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Average Price: $599

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Precision Bass Lyte is a sleek testament to innovation and craftsmanship, catering to bass players who seek both style and substance. This electric bass guitar is well-regarded for its lightweight design, making it perfect for extended practice sessions and energetic performances without causing unnecessary strain. The Precision Bass Lyte combines a traditional aesthetic with modern enhancements, ideal for players who appreciate the classic Fender sound but crave contemporary convenience.

At the heart of this instrument is its dynamic pickup configuration, offering a versatile tonal range that suits a variety of musical genres. The active electronics ensure a clean, powerful output, whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage. Its slim neck profile and smooth fretboard provide exceptional playability, allowing for fast scales and precise fretting.

The bass's robust hardware is designed for stability and reliable performance, while the high-quality tuning machines ensure your instrument stays in tune through the most intense gigs. With its balanced sound and ergonomic design, the Fender Precision Bass Lyte is a favorite among musicians who demand both comfort and performance.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight design for comfortable playability
  • Dynamic pickup configuration with active electronics
  • Slim neck profile for fast and precise playability
  • High-quality tuning machines for stability
  • Robust 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 tonal characteristics of the Fender Precision Bass Lyte?

The Fender Precision Bass Lyte offers a versatile tone with its split-coil pickup configuration, providing a balanced sound suitable for various music genres. The active preamp enhances tonal flexibility, making it ideal for both studio recording and live performances.

Is the Fender Precision Bass Lyte suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Precision Bass Lyte is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design and comfortable neck profile. Its active preamp and versatile tone make it a great choice for players who want to explore different styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Precision Bass Lyte?

The Fender Precision Bass Lyte features a slim neck profile that is comfortable for fast playability and easy access across the fretboard, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bassists.

Does the Fender Precision Bass Lyte have active or passive pickups?

The Fender Precision Bass Lyte has passive pickups paired with an active preamp, allowing for a wide range of tonal adjustments and increased output versatility.

How does the Fender Precision Bass Lyte compare to a standard Precision Bass?

The Fender Precision Bass Lyte is lighter and features an active preamp for enhanced tonal control, whereas a standard Precision Bass typically has passive electronics and a more traditional weight and feel.

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredibly lightweight, weighing around 6-7 pounds

  • Versatile with a wide range of tones

  • Comfortable Jazz Bass style neck

  • Active electronics provide powerful sound

  • Unique tone compared to other Fender basses

  • High-quality build with tight string spacing

  • Ideal for those with back problems or long gigs

  • Low action for comfortable playability

  • Great for both stage and studio use

  • Durable finish that withstands years of use

CONS

  • May not feel like a traditional P Bass

  • Can sound dull despite string changes

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The P-Bass Lyte Standard features hardware and knobs that are distinct and difficult to replicate, minimizing the risk of fakes.

    Source
  • The fret ends can be rough, potentially requiring buffing to eliminate sharpness.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • "Made in Japan" labels were still used during the "Crafted in Japan" era, making it a legitimate identifier for models from around 2000.

    Source
  • Precision Lyte has passive pickups with an active preamp, not active like EMGs, meaning they can be used without the active circuitry.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck could have been serialized in late '99 but stamped in early 2000, explaining the serial number discrepancy.

    Source
  • Despite its flashy appearance, users appreciate the Precision Lyte for its lightweight, easy playability, and unique design compared to standard Fenders.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the preamp capacitors could reduce noise issues, as they may degrade over time.

    Source
  • Adding a tone pot or wiring a bypass with a push-pull pot could facilitate converting to a passive system without devaluing the bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • No reports of noise issues originally; noise may be due to aging components in the preamp needing replacement.

    Source
  • Owners report fret buzz on the A and D strings past the 12th fret, suggesting a need for setup adjustment.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners purchase these basses in the $450-$600 range, considering them a good investment for a vintage MIJ Fender.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stienski

Wood grain!

ive had the wood grain fender p-bass lyte since i was 18. love the finish and how light it is... sounds a lil dull no matter what strings i use, but i have used it on stage and in the studio for 18 years now and wouldnt use anything else.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Julian Swales uses Fender Precision Bass Lyte

Julian Swales

Guitarist

Kitchens of Distinction

...
Verified via Extendplay

The XTDP website features a brief interview/quote from Julian wherein he reveals some of the gear used during KoD's heyday. Among his instruments, he lists a Lyte Precision Bass.

W

Wayne Parker

Bassist

Glass Tiger

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Natural Walnut Year: 1990

Wayne Parker is seen using the Fender Precision Bass Lyte in the video of Glass Tiger's performance during their induction ceremony at the 2025 Canadian Music Hall of Fame, as featured by CBC Music.

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 Precision Bass Lyte, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Yamaha R100 Reverb
Yamaha R100 Reverb Effects Processors
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Stinger TS-5 Tube Stack Overdrive
Stinger TS-5 Tube Stack Overdrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Boss PH-2 Super Phaser
Boss PH-2 Super Phaser Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Boss BF-2 Flanger
Boss BF-2 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
1
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Amplifier Heads
1
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
1

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