Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,450
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass is a meticulously crafted ode to a golden era of music, seamlessly blending classic design with modern craftsmanship. This bass is a testament to the enduring legacy of Fender's innovative spirit, capturing the essence of the 1950s with its authentic vintage styling and remarkable tonal versatility. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio session or electrifying the stage, this Precision Bass delivers a rich, punchy sound that cuts through the mix with authority.
Built to inspire, it features a solid alder body and a maple neck that enhance its bright, resonant tone. The maple fretboard offers a smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless transitions across the fingerboard. The vintage-style hardware not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures reliable performance and tuning stability.
Designed for musicians who appreciate the finer details, the '57 Precision Bass includes period-correct pickups that provide warm, full-bodied tones. It's an instrument that doesn't just recreate the past—it refines it, making it a perfect choice for both vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike.
Key Features:
- Authentic vintage styling from the 1950s
- Solid alder body with a maple neck
- Maple fretboard for smooth playability
- Period-correct pickups for warm, full-bodied tones
- Vintage-style hardware for reliable performance and tuning stability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Vintage '57 Precision Bass |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, White Blonde |
| Year | 1999 - 2012 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Shape | P-Style |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | 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 Vintage |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass?
-
The Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass features a soft "V" neck profile, which is comfortable for players who prefer a vintage feel. This shape is ideal for those who enjoy thumb-over playing styles and offers a classic, familiar grip.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass?
-
The split-coil passive pickups on the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass deliver a warm, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence. This makes it suitable for a variety of music genres, including rock, blues, and jazz.
-
Is the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass suitable for beginners?
-
While the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass offers high-quality craftsmanship and vintage tones, its design and price point may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players rather than beginners.
-
What are the finish options available for the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass?
-
The Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass is available in several finishes, including 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, and White Blonde.
-
Does the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass have an active preamp?
-
No, the Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass does not have an active preamp. It features passive pickups, which provide a classic and authentic vintage bass sound.
Videos
N Stuff Music
Fender American Vintage 57 P-Bass
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass.
Comparisons
-
The '57 model features a 2-tone sunburst, while the '58 offers a 3-tone sunburst, often described as "2.5 tone" due to fading red.
Source -
Compared to the '62 reissue, the '57 offers a wider nut width of 1.75 inches, contributing to its distinctive massive tone, which some players prefer for its vintage feel.
Source -
The '62 reissue is noted for its "A" style neck, which some describe as feeling like a dream, offering a more comfortable playing experience compared to the '57's thicker neck.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Both models maintain a 7.25" radius, consistent with vintage specifications, but this was updated post-2017 in the American Original series.
Source -
The '57 reissue has a thicker neck profile, often described as a "baseball bat," which some players find offers unique tonal definition, particularly in treble notes.
Source
Build quality
-
The '58 model's thin nitro finish chips and checks easily, contributing to a more reliced appearance compared to the '57's nitro over poly finish.
Source
User experience
-
Some owners dislike the anodized pickguard on the '57, opting to replace it due to aesthetic preferences, despite appreciating the low-maintenance maple fretboards.
Source -
Despite preferring the '57's neck for playability, some users find the '62's rosewood fretboard more visually appealing, highlighting the subjective nature of aesthetic preferences.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At 0:30 in this video Pete says "My favourite bass that I ever own, a Suburst (talking about Fender P-Bass), it's like a '57 I think and I've just played and played and played that bass"
Matt Freeman, the bassist of Rancid, used the Fender American Vintage '57 Reissue Precision Bass on several tracks while recording the album "Honor Is All We Know." This information is verified by a listing on Reverb.com, which confirms his ownership of this specific bass guitar.
Chuck, on the Fender P bass: “It’s the horse that I rode in on, and I need to get back on it. I’m playing, for recording, a ’57 Reissue bass. It brings back so many memories. It feels great, and the combination of what’s here, the natural sound of what a passive bass is, along with – especially with the 12.0 – the 6 point and the 9.0 point, too. It helps bring back the old style – I’m an old-fashioned kind of guy. But I do like the P bass in particular, along with what I can get out of the 12.0… The bass, I’m elated with. It’s like I’m going back to a wife that I divorced.”
Album Usage
The Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Fender Electric Basses
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Electric Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
tachyonevanGear IQ 157
-