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Fender American Special Precision Bass

Fender American Special Precision Bass

$1,100.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (11)

1 Critic Review

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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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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 Precision 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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Discover the iconic Fender American Special Precision Bass, a modern classic that combines vintage flair with contemporary performance. This electric bass is crafted in the USA, embodying the renowned Fender legacy of quality and craftsmanship. It's designed for musicians who crave a powerful, versatile sound with a straightforward setup.

The Precision Bass comes equipped with a dynamic split-coil pickup, delivering that signature thick, punchy tone that's been a staple across countless genres. Whether you're laying down the groove in a smoky jazz club or rocking out on a stadium stage, this bass is up for the challenge. The comfortable C-shaped neck is topped with a smooth rosewood fretboard, making it easy to navigate complex riffs and solos.

One of its standout features is the Greasebucket™ tone circuit, allowing you to roll off highs without adding bass, providing more control over your sound. The lightweight alder body ensures comfort during long gigs or rehearsals, and the vintage-style bridge and tuners add a classic touch while ensuring reliable tuning stability.

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned players, the Fender American Special Precision Bass offers a blend of tradition and innovation that caters to any playing style.

Key Features:

Made in the USA
Dynamic split-coil pickup for iconic P Bass tone
C-shaped neck profile with a rosewood fretboard
Greasebucket™ tone circuit for precise tonal adjustments
Vintage-style bridge and tuners for classic aesthetics and reliable performance
Lightweight alder body for comfortable playability

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 type of pickups does the Fender American Special Precision Bass have?: The Fender American Special Precision Bass features passive split-coil pickups, which are known for delivering the classic, punchy Precision Bass tone that suits a wide range of music genres.
Is the Fender American Special Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender American Special Precision Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable P-style body and versatile tone, making it easy to play and adaptable to various music styles.
What are the neck and fretboard materials of the Fender American Special Precision Bass?: The neck of the Fender American Special Precision Bass is made of maple, and it is available with either a maple or rosewood fretboard, offering different tonal characteristics and playability options.
Does the Fender American Special Precision Bass have an active preamp?: No, the Fender American Special Precision Bass does not have an active preamp; it uses passive electronics, which contribute to its classic, straightforward sound.
What finishes are available for the Fender American Special Precision Bass?: The Fender American Special Precision Bass is available in several finishes, including 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Honeyburst, and Olympic White, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.

Videos

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The Bass Channel

Fender Precision Bass Comparison (featuring Nick Maffei)

The Bass Channel

Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD!

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Fender American Special Precision Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender American Special P Bass Demo at Tjs Music

TJ's Music

fender precision american special bass with D'Addario black nylon tapewound strings

Bassboi's Garage

Fender American Special Precision Bass

napervillemusic

2014 Fender American Special Precision Bass Honeyburst

WelcomeGuitars

Reviews

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PROS

Slim neck profile perfect for small hands and Jazz bass players
Lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended playing sessions
Excellent value for an American-made bass under $900
Classic P-bass growl with versatile sound options
Durable enough for gigging without worry of damage
Suitable for upgrading with high-end components over time
Rare find with a reputation growing among bass enthusiasts
Comfortable neck profile with American quality and feel

CONS

Stock bridge is prone to bending, requiring potential upgrade
Machine heads feel less precise than on higher-end models

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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The Fender American Special Precision Bass features a slim neck profile with a high-gloss finish that some users find easier to play compared to thicker standard necks.
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Features and functionality

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The American Special includes the Fender Greasebucket™ tone circuit, which rolls off highs while maintaining low-end definition, though not everyone finds it impactful.
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The 2014 Fender FSR American Special P-Bass in honeyburst came with a standard .47 or .5 tone capacitor, lacking the Greasebucket™ circuit found in other models.
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Comparisons

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Some users note that the American Special neck feels thinner and more playable than the American Standard, reminiscent of the feel of 70s P-Bass necks.
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Despite considerations of upgrading to an American Performer with a Dark Night finish, an owner couldn't part with their American Special, emphasizing its superior neck feel.
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The Sandberg Forty Eight is noted for a thinner body that balances well, drawing positive comparisons from a P-Bass owner contemplating the switch.
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Value and pricing

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The American Special is reported to be priced a couple of hundred dollars higher online, so the $699 Guitar Center deal for the sunburst model is seen as particularly attractive.
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This specific model was a Musician's Friend/Guitar Center exclusive, adding a unique value aspect compared to other American Special models.
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In 2014, the Honeyburst American Special P-Bass was sold for $699, which was $200 below retail, highlighting its initial value proposition.
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Use cases and applications

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One owner found the American Special neck more suitable for their playing style, choosing it over other models despite price not being a factor.
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User experience

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It's suggested that for vintage instruments, performing minor repairs like soldering or replacing a jack can be cost-effective and preserve the instrument's value compared to buying new.
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Owners consistently praise the neck, describing it as exceptionally playable and a standout feature that makes it a "forever bass."
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An owner still keeps their American Special P-Bass bone stock with white pickguard and uses Ti Flats strings exclusively, indicating satisfaction with the original setup.
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Owners express attachment to their American Special P-Bass, with some considering it a lifetime instrument, even mentioning plans to pass it on through their will.
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Critic Reviews

Fender American Special Precision Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Special Precision Bass impresses with its classic design, solid build, and signature sound. Praised for its excellent neck profile and the vintage-style Alnico magnets, it delivers a loud, distinctly solid tone, ideal for rock players. The Greasebucket tone circuit offers effective sound control, maintaining a clear, funky element. However, the chunky headstock and lack of included coverplates might deter some. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a top-notch, professional-grade bass, appealing to both new and seasoned players. Overall, it's a worthy continuation of the Precision Bass legacy.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

Verified via Photo

The photo from Bigshotconcerts shows Duff McKagan playing a Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass with a humbucker in the neck position during the UPROAR Festival. This indicates he was not using a Fender American Special Precision Bass at this event.

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

Verified via Vk

As in the studio Ray Toro played Mikey Way's Fender Precision Bass during MCR song "Cancer"

Nameless Ghoul

Singer, Guitarist

Ghost

Verified via Photo

Water Ghoul has been seen many times playing an American Special Precision Bass by Fender. For example, he plays this bass during the Deezer Sessions.

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

Verified via reverb.com

Color/Finish: Blue Year: 2015

Matt Freeman, bassist of the band Rancid, is confirmed to own a Fender American Special Precision Bass, as verified by a listing on Reverb.com titled "Fender American Special Precision Bass Owned by Matt Freeman Of Rancid."

Lyn-Z Way

Bassist

Mindless Self Indulgence

Verified via Photo

A picture of Lyn-Z with her white Fender P Special

Joshua Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

Half Alive

Verified via Photo

In a screenshot from Half•Alive’s COAP Chicago Live Video, Joshua Taylor is seen using a Red Fender American Special Precision Bass, identifiable by its black pickguard and maple neck and headstock.