Its legacy is unparalleled, but with more choice than ever before, it can be difficult to choose the best Precision bass for your specific needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the main features and differences between models to help you make your decision!
The Precision bass is widely accepted as the first mass-produced electric bass guitar. It was introduced by Fender in 1951 and has been in production ever since.
Its original incarnation featured a slab body made from Ash in partnership with a Maple neck. Typically finished in Butterscotch Blonde and featuring a one-piece single-coil pickup, the original P Bass shared many similarities with Fender's flagship electric guitar of the time – the Telecaster. Its key design difference was the addition of an upper horn, which is believed to have been added to help with access to the upper frets on the extended scale length as well as helping with the overall balance of the instrument.
Around the mid ‘50s, body contours were introduced for added comfort, bringing the P Bass more in line with Fender's new flagship model – the Stratocaster. And in 1957, the Fender Precision received its most famous makeover, swapping out its one-piece pickup with the iconic split-coil P Bass, which largely defines the look of the P Bass. In addition, the Telecaster-style headstock was also replaced with a Stratocaster-style one – again becoming a symbolic feature of the P-Bass.
Regardless, several key features remain pretty much unchanged throughout the Precision Bass's illustrious history… A double-cut body with mid-positioned single-coil pickup, simple volume and tone controls and of course a 34” scale length.
For a design which is, (at the time of writing) in its 75th year, the Precision Bass has a remarkably versatile tone which has lent its unmistakable voice to just about every genre and playing style from modern to old. The P-Bass is renowned for its organic woody tone and signature low-end thump with focused mids and articulate highs.
The Precision Bass has come a long way since its inception in the ‘50s. There are the models that pay homage to the classics, but as you might expect, there are plenty of modern takes. Here’s a rundown of what’s what:
The Fender Standard Series is Fender's most affordable range, offering players of any ability from complete beginner to seasoned pro a budget-friendly way into the genuine Fender ecosystem. Crafted in Indonesia, the Fender Standard Series Precision Bass is the perfect choice for beginners looking for a premium instrument to help start their journey on the right foot, as well as being the perfect choice for advanced players seeking a gig-ready alternative bass. Check out the range below.
The Player II Series is one of Fender’s most affordable line-ups. This Mexican-made range features a broad selection, including plenty of finishes, alnico-powered pickups and various configurations including 5-string and left-handed options.
Built with the ‘new kind of player’ in mind, the Player II series takes everything that was successful from the original series and revamps the rest with an assortment of contemporary and vintage-inspired upgrades. From rolled fingerboard edges, the return of rosewood fingerboards, upgraded pickups, vintage-styled tuners and an array of vintage-inspired colours, the new Fender Player II has something for everyone.
Bringing together classic Fender design and player-centric modern features such as active circuitry, noiseless pickups, modern hardware and a Jazz Bass bridge pickup, the Player II Modified range delivers incredible playability and unmistakeable Fender style. Check out the full Fender Player II Modified Precision range below!
The Vintera III Series is directly inspired by Fender’s most iconic classic designs. For the Precision Bass, these are plucked right out of the late ‘60s with period-accurate specs to match. Check out the range below!
This is Fender’s most affordable US-made range. Perfectly fusing classic looks with modern playability, the Fender American Pro Classic P-Bass features a Coastline '60 Split Single-Coil Precision for genuine vintage P-Bass thump but turned up to 11. Its modern C neck with 9.5” fingerboard radius makes playing up and down the fingerboard feel effortless, and thanks to its vintage-styled hardware and classic colour choices, the Pro Classic looks timeless straight out of the box. Check out the range below!
Fender flagship range, now in its second iteration. The Fender American Professional II Precision Bass features a comfortable and ergonomic-feeling 1963 C neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges, perfectly finding the ultimate middle ground between the speed of a modern neck and the comfort of a vintage-style neck. Its ‘super-natural’ satin neck finish offers an unparalleled feel, whereas its gloss headstock face and body provide classic P-Bass looks. Equipped with a V-Mod II pickup, this bass has the classic P-Bass tone but enhanced with added articulation and definition. Check out the range below!
Built to original specifications and recreated to deliver the exact iconic Fender bass feel and tones that helped put the electric bass on the map. Inspired by models from the '50s and '60s, these models feature authentic tonewoods, colours, hardware and pickups. Check out the range below.
Featuring a select alder body with sculpted rear contours and a quartersawn maple neck with a Modern “D” profile, this bass guitar body design prioritises comfort and playability across the entire fretboard. The compound-radius fingerboard (10″-14″) and “Ultra Rolled” edges make it smoother and faster under the fretting hand compared to more vintage-style instruments.
Tonally, this range is built for versatility. The Ultra II Precision Bass uses specially designed Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups, and an active/passive preamp system with S-1™ switching and a 3-band EQ to tailor the sound. Whether you want the vintage warmth of a classic P-Bass or something with more modern punch, the electronics let you dial in a wide range of tones—from mellow, deep lows to aggressive mid-growl.
Squier is known for reproducing some of Fender’s most popular models for the budget/beginner market. In recent years, they’ve taken bolder steps in tweaking these classic designs, offering everything from vintage reproductions to basses built for modern and contemporary playing styles, all the way to their revolutionary Paranormal Series. With P-Basses to suit every budget from their affordable Sonic and Affinity Series to their revered Classic Vibe range, there is a Squire Precision to suit every type of player.
Aside from being one of the longest-in-production instruments of our time, the Precision bass has been brandished by countless players throughout the years, with notable players such as James Jamerson, Steve Harris, Carol Kaye, Pino Palladino, Sting, Duff McKagan, Mike Dirnt, Roger Waters, Nate Mendel & Phil Lynott!
There you have it - the Fender Precision bass range broken down into edible chunks. You should be feeling a little more informed about your decision - which one will you choose? If you've got any questions about our Fender Precision bass selection, please don't hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, happy shopping!
