Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Designed in collaboration with the renowned bassist Tony Franklin, the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature fretless bass is a true testament to craftsmanship and innovation. This instrument marries classic design with modern enhancements, offering a playing experience that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. The lightweight alder body ensures comfort during extended performances, while the modern "C" shaped maple neck provides a smooth, fluid feel that accommodates fast and intricate playing styles.
The standout feature of this model is its unfinished ebony fingerboard, reminiscent of traditional upright basses, enhancing both the visual and sonic appeal of the instrument. The combination of an American Series Precision Bass neck pickup and the Tony Franklin Signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup with hex screw lugs and ceramic bar magnets delivers a dynamic range of tones, from deep, growling lows to clear, articulate highs. This setup is complemented by a three-way switch for versatile tonal options.
For players who require flexibility, the Hipshot Bass Xtender allows instant "Drop D" tuning on the low E string, making this bass a versatile tool for any musical setting. Vintage-style tuning machines add to the classic aesthetic while ensuring reliable performance.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring bassist, the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature fretless bass offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, empowering you to explore new sonic landscapes with confidence and style.
Key Features:
- Solid alder body for a lightweight feel
- Modern "C" shaped maple neck
- Unfinished ebony fingerboard for enhanced tone
- American Series Precision Bass neck pickup
- Tony Franklin Signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup
- Vintage tuning machines
- Hipshot Bass Xtender for "Drop D" tuning
- Three-way pickup switching for tonal versatility
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Tony Franklin Precision Bass |
| Body Material | Select Alder |
| Body Finish | Nitrocelluose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Modern C |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Number of Frets | Fretless |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | 4-Saddle American Vintage Bass Single-groove Barrel Saddles |
| Tuners | Fender '70s Vintage-style Stamped Open-gear |
| Middle Pickup | Tony Franklin American Precision Split Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Tony Franklin Jazz Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Strings | Tony Franklin Signature NPS, .045-.105 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass?
-
The Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass features a Modern C neck profile, offering a comfortable and versatile feel suitable for various playing styles.
-
Is the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass suitable for fretless bass players?
-
Yes, this bass is designed for fretless players, providing a smooth ebony fingerboard and precise intonation ideal for expressive playing.
-
What pickups are included in the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass?
-
This bass includes a Tony Franklin American Precision Split Single-coil in the middle position and a Tony Franklin Jazz Single-coil at the bridge, allowing for a versatile range of tones.
-
What type of finish does the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass have?
-
The bass features a Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, which allows the wood to breathe and age gracefully over time, enhancing the instrument's tonal qualities.
-
Does the Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature bass come with a case?
-
Yes, this bass comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.
Videos
walbassist
Fender Tony Franklin Precision Bass
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional growling tone suitable for various music styles
-
High-quality craftsmanship akin to Fender Custom Shop
-
Versatile PJ pickup configuration for diverse sound options
-
Comfortable, smooth-playing neck with excellent intonation
-
Ebony fingerboard enhances unique tone and durability
-
Lightweight design adds to playing comfort
-
No frets or fret lines, only side dots, allowing precise play
-
Hipshot D-tuner provides added versatility
-
Beautiful sunburst finish and high-quality stock case
-
Excellent sustain and tonal flexibility
CONS
-
Some reports of dead spots on G and D strings
-
E string saddle may unscrew, causing buzzing
-
Potential wiring issues with pickup selector
-
Neck may feel heavy, requiring strap adjustment
-
Vintage style bridge may require personal modification for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature.
Features and functionality
-
The Tony Franklin Signature features a PJ pickup configuration allowing distinct tones from each pickup, with the bridge J pickup contributing to a 'Jaco' sound.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners have successfully used DR Sunbeams roundwound strings without noticeable fingerboard damage, benefiting from a brighter, more aggressive sound.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Used Tony Franklin Signature basses can be found at significant savings, with some owners reporting prices as low as $1000 due to cosmetic damage.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The fretless P bass, including the Tony Franklin model, has been favored for its ability to enhance playing technique due to the demands of fretless accuracy.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners note the durability of the ebony fretboard, withstanding regular use of both roundwound and flatwound strings without significant wear.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Tocadisco uses a Fender Tony Franklin Precision Bass, as seen in a studio photo on his official Facebook page.
This Fender Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass is Owned by Matt Freeman Of Rancid. Serial number: US10211702
According to a Premier Guitar article about Greg’s gear, he used a signature Tony Franklin bass with Puscifer when playing fretless bass
While the original fretless model was made for the Englishman to jam alongside the likes of Jimmy Page and Kate Bush, this particular fretted model sporting BassLine pups and a pro-sanded neck served Joe well in the recording of Rise Against's sixth studio album Endgame. Finished in a now-discontinued Olympic White, this P Bass was the muscle behind "Help is on the Way," the group's first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100.
This is Tony Franklin's signature fretless Fender Precision bass. There are photos of him playing it on his FB feed and Fender devotes a page to it on their website (which I've linked above). He seems to prefer the Lake Placid Blue model.
His FB feed: https://www.facebook.com/TonyFranklinTheFretlessMonster
In the live performance of "You Don't Have To Go" by The War On Drugs, David Hartley is seen playing a Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature fretless bass.
Album Usage
The Fender Precision Tony Franklin Signature has been featured on the following albums:
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 Tony Franklin Signature, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Fender Fretless Basses
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Most Popular Fretless Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
Ggreg_westwood_bassGear IQ 49
-