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Average Price: $1,100

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Bringing together the best of vintage charm and modern innovation, the Fender American Special Precision Bass Maple 2011 is a timeless masterpiece for bass enthusiasts. Crafted from a lightweight alder body, this guitar ensures comfort during long gigs while delivering resonant sounds that are unmistakably Fender. The Slim C-shaped maple neck is designed for speed and playability, making it a favorite for both seasoned bassists and newcomers alike. A standout feature is the Greasebucket tone circuit, which provides you with the ability to roll off the highs without sacrificing the powerful lows, delivering a rich and punchy tone perfect for any music genre. Equipped with a classic split single-coil P Bass pickup, this instrument maintains its iconic tonal quality while offering the reliability of contemporary craftsmanship. From its high-gloss finish to its precision hardware, the Fender American Special Precision Bass is not just an instrument, but a statement of style and sonic excellence.

Key Features:

  • Body Material: Alder
  • Neck: Maple with Slim "C" shape
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Fretboard Radius: 9.5"
  • Frets: 20, medium jumbo
  • Scale Length: 34"
  • Nut Width: 1.625"
  • String Nut: Synthetic bone
  • Pickup: Split single-coil P Bass pickup
  • Controls: Volume, Greasebucket tone circuit
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Bridge: Standard Vintage 4 Saddle Bass
  • Case: Deluxe gig bag included

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 like on the Fender American Special Precision Bass?

The Fender American Special Precision Bass features a modern "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip suitable for most playing styles and hand sizes, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the passive pickups on this bass?

The passive split-coil pickups on the Fender American Special Precision Bass deliver a classic, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, perfect for rock, blues, and funk genres.

Is the Fender American Special Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender American Special Precision Bass is suitable for beginners, offering a straightforward design with a comfortable neck and versatile sound, which makes it easy to learn and play.

What are the finish options available for this 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 players to choose a style that suits their personal preference.

What is the body material of the Fender American Special Precision Bass?

The body of the Fender American Special Precision Bass is made from alder, which contributes to its balanced tone and light weight, making it comfortable to play for extended periods.

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD!

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD! by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD!

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special P Bass Demo at Tjs Music by TJ's Music

Fender American Special P Bass Demo at Tjs Music

TJ's Music

TJ's Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Basses - Sweetwater NAMM 2011 by Sweetwater

Fender American Special Basses - Sweetwater NAMM 2011

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass by napervillemusic

Fender American Special Precision Bass

napervillemusic

napervillemusic

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass by mocasea

Fender American Special Precision Bass

mocasea

mocasea

Reviews

PROS

  • Thinnest neck profile among Precision basses, ideal for players with smaller hands

  • Offers classic P-bass growl with superior playability

  • Lightweight design makes it comfortable for long gigs

  • Excellent value for an American-made instrument, especially under $900

  • Highly versatile for gigging musicians; durable and reliable

  • Smooth neck enhances ease of playing, comparable to Jazz bass feel

  • American quality construction with an upgrade-friendly platform

  • Increasingly rare, making it a sought-after bass model

  • Perfect for travel; robust enough to withstand wear and tear

  • Transition from Highway One models with added support features

CONS

  • Stock bridge made of cheap folded steel, prone to bending

  • Machine heads have vague tuning precision, akin to lower-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 Maple 2011.

Build quality

  • The bridge is a 90-degree bent stamped metal piece, which some owners find flimsy compared to alternatives like the Badass II.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The color combo of dark red with a black pickguard and maple neck receives high praise for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted that cheaper basses sometimes have better bridges, which raises questions about component choices on the American Special.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the stock bridge with a Badass II for improved stability and performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Special Precision Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

This Precision Bass stands tall with its sleek design, classic sound, and playability that caters to both newbies and seasoned players. Its three-tone sunburst finish is a visual treat, while the Greasebucket circuit effectively rolls off highs—all while keeping that signature P-Bass punch. However, the chunky headstock may not appeal to everyone, and the absence of coverplates is a miss for some. Despite these minor drawbacks, the American Special delivers a professional experience that solidifies its legacy in the bass world.

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