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Fender Precision Bass 1978

Fender Precision Bass 1978

$699.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Dec 23, 2025

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated December 23, 2025.

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5.0 (69)

$699.00 233 available Used

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Average Price: $699

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender Precision Bass 1978 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Fender Precision Bass from 1978 is a classic piece of musical history that continues to capture the hearts of bass enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its robust build and iconic split single-coil pickup, this electric bass delivers a full-bodied, punchy tone that has defined countless legendary performances. The natural finish highlights the distinctive grain patterns of the alder body, providing both aesthetic appeal and tonal warmth.

This bass guitar offers a comfortable maple neck with a C-shape profile, ensuring smooth playability for both seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. The 20-fret rosewood fingerboard provides a rich, warm tone, complementing the bass's powerful low-end resonance. The sturdy vintage-style bridge enhances sustain and maintains tuning stability, even during vigorous performances.

The Fender Precision Bass Natural 1978 is not just a musical instrument; it's a piece of rock history, embodying the spirit and sound of late 70s rock and roll. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or performing live, this bass promises to deliver a reliable and immersive playing experience.

Key Features:

Iconic split single-coil pickup for a distinctive, punchy sound
Alder body with a natural finish
Maple neck with C-shape profile for comfortable playability
20-fret rosewood fingerboard
Vintage-style bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability
A classic piece of 1970s rock history

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Precision Bass
Finish	Antigua, Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blonde, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Mocha Brown, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year	1970 - 1983
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	P-Style
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Fade, Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple, 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 Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the 1978 Fender Precision Bass?: The 1978 Fender Precision Bass features a body made from either alder or ash, contributing to its distinctive tonal characteristics and resonance.
How many frets does the Fender Precision Bass Natural 1978 have?: The Fender Precision Bass Natural 1978 is equipped with 20 frets, providing a comfortable playing range for various musical styles.
What kind of pickups are in the 1978 Fender Precision Bass?: The 1978 Fender Precision Bass uses passive split-coil pickups, known for their punchy and versatile sound that suits a wide range of genres.
Is the 1978 Fender Precision Bass suitable for beginners?: While the 1978 Fender Precision Bass can be appreciated by players of all levels, its vintage status and historical significance make it more appealing to experienced bassists and collectors.
What is the neck material of the Fender Precision Bass Natural 1978?: The neck of the Fender Precision Bass Natural 1978 is made from maple, providing a bright tone and smooth playability.

Videos

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Sebastiano Zanotto

Maple VS Rosewood fretboard - Fender Precision '78

Sebastiano Zanotto

1978 Fender Precision Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Fender Precision Bass 1978

Leo Xavier

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Precision Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Fender Precison Bass USA 1978 SOUNDTEST

Marcin Pendowski

Fender P-Bass 1978 Soundtest

Marcin Pendowski

demo Fender Precision bass 1978 HD 720p

Reviews

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PROS

Lightweight for its era, under 9 lbs, comfortable for long sessions
Resonant with a thick, grinding tone that stands out
Combines warmth of alder and brightness of maple for versatile sound
High-quality craftsmanship with authentic 1970s features
Retains value and character over time, appealing to collectors
Original components without modern modifications enhance its vintage appeal
Good condition considering its age, with minimal wear and scuffs

CONS

Pickguard issues causing cable instability and signal buzzing
Not always playable out of the box, may require professional setup
Quality inconsistencies from this era; not all units are reliable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Precision Bass 1978.

Build quality

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The natural finish models typically have nicer grain and can be lighter, sometimes as low as 7.5 lbs, compared to solid color models which use heavier wood.
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The logo placement on late '70s models can vary significantly due to inconsistent quality control, with some logos positioned close to the edge or having "made in USA" cut off.
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It's common for these models to have a missing or completely worn-off neck stamp, making it challenging to verify authenticity.
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The pickguard from this era should have an extra screw in the center and holes for a thumb rest, which are often lost with replacements.
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Features and functionality

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The thick poly finish used on late '70s Fender necks can feel sticky and is prone to cracking and chipping over time.
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Chromed tuners with a nickel string tree were typical during this era, resulting in the string tree tarnishing while tuners remain shiny.
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User experience

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Some owners find late '70s Fender P-Basses to be heavy, describing them as "boat anchors," though weight can vary significantly even within the same year.
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Owners appreciate the natural finish combined with a black pickguard for its aesthetic appeal, with some preferring cream pickups for a classic look.
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A '78 Fender P-Bass weighing 10lb 12oz is considered slightly lighter than others, with some models reaching up to 11 pounds.
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Comparisons

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Late '70s Fender P-Basses are not typically seen as "investment pieces" like those from the '50s, '60s, or early '70s, due to CBS ownership and craftsmanship concerns.
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Transition-era models (around 1976) have a serial number starting with a bolded '76, differing from earlier oversized TV logos used pre-1976.
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Value and pricing

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In the UK, £1500 is considered a fair price for a 1978 P-Bass, though potential buyers are advised to negotiate down if possible.
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Mods and upgrades

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Brass nuts were a popular modification in the late '70s, and their presence can add credibility to the instrument's age.
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La Bella tape-wound strings are praised for enhancing the classic P-Bass tone, making it sound quintessentially 'P-Bass'.
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Red tort pickguards are a popular modification, considered to complement the natural finish and add a unique visual flair.
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Use cases and applications

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The combination of natural finish and maple fretboard is highlighted for its visual appeal, often desired by players for both aesthetics and performance.
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Artist usage

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Rick Savage

Bassist

Def Leppard

Verified via Photo

In this 1983 photo, Rick Savage can be seen playing a natural Fender Precision bass.

Zach Sutton

Singer, Bassist

Hippo Campus

Verified via Photo

Zach Sutton has been recently spotted playing a 1978 Fender Precision Bass Natural, which appears to be modified with vintage P-90 soapbar pickups, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.