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Fender American Standard Precision Bass

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Fender American Standard Precision Bass

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$899.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (59)

2 Critic Reviews

13 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender American Standard Precision

7 community setups

34 wishlisted

111 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.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (48)

$899.99 7 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender American Standard Precision Bass is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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In the world of bass guitars, the Fender American Standard Precision Bass stands as a paragon of tradition and innovation. Rooted in a legacy that began in 1951, this iconic instrument continues to define the soundscape of modern music. The sleek, contoured body offers unparalleled comfort, while the Fender Custom Shop ‘60s split single-coil pickup ensures that each note resonates with clarity and depth. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or driving the rhythm in a rock band, the Precision Bass adapts seamlessly to your style.

The modern C-shaped neck profile enhances playability, allowing for smooth transitions across the fretboard, making it perfect for both seasoned players and those just starting their musical journey. With a reputation for durability and a timeless design, the Fender American Standard Precision Bass is more than an instrument; it's a reliable partner in your creative expression. Its precision engineering and quality craftsmanship make it an indispensable tool for musicians who demand excellence.

Key Features:

Classic Precision Bass body with modern enhancements
Fender Custom Shop ‘60s split single-coil pickup
Modern C-shaped neck profile for improved playability
High-quality craftsmanship and durable construction
Versatile sound suitable for various musical genres

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Standard Precision Bass
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Black, Blizzard Pearl, Candy Cola, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Jade Pearl Metallic, Mystic Blue, Mystic Red, Olympic White
Year	2008 - 2016
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, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Red, White
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Frets	Medium Jumbo
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 Standard
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender American Standard Precision Bass have?: The Fender American Standard Precision Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering the classic, punchy P-Bass tone suitable for a wide range of music genres.
Is the Fender American Standard Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender American Standard Precision Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels.
What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Standard Precision Bass?: The body of the Fender American Standard Precision Bass is made from alder, while the neck is crafted from maple. The fretboard is available in either maple or rosewood, contributing to its iconic tone and playability.
How does the neck profile of the Fender American Standard Precision Bass affect playability?: The neck profile of the Fender American Standard Precision Bass is designed to provide a comfortable grip, enhancing playability and making it easier to perform both fast runs and complex fingerings.
What are the finish options available for the Fender American Standard Precision Bass?: The Fender American Standard Precision Bass is available in several finish options, including 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Blizzard Pearl, Candy Cola, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Jade Pearl Metallic, Mystic Blue, Mystic Red, and Olympic White.

Videos

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Jules Guitar

Jazz Bass vs Precision Bass

Jules Guitar

Fender American Standard Precision Bass Demo

Reverb

American Standard Precision® Bass Demo | Fender

Fender

USA or US-NAY?! | Fender American Standard Precision Bass [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

McGuire Music Demos the Fender American Standard Precision Bass

McGuireMusicandSound

Fender American Standard Precision Bass Demo

Relics By DG

Fender American Standard Precision Bass

guitarsib

Fender American Standard Precision Bass

napervillemusic

Reviews

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PROS

Comfortable neck feels great even for players transitioning from other styles
High-mass bridge with adjustable string spacing offers customization
Classic vintage tone that works well for a range of music styles
Versatile tone with a wide sweep, from thump to growl
Excellent balance and fit, akin to high-end craftsmanship
Reliable tuning stability with posiflex graphite support rods
Perfect for live gigs and studio sessions with consistent sound quality
Customizable pickup options for unique tonal characteristics
Classic design and finish with a modern touch
Durable and well-built, ideal for touring musicians

CONS

Heavier than some other models, potentially tiring for long gigs
Lacks easy access heel for high fret playing

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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Some players prefer the slimmer neck of the American Standard over the chunkier Professional II, though the Ultra Precision necks are noted for being exceptionally slim.
Source
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American Standards from 2008 onwards have different stock pickups than earlier models, offering subtle variations in the classic P bass tone.
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The Fender Player Series P-bass is perceived as sturdier and better sounding than the Squier Classic Vibe, with improved electronics and overall build quality.
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Users find it hard to distinguish between Squier and MIM Fenders in blind tests, suggesting setup and finishing narrow perceived quality gaps.
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User experience

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One owner highlighted the exceptional neck stability compared to other bases, including a quarter sawn Fender custom shop model.
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Despite skill level concerns, owning an instrument that inspires frequent play can accelerate skill development.
Source

