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Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern innovation, tailored for bassists seeking both style and substance. This iconic instrument boasts an alder body paired with a sleek Slim C-shaped maple neck, offering a comfortable and responsive playing experience. Whether you're grooving in a studio or rocking on stage, the Precision Bass is engineered to deliver.

Equipped with a traditional split single-coil P Bass pickup, it captures the legendary tones that have defined music for generations. The inclusion of Fender's Greasebucket tone circuit is a game-changer, allowing you to roll off the highs without adding bass, ensuring clarity and punch in every note. This unique feature makes the Precision Bass stand out by preserving your low-end definition while sculpting your sound with precision.

Aesthetically, the bass shines with its high-gloss finish, complemented by knurled chrome knobs and a 3-ply black/white/black pickguard. The medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fretboard provide ease of playability, while vintage-style hardware adds a touch of nostalgia. Designed for versatility, this bass is as much a joy to play as it is to behold.

Key Features:

  • Body Material: Alder
  • Neck: Maple with Slim "C" shape
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Frets: 20, medium jumbo
  • Scale length: 34"
  • Nut width: 1.625", Synthetic bone
  • Pickup: Split single-coil P Bass pickup
  • Controls: Volume, Greasebucket tone circuit
  • Bridge: Standard Vintage 4 Saddle Bass
  • Includes deluxe gig bag

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Special Precision Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Honeyburst, Olympic White
Year 2011 - 2014
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
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 American Special

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass have?

The Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass features a C-shaped maple neck, which is comfortable and easy to play, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

What kind of pickups are used in the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass?

This bass is equipped with split-coil alnico pickups, providing a classic, punchy tone with a strong low-end and clear midrange.

Is the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone, which make it easy to play and adaptable to various music genres.

What is the Greasebucket tone circuit in the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass?

The Greasebucket tone circuit allows you to roll off the highs without adding bass, maintaining clarity and definition in your sound.

What materials are used for the body and fretboard of the Fender U.S.A. Special Precision Bass?

The body is made from alder, and the fretboard is available in either maple or rosewood, providing a balanced tone and smooth playability.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Fender Precision Bass Comparison (featuring Nick Maffei)

Video thumbnail for Fender Precision Bass Comparison (featuring Nick Maffei) by The Bass Channel

Fender Precision Bass Comparison (featuring Nick Maffei)

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD! by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Fender American Special Precision Bass SOLD!

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender American Special Precision Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special P Bass Demo at Tjs Music by TJ's Music

Fender American Special P Bass Demo at Tjs Music

TJ's Music

TJ's Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Precision Bass by napervillemusic

Fender American Special Precision Bass

napervillemusic

napervillemusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Thinnest neck profile among Precision basses, perfect for smaller hands

  • Excellent value for an American-made bass, often priced under $900

  • Lightweight, making it comfortable for long gigs

  • Classic P-bass growl with versatile sound

  • Smooth neck, enhancing playability and comfort

  • Great upgrade platform for customization

  • Durable and reliable for gigging musicians

  • Offers both rosewood and maple neck options

  • Comparable quality to higher-end Fender models

CONS

  • Bridge made of cheap folded steel, may need replacement

  • Machine heads lack precision, similar to Squier/Mex models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass.

Build quality

  • The flat neck profile is noted for its comfortable playability, making it suitable for various playing styles.

    Source
  • The 2008 model's setup can feel exceptionally smooth, offering a notable comparison to the Squier Classic Vibe 70’s P Bass in terms of playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2014 Honeyburst finish is a distinguishing characteristic, though less grain detail in the wood finish can be observed.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the pickguard is a common modification to personalize the instrument's aesthetic.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Initially seen as entry-level USA Fenders, these models have gained a positive reputation over time for their quality and tone.

    Source
  • When comparing to a Squier Classic Vibe 70’s P Bass, users noted the USA Precision's superior smoothness and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have repurposed the neck for custom builds, indicating its versatility and desirable construction.

    Source
  • An owner with five basses, including this Precision model, considers it a keeper, highlighting its long-term appeal.

    Source
  • The Precision Bass felt immediately comfortable and natural to a new owner, despite their familiarity with other models like Gibson Thunderbirds and Fender Jazz basses.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 2008 Precision Bass in 98% condition was seen priced at $899, indicating its retained value in the used market.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An owner uses this bass for multiple tunings: standard, half-step down, and D tuning, showcasing its versatility across different music styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Special Precision Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Special Precision Bass is a robust tribute to the iconic P-Bass, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern enhancements. It shines with its build quality, classic style, and versatile sound, making it a worthy choice for both new and seasoned players. The Greasebucket tone circuit provides a unique tonal clarity, complementing its vintage split-coil pickups. However, some might find the chunky headstock and absence of coverplates less appealing. Overall, the instrument is praised for its excellent neck profile and professional-grade performance, solidifying its place in the bass guitar market.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how III uses FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass

III

Bassist

Sleep Token

...
Verified via Photo

III uses a FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass, as evidenced by their Instagram post, which details the setup with D'Addario 135-65 Pro Steels strings and a standard tuning. An image from the post can be found here.

See how Falco uses FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass

Falco

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:56 you can see him playing the bass

See how Yūya Komoguchi uses FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass

Yūya Komoguchi

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via 菰口雄矢 | YUYA KOMOGUCHI Official Website

Yūya Komoguchi uses the FENDER U.S.A. Special Precision Bass, as confirmed by his official website, 菰口雄矢 | YUYA KOMOGUCHI Official Website.

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 U.S.A. Special Precision Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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