
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender American Special

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst like?: The Fender American Special P-Bass features a modern "C" neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip that is well-suited for various playing styles, making it a versatile choice for many bassists.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst?: The Fender American Special P-Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups that deliver a classic, punchy tone ideal for rock, blues, and funk genres, providing a warm and full sound.
Is the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender American Special P-Bass is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward controls and comfortable playability, while also offering the quality and tone that experienced players appreciate.
What is the body material of the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst?: The body of the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst is made from alder, which is known for its balanced tone and lightweight properties, contributing to its overall playability and sound quality.
How many frets does the Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst have?: The Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing different musical styles.

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WelcomeGuitars

2014 Fender American Special Precision Bass Honeyburst

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Reviews

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PROS

Thin neck profile ideal for players with smaller hands or those accustomed to Jazz Basses
Super lightweight, perfect for long gigs or travel
Great value for money, often priced under $900
American quality feel, robust for gigging without worry
Versatile sound suitable for a wide range of music genres
Popular choice for upgrading with additional features like pickups or bridges
Comes with unique "Grease Bucket" tone circuitry for sound customization
Highly praised for its superb playability and comfort
Known for its distinctive Honeyburst finish, adding aesthetic appeal
Rare and sought-after, becoming a collector's item

CONS

Stock bridge made of cheap folded steel, prone to bending
Original machine heads considered vague, often replaced by deluxe ones
Basic stock pickups may not meet expectations for higher-end sound

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Fender American Special P-Bass Honeyburst lacks the greasebucket tone circuit, offering a more traditional tonal range with a standard .47 or .5 tone cap.
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The body is described as having a natural aesthetic appeal, often compared favorably to other high-end basses like the Rickenbacker 4003W.
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User experience

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Owners praise the bass's thinner neck profile compared to typical P-basses, enhancing playability and comfort, making it a "forever bass" for many.
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Owners express a deep personal attachment, with at least one planning to pass it down in their will due to its exceptional neck and playability.
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Comparisons

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This model was exclusively available through Musician's Friend and Guitar Center, distinguishing it from other American Special P-bass models.
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Some owners were tempted to trade for an American Performer model but found the neck quality of the American Special too compelling to part with.
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Build quality

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A user noted the neck is flatter front-to-back than typical P-basses, making it ideal for custom projects like a Franken PJ bass.
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Value and pricing

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These models were initially critiqued as entry-level US Fenders but have gained appreciation over time, now holding more value among enthusiasts.
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One owner purchased the bass new in 2014 for $699, noting a $200 discount off retail, highlighting potential resale value of around $1,000 now.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners have replaced the pickguard, indicating a common customization choice for this model.
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Use cases and applications

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The bass is often paired with Ti Flats strings for optimal tone, suggesting a preference among owners for this setup.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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wazzerit

142

about 10 years ago

Has a Special Place in My Heart

Like the title says, This bass is very special to me. It was my first instrument and can be the blame for getting me into music. I wanted a P Bass that looked different and cool as hell but could also pull off songs from bands like Greenday, Nirvana, Weezer, this thing has such a wide range of sound you could play way more than I could ever list.