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Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender American Special Precision Bass offers a timeless blend of classic design and modern performance, making it a versatile choice for bassists who demand quality and reliability. This instrument features the iconic Precision Bass body shape, favored by musicians for its comfortable ergonomics and balanced feel. Crafted in the USA, it combines traditional Fender craftsmanship with contemporary enhancements to meet the needs of today’s players.

Equipped with a Greasebucket tone circuit, this bass allows for precise tonal shaping without adding extra bass as you roll off the treble, maintaining clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum. The maple neck with a satin finish ensures smooth playability, while the medium jumbo frets provide effortless finger movement, perfect for both intricate bass lines and robust rhythms. The high-output single-coil pickup delivers punchy, articulate sound that's adaptable across genres, from rock and funk to jazz and blues.

Built with durability in mind, the Fender American Special Precision Bass features a solid alder body, known for its balanced tonal qualities and resonance. The instrument's hardware is designed to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances, ensuring it remains a reliable companion for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Made in the USA with traditional Fender craftsmanship
  • Precision Bass body shape for ergonomic comfort
  • Greasebucket tone circuit for precise tonal shaping
  • High-output single-coil pickup for versatile sound
  • Maple neck with a satin finish for smooth playability
  • Medium jumbo frets for easy finger movement
  • Solid alder body for balanced tone and resonance
  • Durable 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 kind of pickups does the Fender American Special Precision Bass use?

The Fender American Special Precision Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering the classic, punchy P-Bass tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

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 playability and iconic sound, making it a versatile choice for learning various music genres.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Special Precision Bass?

The Fender American Special Precision Bass features a modern "C" shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles and hand sizes.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Fender American Special Precision Bass?

The body of the Fender American Special Precision Bass is made from alder, and the neck is constructed from maple, offering a balanced tone with excellent sustain.

How many frets does the Fender American Special Precision Bass have?

The Fender American Special Precision Bass comes with 20 frets, allowing for a full range of notes suitable for most bass playing needs.

Does the Fender American Special Precision Bass come in different finishes?

Yes, the Fender American Special Precision Bass is available in several finishes, including 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Honeyburst, and Olympic White.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Seymour Duncan Precision Bass Pickup Comparison

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Precision Bass Pickup Comparison by The Bass Channel

Seymour Duncan Precision Bass Pickup Comparison

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Way Huge Doubleland Special Bass Demo by The Bass Channel

Way Huge Doubleland Special Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Reviews

PROS

  • Slim neck profile ideal for smaller hands and easy playability

  • Lightweight design perfect for gigging musicians who travel

  • Affordable price for American-made quality, often under $900

  • Classic P-bass growl with a versatile sound

  • Excellent upgrade platform for customization

  • High-quality American craftsmanship with durable build

  • Highly recommended by seasoned bass players

CONS

  • Stock bridge made of cheap folded steel may require replacement

  • Machine heads have a Squier/Mexico-like vagueness, lacking precise tuning adjustments

Critic Reviews

Fender American Special Precision Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Special Precision Bass is a top-tier instrument, standing out with its classic design, excellent build, and impressive sound quality. Its vintage-style Alnico magnets and Greasebucket tone circuit deliver a robust sound that will appeal to rock players. While the bass boasts a stylish look with a three-tone sunburst finish, some might find the chunky headstock and lack of included coverplates less appealing. However, these are minor concerns for what is otherwise a highly professional and well-crafted bass. Overall, this bass upholds the Precision legacy with a modern twist.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nameless Ghoul uses Fender American Special Precision Bass (Duplicate)

Nameless Ghoul

Singer, Guitarist

Ghost

...
Verified via YouTube

Shot of a white P bass at the 0:29 mark.

See how Nick Zinner uses Fender American Special Precision Bass (Duplicate)

Nick Zinner

Guitarist

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

...
Verified via YouTube

Zinner plays this on "Under the Earth", as explained by him in this Rig Rundown.

T

Tom Fleming

Singer, Guitarist

The Wild Beasts

...
Verified via Weallwantsomeone

WILD BEASTS [LIVE] @ LE POISSON ROUGE (JULY 14, 2011) and Jools Holland (with Arcade fire) during promotion of the album "Present Tense" seen during the performance of the song "Wanderlust"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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