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Average Price: $599

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender P Bass Lyte is a versatile electric bass that brings together the classic Precision Bass profile with a lightweight design and modern electronics. Designed for bassists who crave that legendary Fender tone without the heft, this instrument is perfect for players who need comfort during long gigs or studio sessions. The active electronics offer a dynamic range of tonal possibilities, ensuring that you have the perfect sound for any genre.

The P Bass Lyte features a sleek and comfortable neck that facilitates fast playability, making it an excellent choice for both novice players and seasoned professionals. Its body is sculpted for comfort and balance, allowing you to perform effortlessly whether you're standing or seated. The bass is equipped with a custom-designed pickup system that provides a robust and punchy low end, complemented by a clear and articulate high end.

Crafted with precision, the Fender P Bass Lyte's hardware and components are built to withstand the rigors of regular play, ensuring reliable performance and longevity. Perfect for a variety of musical styles, this bass offers the flexibility needed for creative expression on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight body design for enhanced comfort
  • Active electronics for a wide range of tonal options
  • Custom-designed pickup system for powerful sound
  • Sleek neck profile for fast and easy playability
  • Durable hardware for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Contemporary Precision Bass Lyte MIJ
Finish Antique Foto Flame, Blue Foto Flame, Frost Red, Frost White, Montego Black, Violin Burst
Year 1989 - 1995
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
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 / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Contemporary

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Fender P Bass Lyte compared to a standard P Bass?

The Fender P Bass Lyte is known for its lightweight design and active electronics, providing a versatile range of tones. Unlike the standard P Bass, it offers an active preamp for enhanced sound shaping and a slimmer body for increased comfort during long playing sessions.

Is the Fender P Bass Lyte suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender P Bass Lyte is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight body and comfortable neck profile, making it easy to handle and play. Its active electronics also allow beginners to explore a variety of tones as they develop their playing style.

What kind of music genres is the Fender P Bass Lyte best suited for?

The Fender P Bass Lyte is versatile and can handle a wide range of music genres, from rock and pop to jazz and funk, thanks to its active preamp and split-coil pickup configuration. Its tone flexibility makes it a great choice for bassists who play multiple styles.

How does the active preamp in the Fender P Bass Lyte enhance its sound?

The active preamp in the Fender P Bass Lyte allows for greater tonal control and clarity, offering bassists the ability to boost or cut frequencies for a more customized sound. This feature provides a more dynamic range compared to passive basses, making it ideal for both live and studio settings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender P Bass Lyte?

The Fender P Bass Lyte features a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience and a warm, rich tone. Its body is designed to be lightweight, enhancing comfort and playability, especially during extended performances.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1993 Fender Precision Bass Lyte | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1993 Fender Precision Bass Lyte | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1993 Fender Precision Bass Lyte | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass Lyte Made in Japan 1996-1997 by jsumbi

Fender Precision Bass Lyte Made in Japan 1996-1997

jsumbi

jsumbi

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Lyte - Demo by Pertybass

Fender Precision Lyte - Demo

Pertybass

Pertybass

Video thumbnail for Bass shootout comparison - Fender Zone Bass vs. Fender Precision Bass Lyte by Bill Plays Bass

Bass shootout comparison - Fender Zone Bass vs. Fender Precision Bass Lyte

Bill Plays Bass

Bill Plays Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Lyte Bass: The Best Fender You Didn't Know About? by Brooksy's Bass Corner

Fender Precision Lyte Bass: The Best Fender You Didn't Know About?

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally lightweight, ideal for extended playing sessions

  • Jazz Bass style neck offers superb comfort and playability

  • Active electronics provide powerful, diverse tonal options

  • Unique tone and feel compared to other Fender basses

  • Tight string spacing allows for precise playing

  • Versatile sound, suitable for various music styles

  • Easy to set up for optimal performance

  • High-quality pickups enhance sound quality

CONS

  • Not a true P Bass, despite the name

  • May require additional setup and new strings upon purchase

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The P-Bass Lyte Standard has unique hardware, including specific knobs that make it difficult to replicate.

    Source
  • The Precision Lyte typically has passive pickups paired with an active preamp, allowing for potential conversion to a fully passive setup if desired.

    Source
  • The lightweight design of the P Bass Lyte makes it easier to play for extended periods.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite some confusion, "Made in Japan" labels are still valid for models during the "Crafted in Japan" era, indicating the authenticity of certain builds.

    Source
  • Some basses have rough fret ends that may require buffing to prevent sharpness.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Lyte model shares similarities with a 1986 version seen at Guitar Center, suggesting consistency in design and features over the years.

    Source
  • The flashy appearance of the P Bass Lyte distinguishes it from standard Fender models, appealing to those who favor unique visuals.

    Source

Other

  • Fender's official site may have incomplete serial information, as noted by experienced owners, requiring cross-reference with detailed sources like Fuzzfaced.net.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest adding a bypass switch with a push-pull pot for minimal devaluation when converting the electronics to a passive system.

    Source
  • It's been suggested that rewiring a tone pot after removing the preamp can successfully transition the bass to a passive configuration without replacing the pickups.

    Source
  • Owners express interest in replacing pickups and adding chrome or gold knobs for aesthetic and tonal improvements.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Noise issues might be resolved by replacing aging capacitors on the preamp, which are likely to be worn out due to age.

    Source
  • Fretting out on A and D strings past the 12th fret indicates potential setup needs, such as adjusting the truss rod or bridge height.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience notable noise with the active setup, which can be a frustration point for long-term owners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A purchase price of $450 is considered a good deal compared to typical listings of $500-$600.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny April uses Fender P Bass Lyte

Johnny April

Bassist

Staind

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Natural Wood Year: 1996

Around the beginning segment of the documentary of “Homegrown,” it would show clips of the Tormented Era, which tends to show a Femder P Bass Lyte (or something close to it) in a couple clips, like when the bands the early version of “Crawl” or the back of the bass when playing “Self Destruct”

See how Tristan Kelly uses Fender P Bass Lyte

Tristan Kelly

Bassist

Shallowater

...
Verified via Photo

Tristan Kelly is confirmed to use a Fender P Bass Lyte, as evidenced in a performance where he is clearly seen playing the instrument. This is supported by an image available on Equipboard.

Genre Usage

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

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