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Average Price: $630

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$1001+

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Description

The Fender Precision Lyte Bass is a distinctive electric bass guitar that combines lightweight construction with classic Fender craftsmanship, making it a versatile choice for musicians of all skill levels. Designed for both comfort and performance, this bass guitar is perfect for players who need an instrument that can keep up with their energetic stage presence without sacrificing sound quality.

Featuring an alder body for a warm, resonant tone, the Precision Lyte Bass is equipped with a powerful split-coil pickup system that delivers a rich, full-bodied sound. Its sleek neck profile and smooth fingerboard allow for fast, precise playability, ideal for both seasoned bassists and those just starting their musical journey. The bass's unique design ensures it stands out in any ensemble, providing a reliable foundation for any musical style, from rock and jazz to funk and beyond.

The Precision Lyte's tonal versatility is further enhanced with convenient onboard controls, offering quick and easy adjustments to volume and tone settings. This ensures that you can dial in your perfect sound without missing a beat. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Fender Precision Lyte Bass is a dynamic instrument that won't weigh you down.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body for easy handling
  • Split-coil pickup system for robust sound output
  • Sleek neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Onboard volume and tone controls for quick adjustments
  • Designed for versatility across multiple musical genres

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 makes the Fender Precision Lyte Bass different from other Precision Basses?

The Fender Precision Lyte Bass features a lighter body and an active preamp, offering a more modern tonal range and playability compared to traditional Precision Basses. It's designed for players seeking a versatile sound with reduced weight.

Is the Fender Precision Lyte Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Precision Lyte Bass is well-suited for live performances due to its lightweight design and active electronics, which provide a powerful and versatile sound that can cut through a mix.

What kind of pickups does the Fender Precision Lyte Bass have?

The Fender Precision Lyte Bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups paired with an active preamp, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities from classic Precision Bass sounds to more modern tones.

How does the neck profile of the Fender Precision Lyte Bass affect playability?

The Fender Precision Lyte Bass features a slim neck profile, which enhances playability by providing a comfortable grip and easier access to all frets, making it ideal for fast playing styles.

What finishes are available for the Fender Precision Lyte Bass?

The Fender Precision Lyte Bass is available in several finishes, including Antique Foto Flame, Blue Foto Flame, Frost Red, Frost White, Montego Black, and Violin Burst, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal.

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 from Japan by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Precision Bass Lyte from Japan

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass Lyte by Sam Pedneau

Fender Precision Bass Lyte

Sam Pedneau

Sam Pedneau

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass Lyte Made in Japan by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Precision Bass Lyte Made in Japan

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

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

  • Extremely lightweight, ideal for long gigs or those with back issues

  • Offers a wide range of tones with active electronics

  • Jazz Bass style neck provides comfort and playability

  • Unique tone and feel among Fender basses

  • Tight string spacing allows for precise playing

  • High-quality Fender pickups deliver impressive sound

  • Can be effectively set up to personal playing preferences

  • Durable build, performs well even after years of use

CONS

  • Not a traditional P Bass, may not meet expectations for classic P Bass tones

  • May require additional setup and maintenance to reach optimal performance

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The fret ends can feel rough and may require smoothing to avoid sharpness during play.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's common for the A and D strings to fret out past the 12th fret, indicating a setup might be necessary.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A well-maintained Precision Lyte typically sells for $500-$600, making a purchase below this range a good deal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The flashy appearance of the Precision Lyte distinguishes it from standard Fender models, appealing to those seeking a unique look.

    Source

User experience

  • The lightweight design is praised for ease of play, making it suitable for extended use without fatigue.

    Source
  • Some owners report persistent noise issues, which might be resolved by replacing aging capacitors in the preamp.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Precision Lyte features passive pickups paired with an active preamp, not active pickups, which influences its tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The J pickup is often deemed inferior, leading some to primarily use the P pickup for better tonal output.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest removing the preamp and rewiring a tone pot or using a push-pull pot for bypass to maintain the instrument's value.

    Source
  • Converting to a fully passive system requires removing the preamp and rewiring, a modification some enthusiasts are considering for noise reduction.

    Source
  • The Geezer Butler PJ set is a favored passive pickup upgrade, enhancing tone quality for many owners.

    Source
  • EMG pickups paired with an active preamp are suggested for achieving a robust active bass sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners with both active and passive basses note using the Precision Lyte primarily for its P pickup, reserving the Jazz bass for other styles.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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M

Best five bucks I ever spent.

I bought one of these years ago and it was just about destroyed when I got it. After some luthier work (okay, I didn't spend five bucks on this in the end) it plays and sounds incredible.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lupe Esparza uses Fender Precision Lyte Bass

Lupe Esparza

Bassist

Bronco

...
Verified via YouTube

BAJO QUE UTILIZO LUPE DURANTE LA GIRA DEL ADIOS DE BRONCO EN 1997

Genre Usage

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

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