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Average Price: $1,450

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$1001+

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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.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage 57 P-Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 57 P-Bass by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage 57 P-Bass

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for 미펜 57리이슈 후레시죤 베이스 리뷰! fender american vintage 57' Reissue precision bass by 보현쌤

미펜 57리이슈 후레시죤 베이스 리뷰! fender american vintage 57' Reissue precision bass

보현쌤

보현쌤

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass 2 Color Sunburst - João Baptista - MG by Good Music Instrumentos Musicais

Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass 2 Color Sunburst - João Baptista - MG

Good Music Instrumentos Musicais

Good Music Instrumentos Musicais

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

American Vintage '57 Precision Bass Review | Fender | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass is a standout tribute to a classic, delivering superb sound and a fantastic playing experience. Its vintage detailing, from split single-coil pickups to the nitrocellulose lacquer finish, captures the essence of the original. The bass is lighter, offering comfort without sacrificing tone. While reliability and durability score slightly lower, the instrument's overall craftsmanship shines. Perfect for a wide range of music styles, it’s a joy to play and visually appealing, making it a strong contender for both collectors and players.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Pete Wentz uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Pete Wentz

Bassist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via YouTube

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"

See how Matt Freeman uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: 2-Tone Sunburst Year: 2010s

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.

See how Brandon Flowers uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Brandon Flowers

Singer, Keyboardist

The Killers

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

Flowers can be seen in this photo playing a '57 Fender Precision Bass.

See how Chuck Rainey uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Chuck Rainey

Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

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.”

See how Amos Heller uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Amos Heller

Bassist

The Agency

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this September 15, 2016 Produce Like A Pro interview at 52:20.

See how Chris Wyse uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Chris Wyse

Bassist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Photo

Chris can be seen playing 57 fender on this photo(pickup and bridge covers and tug bar removed)

See how Payam Doostzadeh uses Fender American Vintage '57 Precision Bass

Payam Doostzadeh

Bassist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this March 6, 2013 Instagram post.

@jonobrienwaller the blonde one is mine ! the black one is just visiting :)

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.

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