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Fender Precision Special

Fender Precision Special

$2,300.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 2, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (5)

$2,300.00 15 available Used

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Average Price: $2,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender Precision Special is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Fender Precision Special, a bass guitar that blends classic design with modern innovation. Perfect for seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians alike, this electric bass offers a harmonious balance of aesthetic appeal and functional prowess. Its active electronics allow for dynamic bass and treble EQ adjustments, providing a versatile tonal palette fit for any musical style. Adorned with eye-catching gold hardware and a matching headstock, this instrument doesn't just sound great; it demands attention on stage. The Fender Precision Special's craftsmanship ensures reliability and durability, making it a worthy companion for gigs, studio sessions, and practice alike. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or anchoring a rock anthem, this bass guitar delivers the punch and clarity you need.

Key Features:

Active electronics for advanced bass and treble EQ controls
Gold hardware and matching headstock for a standout look
Durable construction suitable for both live performances and studio recording
Versatile tonal range to suit various musical genres

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Precision Special Bass
Finish	American Black Walnut, Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Green, Candy Apple Red, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Mocha Brown, Natural, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst
Year	1980 - 1983
Made In	United States
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, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Pattern	Fade, Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood, Walnut
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 kind of pickups does the Fender Precision Special use?: The Fender Precision Special features active pickups, providing a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music genres.
Is the Fender Precision Special suitable for beginners?: While the Fender Precision Special offers advanced features like active pickups, its classic design and playability make it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.
What is the neck material of the Fender Precision Special?: The neck of the Fender Precision Special is made from maple, offering a bright tone and smooth playability.
Does the Fender Precision Special have an active preamp?: Yes, the Fender Precision Special includes an active preamp, enhancing tonal control and output.
What body material is used in the Fender Precision Special?: The body of the Fender Precision Special is crafted from alder, known for its balanced tone and resonance.
How many frets does the Fender Precision Special have?: The Fender Precision Special has 20 frets, providing a standard range for most bass playing styles.

Videos

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PinkbassmanMusic

1980 Fender Precision Special

PinkbassmanMusic

Fender Precision Bass Special 1982 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Precision Special 1982 w. walnut neck & body presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Precision Special from 1982 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenbiurg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Precision Bass Special from 1982 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

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Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound and Aguilar Retro P pickups are recommended to address humming issues, with Emerson Pre-wired kit suggested for improved electronics.
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Setup and maintenance

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Fingerboard shaving to fix "ski jump" issues led to a thinner neck profile, resembling a Jazz Bass neck but wider.
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Features and functionality

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Original preamp replacements include a cheap 2-band EQ, which failed and was removed due to noise issues.
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The 1980-1983 Precision Special includes active/passive modes with a toggle switch, and the control layout changes from a master tone in passive to a 2-band EQ in active mode.
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The transition of the Lake Placid Blue finish to a blue/green gradient over time is attributed to paint instability, sunlight exposure, and oxidation rates.
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The model is from the "Brass Age," known for its distinctive gold hardware and aesthetic appeal.
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These models feature treble and bass knobs providing ±15 dB adjustments, a unique aspect of its active/passive switch system.
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User experience

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The bass retains a 60 cycle hum, sometimes linked to non-reverse polarity coils, common in 70s P Basses.
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Owners have noted that the bass can feel heavy, which may impact its desirability for some players.
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Build quality

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Early 80s polyurethane finishes can be prone to cracking, which might explain frequent refinishing.
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The brass thumb rest offers unique aesthetics and functionality, coupled with a high mass bridge that develops a beautiful patina over time.
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The string tree design used during this era is seen as highly functional, though it's noted that Fender did not continue using it extensively.
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The thick poly finish can develop an orange peel texture over time, leading to aesthetic concerns.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users note unusual wear patterns, such as under the G string by the bridge, suggesting unique playing techniques or handling.
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Value and pricing

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In Germany, these models often sell for significantly under $2,000, highlighting regional value differences.
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Comparisons

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The bridge design was initially confused with the Elite model, which featured fine tuner knobs, showcasing variations within similar models.
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Artist usage

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John Deacon

Bassist, Composer

Queen

Verified via Photo

John can be seen here with his Fender Precison Special. You can distinctlively hear this bass with its 2-band EQ and flatwounds on Under Pressure.

Zachary Scott Carothers

Bassist

Portugal. The Man

Verified via Twitter

In a video for Fender, Carothers states that his first Fender bass was a 1981 Precision Bass Special in a white finish with gold hardware. It was used with Portugal. The Man until it had been stolen from him

He also discusses the bass in an interview with Orange Amplifiers