Value and pricing

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The current asking price is considered high by some, as similar models were cheaper in the past, reflecting the recent surge in the used market.
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It's observed that instruments generally retain their value well if kept in good condition, unlike heavily modified or damaged gear.
Source

Features and functionality

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The split P pickups, both old and new, are inherently hum-cancelling by design, ensuring reduced noise regardless of model year.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Owners often replace stock pickups for higher output and midrange-focused options, though this is not necessary to achieve a classic P bass tone.
Source
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It's suggested to replace the stock nut on MIM Fenders for better quality, particularly when not using Fender strings.
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Build quality

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Some users prefer maple fingerboards over Pau Ferro on MIM Fenders, citing the latter feels dry and uncomfortable, though conditioning can improve its feel.
Source
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There's criticism of Fender's use of Pau Ferro for its dry, chalky feel, though conditioning may enhance its texture over time.
Source

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: 2012 Fender American Standard Precision Bass Review

rexbass.com

The 2012 Fender American Standard Precision Bass offers solid incremental improvements to a classic design. With a Custom Shop ‘60s pickup, a high-mass vintage bridge, and lighter tuners, it retains the iconic look and sound of a P-Bass. While the enhancements may not dramatically alter tone or sustain compared to older models, the build quality and playability remain top-notch. If the new color isn't a must-have, you might find better deals on previous models. Overall, it's a reliable choice for bass enthusiasts seeking subtle yet effective upgrades.

positive

Full Review

Bass Guitar Adventures: Review: Fender American Standard Precision Bass vs. G&L LB-100, SB1

bassguitaradventures.blogspot.com

The Fender American Standard Precision Bass stands out with its classic P-Bass sound, smooth playability, and lightweight alder body. Despite a common A string rattle issue, resolved with a simple fix, it offers a satisfying playing experience. While Fender falls short in finish variety and neck pocket precision compared to G&L, its modernized tuning keys enhance balance. The neck pocket gaps, though present, don't affect performance. Fender's case quality, however, disappoints with its construction flaws, though customer service promptly addresses these. Overall, Fender delivers a reliable, iconic bass that holds its own against G&L's offerings.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 13 Reviews and 59 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

cagatay_cetin

219

about 1 year ago

The Classic That Always Delivers

The Fender American Standard Precision Bass is a reliable classic with a punchy, warm tone that suits almost any genre. Its solid build and simplicity, one pickup, one volume, one tone, make it incredibly versatile and easy to play. It doesn’t try to be flashy, but its timeless performance is what keeps it a top choice for bassists worldwide.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Funk / Soul Jazz

martin_hofmann

241

almost 6 years ago

Great pleasure to play

I always wanted to have this bass in this finish. It plays great, sounds a little different from the maple neck Precisions: more brightness, a little less mids, but solid fundament. Very good tuning machines and easy access to the trussrod

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock

jason_jump

434

almost 5 years ago

This is my "desert island" bass.

This bass has it all: the tone, the feel, the look, and it sits well in the mix. There's a reason why the P-Bass has been #1 for over 70 years--it just rocks!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I play with the volume pot at 100% and the tone pot at around 60-70%.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Hip Hop

From Gear Setup

brian_ramirez

133

about 4 years ago

Classic and comfortable

My P bass has a Jazz bass neck. Even thoughI only use it in the studio and rehearsals, I still love it!

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Blues Jazz

bennohoundsuk

253

over 7 years ago

what a tone!

I have wanted one of these for years and now I finally own one I will not play anything else! I listen to a lot of punk music and the American Standard Precision bass has an amazing tone the bass and treble and together with the Sansamp forget about it! never been so satisfied with a tone!

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

joel_ginsberg

about 6 years ago

It's a classic.

I do a lot of session work and reach for this bass if the track needs that P-Bass punch & warmth.

lfo_music

6 years ago about 6 years ago

Cool!!

maxthebassplayer

almost 7 years ago

What could be more classic?

What could be more classic than flatwounds on a P-Bass through an Ampeg? All the thump an fundamental to make your band sound better, and isn't that why we play the bass in the first place?

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Blues

stickster

272

over 9 years ago

With a twist.

My 2008 American Standard has a set of Fender Custom Shop 1962 spec pickups. One of the best sounding instruments I own. It only does one trick, but it's a GREAT one.

Roles:

Singer Bassist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Stage & Screen