Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $650

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash a symphony of possibilities with the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special. This electric bass guitar doesn't just sit at the intersection of classic and contemporary; it commands it with a 3-band active EQ and a versatile active/passive switch. Whether you're crafting vintage tones or seeking modern sonic landscapes, this bass effortlessly adapts to your needs. At its heart, a P-style Vintage Split single-coil neck pickup and a dual-coil ceramic Noiseless J-style bridge pickup combine for a dynamic range of tones, all while minimizing unwanted hum. The pan pot invites you to blend these pickups with precision, allowing for a personalized sound.

Crafted with an alder body and a C-shaped maple neck, the Deluxe Active P Bass Special ensures comfort and playability. The neck is topped with a pau ferro fingerboard, complete with 20 medium-jumbo frets, inviting players to explore its rich tonal palette with ease. For those who crave resonance and sustain, the HiMass bridge delivers an amplified presence, making every note count.

This bass is more than just an instrument; it's a statement of musical flexibility. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, its sleek design and classic Fender aesthetics, such as the knurled flat-top control knobs and 3-ply pickguard, make it a standout choice for musicians who demand both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Precision Bass with P/J pickups and active EQ
  • Vintage Split single-coil P-style pickup in the neck
  • Dual-coil ceramic Noiseless J-style bridge pickup
  • Active 3-band EQ with treble, mid, and bass controls
  • Active/passive switch for vintage and modern tones
  • C-shaped maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard
  • HiMass bridge for enhanced resonance and sustain

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special
Finish Black, Blizzard Pearl, Buttercream, Chrome Red, Navy Blue Metallic, Olympic White, Sapphire Blue Transparent, Sunburst, Surf Pearl
Year 2005 - 2025
Made In Mexico
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
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 / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Deluxe
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special?

The Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special features a modern "C" neck profile, which is comfortable and suitable for a variety of playing styles, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.

How does the active preamp enhance the sound of the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special?

The active preamp in this bass provides a powerful boost to the tonal range, allowing for greater control over treble, midrange, and bass frequencies, ideal for achieving a wide array of sounds from punchy to smooth.

Is the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special's active electronics and medium jumbo frets make it well-suited for slap bass techniques, offering a bright and responsive sound.

What kind of music genres is the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special best suited for?

This bass is versatile and performs well across genres such as rock, funk, jazz, and pop, thanks to its active electronics and split-coil pickup configuration.

Does the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special come with a case or gig bag?

The Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special typically does not come with a case or gig bag, so it's advisable to purchase one separately to protect your instrument.

What are the fretboard material options for the Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special?

The bass is available with fretboards made from maple, pau ferro, or rosewood, each offering different tonal characteristics and feel.

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Precision Bass Special

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass Special by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Precision Bass Special

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile PJ pickup configuration offers a range of tonal options

  • Active/passive toggle switch provides flexibility for different playing styles

  • Highly responsive 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping

  • Slim Jazz neck with 1.5" nut enhances playability

  • Well-balanced weight, making it comfortable for extended play

  • Smooth neck accommodates various hand sizes

  • Quality Mexican craftsmanship close to USA standards

  • Symmetric P-body with lean Jazz neck provides ergonomic balance

  • Punchy P-bass pickups and clean J-bass pickups for dynamic sound

  • Great alternative to higher-priced American-made models

CONS

  • Occasional sharp fret edges affecting comfort

  • Quality control issues like unlevel pickups and wrong-sized allen wrench

  • Initial challenge adapting to active EQ settings

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Pau Ferro fretboards on these basses show significant color variation, some appearing lighter or with a reddish hue, affecting aesthetic consistency.

    Source
  • The Mexican Deluxe model likely lacks a graphite-reinforced neck, which may impact durability compared to American models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Surf Pearl version of the Precision Bass often comes with a Pau Ferro fingerboard, while the Jazz Bass may feature a maple option.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention that buying from Sweetwater allows selection of specific serial numbers, ensuring choice of preferred wood aesthetics.

    Source
  • Owners find these basses feel great and sound good consistently, indicating reliable quality control.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Current Mexican Fender models, including this Precision Bass, typically use Pau Ferro or Maple, replacing Rosewood for lighter-colored fretboards.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used market prices typically range from $460-$500, suggesting $600 may be negotiable for better value.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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michael_muriett

This is by far the favorite bass I have owned

I window shopped this bass for a long time. I've played a Fender Starcaster hollow-body which was great, but not for my sound. I've had a Squier vintage modified Jazz that I modded and still have, but this IS the one. I added a custom tortoiseshell pickguard and it looks amazing. The playability is great, the tone is amazing with both the jazz and split p-bass pickups. Active to Passive switching is nice. 5 stars only cuz I cant give it 6

tom_parkin

A versatile bass for all situations!

This is my main bass. I favour the P pickup with The Nightmares, but love the blend of

Artist usage

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See how Nathan Sharp - NateWantsToBattle uses Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special

Nathan Sharp - NateWantsToBattle

Singer, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via Photo

On Nate’s Instagram Story he showed a Bass that Fender sent him. Judging by the color, pickup configuration, and switching, it appears to be a Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass in Surf Green.

Genre Usage

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

Community setups

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dani_foxx

dani_foxx

Gear IQ 366

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