This page about Fender Custom Bullet Bass is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* 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 Custom Bullet Bass is a testament to Fender's commitment to quality and playability, offering bassists a perfect blend of style and performance. Known for its sleek design and powerful sound, this electric bass is a go-to choice for musicians seeking both reliability and versatility. With its smooth neck and comfortable body, the Bullet Bass is designed for ease of playing during extended sessions, whether you're in the studio or on stage.

The Bullet Bass features a precision-engineered pickup configuration that delivers rich, full-bodied tones, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. From deep, resonant lows to clear, punchy highs, its sound profile is highly adaptable. The carefully crafted hardware ensures durability and long-lasting performance, while the classic headstock design gives it that unmistakable Fender flair.

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals, the Fender Custom Bullet Bass is all about providing top-notch sound without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or driving the rhythm in a rock band, this bass offers the performance you need to shine.

Key Features:

  • Precision-engineered pickup configuration
  • Sleek, ergonomic body design
  • Smooth-playing neck for enhanced comfort
  • Classic Fender headstock design
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music styles
  • Durable hardware for long-lasting performance
ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

1980 FENDER BULLET BASS deluxe

Video thumbnail for 1980 FENDER BULLET BASS deluxe by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1980 FENDER BULLET BASS deluxe

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Fender Bullet Deluxe USA 1980 - FOR SALE (check my Reverb page, link in description) by Simone Masina

Fender Bullet Deluxe USA 1980 - FOR SALE (check my Reverb page, link in description)

Simone Masina

Simone Masina

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Shares the same body shape as the Fender Musicmaster, indicating its historical lineage.

    Source
  • This model was a precursor to the Squier line, yet it exhibits build quality comparable to American Fender models.

    Source

Other

  • It's highlighted that the guitar's pickguard and tailpiece are a single piece of metal, a cost-saving design feature that may impact tonal characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • A user noted that the yellowing of the white paint was visible in parts, indicating aging or exposure, but not necessarily affecting playability.

    Source
  • The neck is notably long and the frets large, making it feel significantly different from brands like Ibanez.

    Source
  • Transitioning from smaller necks to this bass may feel like moving to a "surfboard" due to its size and fretting scale.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 1981 USA-made Fender Bullet with original Mustang pickups was listed at $620 USD, while similar models with replaced pickups were priced higher at $1500 CAD.

    Source
  • These models are becoming collectible, often priced between $600-$700, but can sometimes be found for less in marketplaces.

    Source
  • Prices can vary widely, with some models listing between $900 to $1,250 in the U.S., though wear may not drastically impact older basses' value.

    Source

Build quality

  • The body of the Fender Custom Bullet Bass is reportedly made of laminate wood, rather than solid, affecting its perceived quality compared to other Fender models.

    Source
  • The integrated bridge and pickguard on this model are noted for their simplicity and unique design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The original pickups were Mustang pickups, replaced later with Strat pickups from the same era.

    Source
  • A user reported that after servicing, including restringing and bridge repair, the bass's tone dramatically improved, highlighting the importance of professional maintenance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some models were modded with additional tone or volume knobs, enhancing versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck is similar to a Telecaster but features no separate fretboard and a maple skunk stripe.

    Source
  • The neck pickup is angled while the bridge remains straight, a design choice that stands out.

    Source
  • The E string tuning post's placement towards the center raises design questions, though it may not affect functionality post-servicing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass's tone has been described as "unreal" post-maintenance, suggesting a strong application for players seeking rich sound quality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Baird uses Fender Custom Bullet Bass

Kevin Baird

Bassist, Keyboardist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Kevin Baird is using this Custom Fender Bullet Bass in Sunburst finish with maple neck.

See how Sean Yeaton uses Fender Custom Bullet Bass

Sean Yeaton

Bassist

Parquet Courts

...
Verified via YouTube

Viewable at various points in video

See how Brace Paine uses Fender Custom Bullet Bass

Brace Paine

Guitarist, Bassist

The Gossip

...
Verified via Gettyimages

In this image Brace Paine can be seen playing a Fender Custom Bullet Bass

See how Parquet Courts uses Fender Custom Bullet Bass

Parquet Courts

...
Verified via Photo

In this Interview with no treble, Yeaton states that he uses a '84 Fender Bullet Bass with a Fender Precision Bass neck.

"We were leaving for a European tour last summer and both of the basses that I packed never showed up when we landed. They subsequently never showed up on the entire tour, then they got delivered back to me and they were both broken. Someone had gone through my cases. It was such substantial damage that the necks were cracked on both and they were littered with TSA agent pamphlets. The disregard for these instruments was crazy. I had this ’50s P-Bass reissue and my Bullet bass. I loved the pickups from the Bullet bass so I took the neck off of it and put the P-Bass neck on the body, but then the pickguard didn’t fit because the neck is a little wider at the end of the P-Bass. I ordered an acrylic pickguard because I thought it would be funny and a passive-aggressive way to show TSA agents that I don’t have drugs hidden inside of it." (Sean Yeaton, as interviewed by Kevin Johnson for no treble, 19th of July 2018)

Genre Usage

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

More Fender Electric Basses

Fender Bass VI

$874.99 - $2,734.69

# 40

Rank

John Frusciante Wes Borland David Gilmour
102 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides