Fender American Series Precision Bass

MIA American Series Precision Bass, made in 2003, I believe
Alder body w/ black gloss finish
Maple fretboard
String through body bridge
Standard P-Bass control, 1 volume, 1 tone (note: This model came equipped with the S1 series/parallel switching system, activated by pushing down a switch built into one of the pots).
Came w/ hard molded case, strap, wrenches.

Sounds like a P-Bass should. Classic woody tone. Sound can be made quite a bit brighter (and lower output) by putting the pickup in parallel mode. Extrememly quiet, owing to the classic split coil humbucking design. Tone cap value is perfect. You can get anything from a bright snappy tone to a super-dark boomy sound.

I have used this bass both in the studio and in live performance and it excels at both.

Since buying this axe about a year ago I have replaced the stock pickups with Duncan Antiquities (which I also reviewed in the pickup section of this site). They definitely sound a little warmer, but the difference is subtle. Stock pickups were hotter.

I tried a few different strings on this bass, both roundwound and flatwound. With the exception of the stock strings (which have a slightly larger gauge E than the others I tried), the E string output tended to be a little low. This can be compensated for by raising the pickup on the E string side, but I felt I had to raise it more than one would think necessary.

I ultimately settling on Rotosound Jazz Bass monel flats. They sound bright and yucky out of the box, but I "aged" mine by coating each string with Vaseline and then thoroughly wiping it off. After doing this, the sound improvement was dramatic! All the sudden, this thing oozed classic vintage Precision tone!! I don't even have to put foam under the bridge to get the decreased sustain associated with vintage bass sound - the strings do it themselves. The flats sound especially great on the maple fretboard - it brings out a nice bite. (As a sidenote, I tried my "aging" process on some other flatwound strings and it didn't have nearly the effect that it did on the Rotosounds).

There is a dead spot on the G string (4th or 5th fret, I think). But that comes with the territory for 34" bolt-ons. My MIA Fender Jazz has the same issue.

Action, fit and finish were overall quite good. There seems to be a slight visible "line" in the finish on the back side of the body, but other than that, perfect. The fretwork is nice, although the fingerboard edges are not quite as smooth as my MIA Fender Jazz. There are a few fret edges that could have used just a smidgen of further filing.

Factory setup was so-so (this is typical). Had to tighten the truss rod/raise the action, per usual.

Control cavity shielded with conductive paint. Well done wiring & soldering. Quality pots.

One gripe: I feel like the truss rod nut is not sufficiently lubricated. A little too much resistance is felt when adjusting it. (if it wasn't for this, I'd give the instrument an 8 in this category).

This bass will definitely withstand years of live playing. It's built like a tank.

Due to the relative simplicity of the controls, this is a highly reliable instrument and a backup is only necessary if you're paranoid.

The only times I've had to adjust the truss rod is when changing strings (different tensions).

Haven't ever had to deal with Fender.

Been playing for 12 years, seriously for the last 4. I own quite a few other basses and this is definitely one of my favorites, especially for recording. This thing rules in the studio!

I bought it for one reason: to get that classic P-Bass sound. And it definitely delivers.

2003 model. 20 frets. Alder body. Maple neck, graphite reinforced. Maple fingerboard. Butterscotch blonde finish with black pickguard. Fender P pickup, S-1 switch. Fender tuners and bridge with standard or string through option. Comes with molded case, strap, cloth, cable, truss rod and allen wrench, etc.

I've always loved the fat, round tone of classic Motown, Stax/Volt, Atlantic R&B, and this certainly nails that. But it's at home in a country, pop, rock, metal or just about any setting. For a passive bass, the tone control is very dynamic, and depending on your technique, you can get a nice variety of sounds. A very resonant bass with good sustain and clarity. Sounds great with a pick or fingerstyle. The S-1 switch may or may not be your thing. I don't use it a lot, but I like it, as it adds even more versatility -- can actually get a decent slap and pop -- but it does cut the sound output considerably.

Well, it was well set up at the store and has been very stable in the year and a half I've owned it. Beautiful finish. Nice fretwork. Solid harware. Electronics work fine -- no hum or extraneous noise.

Very roadworthy. Everything about it is heavy duty. It'll probably be going strong long after I am. I'd definitely play a gig without a backup. Neck is very stable, has not needed an adjustment yet.

Limited lifetime warranty. I've not needed any warranty work done.

I've been playing bass for 17 years now. Own an '89 Fender Jazz Bass Special fretless and a Carvin PB-200 combo amp. Also play guitar (Takamine SF-261) and piano. I bought this bass after playing it in the store. Very comfortable neck and well balanced body. And the sound -- I could feel the low end notes vibrating my rib cage. Wow! Just could not put her down. Always a joy to play. I've got good comments from the audience whenever I've played her out. First time I played back a live performance on tape, it sounded just like it should. I would definitely buy another if it were lost or stolen.

2004 Chrome Red with the 3-ply black/white/black pickguard.
1 Split-coil pickup
Volume, Tone, S1 switch (Hardly ever use it, but I dont understand why people hate it, just don't use it!)
Came with hardshell case, that annoying Fender 'Aztec' style strap that everyone has, and a Fender cable. (Along with the S1 switch manual, a cloth, truss rod adjuster etc etc)

Ive got no problem with features, but sometimes less is more you know?

Ever heard bass on record? Then you've heard a P-bass!

The tone control is possibly the most versatile passive control Ive ever heard, ranging from a trebley, biting snap to a deep roar. I tend to keep it rolled about 1/4 on on most amps, but with more vintage sounding amps (Like my Ashdown stack) you can turn it up for some bite without it being over the top, just don't be afraid to roll it off for hi-fi amps.

I play a lot in front of my computer, and like this the parallel setting gives a bit of noise (single-coil) also, sometime this picks up noise from lights etc. Like I say, I very rarely use this, and the series 'humbucker' (classic P) tone has never, not once, at all, picked up any noise or hiss.

My one slight gripe is that (to my ears) it sounds better picked closer to the bridge and so I am toying with the idea of buying one of those finger rests for just behind the pickup.

The bass was ordered by Sound Control in Newcastle and they set it up when it got into the shop. Actually came with some VERY slight buckle rash on the back already. Other than that, the bass is perfect. I tend to baby my gear, but I do love the look of beat up Fenders and so I wont be heartbroken when it finally gets dinged or knocked badly.

8 because of the buckle rash, but I believe it came from another Sound Control (Leeds???) and so its likely their fault, and not Fender's.

Fenders have survived from the fifties, and still play great, I have no doubt this can last just as long. Besides, what can go wrong? Its a few magnets, some wires and a potentiometer or two!

Finish is a really deep, glossy red, and looks sturdy enough, but the slight buckle rash makes me think otherwise. Personally I have not dented it, so it makes me wonder exactly how someone got that on the back, chainsaw maybe.

Never dealt with them, in fact, neither has my guitarist Dad.

Except, he won a Telecaster in the Fender Players Club, and got it right away.

I got this July 8th last year, and now its July 30th, this year. I finally feel qualified to be able to review it after over a year.

Fantastic, really, this is the bass I want to play until Ive worn it down to the shape of my hands. I did my work experience at the shop I purchased this from, and was determined to fall in love with a Musicman Stingray, but I spent all of my time (when not working) on a USA P, beautiful.

USA two piece body, Alder, natural finish poly. MOTO brownish pick guard. Total weight 8.4 pounds.
20 frets. Maple cap fingerboard.
Graphic re-enforced neck.
"B" neck, similar to my '72 p.
Vol & tone, tone with central detent.
String thru body. Some say it adds sustain. I can't tell, and if so, does more sustain improve bass sound?

A tried and true model, well executed.

This bass gets the classic P sound, without any dead spots or wolf tones. The most even Fender I've played.
Solid bottom, crunching lower mids, not too much highs. This is the perfect sound with flatwounds or halfwounds.

Widely useful sound. Jazz, MOP, Blues, Pop, sixites rock, C & W, Folk, rock, rock-a-billy. The sounds are appropriate.

What it does it does well and its quiet. For a single p/U passive bass. Can't do everything--no one can.

Ugly piece of Alder, with sealed scratches. Surface smooth. Set-up, used is playable but I'd enjoy it more if the action was lower.
Intonation is adequately adjustable.
No neck warp. Dirt in cavity pockes hasn't made trouble yet.

Nothing really goofed up.

I think as players of solid instruments, these should last 3-400years. any less is likely from mis enginneering or mistreatment.
Fenders are rock solid

Never dealt. Have heard a lot about lack of support from fender.
Buy locally. At least the owners near you have hopes of more purchas. I've not every trusted FMC, though I like some of thier equipmnet

Playing on and off, 34 years. This one does exactly what a Pbass sounds like with no dead spots. Good finish on ugly wood.
Seems well built

I'd get another if anything happens, its been a great instrument.

Mine is a 2001 in sunburst, with rosewood neck. It is the basic model without the S-1 switch. I'm glad for this, as I wanted a Precision just like the old days, with no bells or whistles. It has two control knobs---volume and tone, and that is it! Tuners are extremely high quality.
No rating here---it has the features a Precision is supposed to have. I bought it for the features it doesn't have!

The sound is absolutely beautiful. It is the typical P bass sound, the sound of Rock and Roll for the last 50 years. With rounds, it is very aggressive with the tone all the way up, sort of like a Rickenbacker sound. With tone down, it is totally old-school, Jamerson-type sound. The sustain is like any American made Fender--fantastic, and the notes really ring out nicely. The split coil pickup has a ton of output, and the bass is the most quiet of any bass I own. There is NO hum or buzz, whatsoever--quiet as a church mouse!

Fantastic finish, all around. I bought this on closeout---it was almost two years old, and was a new old-stock item. There were no marks anywhere on the body of the bass. The paint is pristine. There is a slight dimple on the back of the neck around the 12th fret area. The way my thumb rests, it is always above the ding when my hand is passing by, so it doesn't pose a problem at all. The ding is about 2mm x 3mm, and can probably be filled with super glue---I just haven't done it yet. Saved a ton of money on the close-out, so the ding is small potatos.
Action is excellent. I still have the stock Fender taper-wounds on it, and pretty soon I may go with some TI flats, and keep the rounds on the Jazz and Ric.
Gets a 10 here, as the ding happened at the store---no fault of Fender.

No problems so far; it is an American Series Fender. Extremely reliable---will last decades.

I have never dealt with them. No opinion.

The Fender Precision has proven itself for 54 years. It is a great bass which oozes tradition. The componants are extremely high quality, the neck is very comfortable, the pickups are powerful and ultra quiet. I'm thrilled that I bought it!

Made in USA in 2004

Ash body (Alder is far more common)
Maple Fretboard
Humbucking passive pickups (US)
S-1 switching system
Volume Control
Tone Control
graphite rod reinforced neck

Fairly basic set up, but I.M.H.O all is needed for a great bass

Fender Precision basses are legends, has probobaly one of the best low end sound of all time, will rattle pictures off the wall efortlessly. When the mids and treble is up had a nice growl, can be very punchy when played with a pick. Lows are not muddy. Pickups are not noisy at all. Works great on stage or studio. My P-bass has an ash body and a maple fingerboard, this in my experience makes the bass a bit brighter than a regular Alder body bass. Works fine for most all styles and methods of music, I play old school metal and hard rock (Black Sabbath Deep Purple style)

My P-bass is kind of a rare one because it has an ash body, most are alder. This is beacuse I ordered it in "Sunset Orange Transperent" finish (BEAUTIFULL!!!) and that is what wood they use for this finish. Flawless, my guitar dealer set it up for me plays like a dream

Fender Precision basses last forever, I own another from 1962 and it looks like it has been through and atomic balst, but plays and sounds like it was new. Modern finishes are more durable than those from the 60s and 70s, so finish wear is no much of an issue, these basses are meant to be used and if its your thing, abused and keep playing.

Never had to deal with them, but I have heard horror stories. Better to get work done locally. This is better since Fender dealers are everywhere and they arent the most difficult basses to work on.

Fenders are sometimes overpriced for what they are in my opinion, but in the case of Precision basses they are worth every penny. The new US P-basses are realy only slightly different from the model made in the late '50s and are probobaly one the best all-around basses on the planet. I own another from 1962, Rickenbacker 4003 and Spector Euro bass. While the Rick is my favorite the P-basses are in VERY colse second. Will never let me down

Built 2004 in the USA. American series P-bass with a 2 piece alder body glued together exactly in the middle, nice wood selection you hardly can see the seam, flawless 3-tone sunburst. The neck is maple, also very nice looking wood with no deadspots, cool.I replaced the white pickguards with a 3 ply black fender pickguard an now it looks like a funky 70' P. The laquering is smooth and silklike, easy to play for my not too big hands. Fender strings mounted are ok, but not my favourites.
Classic split coil pickup with s1-switch (parallel/series).
Strings can be mounted either thru body (my choice) or conventional.
The bass came with a hardshell case, not as nice as the with the older fenders but ok.

Well, I play an open minded style of music with roots in Dub, Funk, Soul and experimental ethno jazz and I like a deep fat warm sound with good punch. Thats where this american series P-bass really works nice.
The s1-switch gives some variety with more hights and clarity if needed.
Of course no J-bass replica but a nice addition.
I like to play this bass on stage with Gallien-Krueger amps and various speaker setups, sounds, plays and feels good.
In a computer recording environment this P is really qiet, fine.
The s1- switch delivers an audible click whn engaged, but for me that is not a problem.

Flawless bass with a string/pickup setup that was not too carefully for my taste. I did a 20 minute adjustment and everything is ok now.

This is a P-bass, so don't worry.
Maybe the paint work will stain sometime and scratches will appear, but that is what we call vintage, right?

I ordered this bass via my local dealer in Germany and it took 2 month untill it was finally there.

I play electric bass since 1981 and i have had a lot of gear in my time.
I found out that simplicity and a good growling deep bass sound is all I need to perform my music.
This one american series P-bass I own right now is great and i hope it stays with me for a long time.

Mine was manufactured in 2004. Chrome red with black pickguard. Basic P-bass configuartion, 4-string passive pickups with S-1 switching that allows you to go from a P-bass sound to more of a Jazz basss sound by pushing in the top of the volume button. Mine has a maple neck. Again, basic but clasic set-up, less to get in the way but does not mean less sound. Has graphite reinforcing rods in neck.

Great sound, hey, its a Fender precision. Great lows, not muddy, when the S-1 switch is on, you can almost tweak a Jazz-bass sound from it, not exact though, but it helps with the mids and treble, more snap.
I play old-school hard rock (Sabbath, Deep Purple style) and this bass suits my needs 100% Would work for almost any setting though.

Set-up was good, very well finnished, no flaws, price does reflect quaility in this case.

Again, its a Fender P-bass, solid as hell, with my luck, it will outlast me

In my experience, Fender (the company) sucks to deal with. On the upside, since almost every music store has Fender products in some form or the other, its often simpler to have most work done localy. Sending it out in my opinion should be done only if its warranty work that the store cant handle themselves, ect. I had some minor quality problems a few years ago on another Fender P-bass I had, I sent it to them, took months and they questioned me like I sabotaged the bass myself just for kicks or something.

Playing for 5 years, once was a drummer, gave it up simply due to the fact bass was less of a pain to transport!
Also own a Fender Geddy Lee jazz (my fave) Fender makes great products. There is a reason most pros (an those who can aford it) have at least one Fender in thier aresenal

1999 usa
20 fret
4 string
solid top
single volume, single tone
split coil precision humbucker
american standard series pickups
passive electronics
alder body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard
black polturethane finish
precision body
string through bridge
open geared deluxe style tuners, staggered height for tension
maple precision neck with graphite reinforcements, rosewood fretboard
no accesories

fits music style well (christian contemporary, hip hop, rap instrumentals)
through ampeg ba 112, hartke 1220 alumjinum cone combo, fender bxr 60
sterile quiet, humbucker pickups.
rich full warm sound
quite versatile, if manipulated correctly, seep mellow to growling aggressive
works great in studio and stage
like the warmth and fullness

obtained used in terrible condition (action, could you call it action?)
pickup height not suited for the condition it was it
condition was main problem, everything could be adjsuted, very adjustable bass, after 3 hour set-up and new strings, it is in flawless condition, aside form wear and tear from usage...based on current condtion, i will grade.

will withstand live playing
hardware will last
finish strong,. blemishes show on black though
solid strap buttons, prefer to get sraplocks however
very trustworty, grpahite reinforcements mean less warpage, does nto need to be adjusted often
never gig wihtout a back up

never dealt
self repairs pretty easy
waranty doesnt cover, not store bought

playing 3 years, own ampeg ba 112, shure mics, monster cables, korg tuners, hardware set-up kits (self composed)
did not buy
would get again, in different color or with maple neck or jaz bass version
love sound and quality, i hate mucus, favorite feature string through bride and staggered tuners
yes, mexican version, prefer sounda nd quality of american
prefer maple neck and ash body
dream set: fender american jazz bass (2 tone ash body, maple fretboard) mesa/boogie walkabout (300 watts) aguilar 112 cabinet.

serial # on neck says it's a 2003. 20 frets. USA (WoooHoooo!) 4 string, ALDER body. Vol. & Tone knobs. P-Pickup (passive), of course. S-1 switching system is awesome. Jass to P and back at the push of a button. Very innovative. String thru bridge or body, really cool. open back tuners, smooth. nery nice fretwork. Comes with molded case. bare bones features, but the quality is way better than the foriegn models.

I Play blues, funk, rock, even a little black metal. Tone seems to work nicely for each application. I play thru Eden heads and Dr. Bass cabs. The sound is definitely p-bass. Warmth, low mids and growl abound. The tonal range is rather limited, which is why I chose this bass. I have several other instruments that are far more complex tonally, but the fundamental tone from a p-bass comes froms the wood. I don't have to try all kinds of funky e.q.'ing to get a good live sound that works with a band. I haven't recorded with it yet, but anticipate success in that endeavor.

I have heard that fender can be pretty sketchy in this area. I was pleasently surprised with a flawless instrument. Set up was beautiful, first bass I was ever able to play all day, right out of the box, without feeling inclined to make adjustments. Pickup height, all that stuff was perfect. very good job.

This bass is very nice. I have played live for many years on lesser instuments, I'm sure the fender can withstand live playing too (to answer a very stupid question from harmony central. What the hell is that supposed to mean?). This instrument has the nicest quality hardware I have ever seen on a fender offering, although I must admit I have never owned an american fender. Control knobs are not sloppy at all. Input jack is nice and tight. My "Sting" bass (damn joke) doesn't even compare. I will never buy a foreign fender again. Finish is very nice, deep and glossy. Neck has dual graphite reinforced stiffening rods. If that doesn't work for you, quit playing bass.

never dealt with them. Limited lifetime warranty.

been at it a looong time. I have acute G.A.S., so I own entirely too much stuff. I am thoroughly satisfied with this bass. If stolen, I would definitely replace. I chose this particular model because in the past, I have been ambivalent about fender necks. Now that they are reinforced with two stiffening rods, I feel they are among the finest available.