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Fender Precision Special Deluxe

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Fender Precision Special Deluxe

$650.00 to $999.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (2)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (34)

$650.00 6 available Used

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5.0 (8)

$999.99

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Average Price: $825

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Fender Precision Special Deluxe 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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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into a world where versatility meets iconic design with the Fender Precision Special Deluxe. Carefully crafted for musicians who seamlessly glide between genres, this electric bass stands as a testament to Fender's legacy of innovation and style. It's not just a bass; it's your passport to a realm of musical exploration, offering a dynamic range of tones that cater to every whim. Whether laying down a solid groove in the studio or bringing down the house on stage, the Precision Special Deluxe is engineered to elevate your performance with its unparalleled flexibility and sonic potency.

At the heart of its tonal universe, the PJ pickup configuration offers a blend of the Precision Bass's muscular depth and the Jazz Bass's growling edge. This combination not only broadens your tonal palette but also invites a rich harmonic complexity into your music. The modern "C"-shaped neck and a responsive fingerboard ensure that your playing experience is nothing short of comfortable, allowing you to express yourself with ease and precision. Moreover, the HiMass bridge and active electronics work in concert to provide sustain, stability, and a spectrum of sound that can be tailored to any setting or style, making it an indispensable tool for the discerning musician.

Key Features:

PJ pickup configuration: split-coil Precision Bass middle pickup and Vintage Noiseless™ Jazz Bass bridge pickup for versatile tonality.
Modern "C"-shaped neck with a 12" radius fingerboard and medium jumbo frets offers comfortable playability and precise articulation.
HiMass™ bridge enhances sustain, tuning stability, and intonation.
Active electronics with a three-band EQ (treble, mid, bass) and an active/passive switch for fine-tuning your sound.
Elegant pearloid dot inlays add a touch of visual class.
Includes deluxe gig bag for protection and easy transport.

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special
Finish	Black, Blizzard Pearl, Buttercream, Chrome Red, Navy Blue Metallic, Olympic White, Sapphire Blue Transparent, Sunburst, Surf Pearl
Year	2005 - 2025
Made In	Mexico
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, Green, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Maple, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12"
Frets	Medium Jumbo
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 Deluxe
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender Precision Special Deluxe have?: The Fender Precision Special Deluxe features active pickups, providing a powerful, clear sound suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Is the Fender Precision Special Deluxe suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender Precision Special Deluxe is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adaptable to different styles.
What is the neck profile of the Fender Precision Special Deluxe?: The neck of the Fender Precision Special Deluxe has a modern "C" shape, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability for bassists of all skill levels.
Can the Fender Precision Special Deluxe handle live performances?: Absolutely, the Fender Precision Special Deluxe is equipped with active electronics and robust construction, making it well-suited for live performances and professional use.
What materials are used in the construction of the Fender Precision Special Deluxe?: The body of the Fender Precision Special Deluxe is made from alder, with a neck crafted from maple, offering a balanced tone and durability. The fretboard is available in maple, pau ferro, or rosewood.

Videos

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Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Precision Bass Special Deluxe Series

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Reviews

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PROS

Versatile PJ pickup configuration offers a broad tonal range
Active/passive switch enhances tonal flexibility
Lightweight build reduces fatigue during long sessions
Jazz spec neck with P body offers comfort and playability
Solid build quality for its price range
Smooth transition between precision and jazz bass sounds
Dual active pickups support diverse playing styles
Attractive finish and design appeal to players
Great value compared to higher-end American models

CONS

Mid tone knob feels cheaper than others
No tone knob available in passive mode
Sharp fret edges may require additional setup
Some quality control issues with components

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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Owners note it plays better than some MIA models, though others suggest upgrading the Jazz pickup for a more balanced sound.
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User experience

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Despite significant mods, the bass retains a classic '70s/'80s P Bass sound, with a characteristic hum not uncommon for the era.
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The jazz neck design is highlighted for its excellent playability, making it a favorite among players with different musical backgrounds.
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Owners recommend using the stock pickups extensively before considering a swap, as they provide a solid, versatile tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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A Music Man pickup installation may require routing and could introduce a 60-cycle hum due to non-reverse polarity coils.
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Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound pickups and CTS pots are popular upgrades due to accessibility and reliability.
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Adjusting the pickup heights is recommended to balance the louder P pickup with the weaker J pickup.
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The Fender vintage bridge is more adjustable and generally sufficient, negating the need for a high mass bridge replacement.
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EMG GZR pickups are praised for adding a hotter sound and better growl, particularly effective with flatwounds.
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Build quality

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Vintage polyurethane finishes from the early '80s are prone to damage, potentially requiring refinishing.
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The neck features a flame maple fingerboard with a slight quilt on the back, providing a visually striking appearance.
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The dot inlay neck receives high praise for comfort, though some find the glossy finish too slick.
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Setup and maintenance

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Shaving down the fingerboard to resolve a "ski jump" issue can affect neck feel, making it resemble a wider Jazz Bass neck.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for players switching between fingers and picks, it complements fuzz and octave pedals well.
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The bass excels in various genres, from Motown throwback to math rock, showcasing its versatility across different musical styles.
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Value and pricing

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Priced at $749 on Musician's Friend, significantly lower than the $900 list price, adding appeal.
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Features and functionality

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The J pickup is often described as having low output, easily overshadowed by the P pickup.
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The Deluxe Special features a Vol Vol Tone setup, confirming its passive nature despite some confusion about active vs. passive configurations.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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jshinal

182

over 9 years ago

Versatile, resonant, narrow J type neck.

A Made in Mexico Fender P/J bass. Slight creep in the tuners when tuning up to pitch. Vintage "screwthread" saddles on bridge. Neck is not as skinny as my J, but not the huge P profile either, very comfortable if you don't have huge reach.

What began as a good bass is now excellent with a Gotoh bridge upgrade and a precisely cut bone nut. I upgraded the pickups to a Fender Super 55 (bridge) and a Duncan SPB-2 (Hot P) neck.

Great bass for metal, Motown and just about everything else.