Fender Precision Bass Lyte

Active electronics. See other reviews for specifics.

I love this bass. The active electronics work really well to give a wide variety of workable sounds, from really punchy to low end wobble.

I bought it second hand for the bargain price of 60 quid! And from a guitar shop that should have known better.

I bought it second hand for the bargain price of 60 quid! And from a guitar shop that should have known better. Frankly, this bass looks like it's seen some action, beaten up, dropped and gigged to hell. It's still as solid as ever, despite it's light body.

The electronics did fail me once in the studio, but a quick resouldering done there and then resolved the issue in < 5 mins.

I have used this for gigging without a backup (although with strings and batteries + soldeing iron waiting in the wings), and never been let down.

Mine's a 22 fret 1991 pearlescent white with gold hardware. I'd intended buying a Jazz, but once I'd felt the difference in weight when I put the Lyte on I changed my mind - these things are much easier to gig with. The neck, too, is much closer to the Jazz than the Precision. In fact this bass has nothing to do with the P, so I don't know how they came up with the name.

I've played everything from punk to funk on this & always found a suitable sound. A jazzer friend of mine also loves it. I've played it through Trace Elliott & Laney 4x10s & now an Ampeg combo. It has a full, fat bottom end, good for rock, but also a good slap sound. This bass is a superb all rounder.

The factory set up wasn't bad. Only minor adjustments were necessary. But the best thing is that it's only needed setting up once since.

This bass has had mainly live use for 13 years. The bodywork has the dings you would expect from that, but nothing more than any other bass would have. The gold finish is also wearing, but again that's to be expected, and there is some oxidization on the bridge. I replaced the strap buttons with locking ones early on. Initially, I used a backup, but after a couple of years I stopped taking one, as the Lyte was so reliable. The only problem was remembering to take batteries for the active pickups. My only gripe was that when the battery ran out, the bass was unuseable. I solved this by getting a guitar tech friend to fit a passive/active switch, so at least I could get through a gig if the battery went flat.

Never had to deal with Fender

I have never even considered changing this bass, unlike all the guitars i've ever had. It looks good, plays good & sounds good...and it doesn't break your back!

Made sometime in the 90's in Japan. main volume knob and one for each pickup (P and J configuration) along with a tone knob. 22 frets, 4 strings. natural red flame top (rare apparently)and relatively thin neck. stays in tune and has great sustain. great for smaller players because its a little shorter than most fenders.

great with any musical style--this baby's a great starter all the way up to intermediate levels. i'm using some pretty low grade materials right now--SWR LA15 but it sounds great and crystal clear. has a great punch for normal and slap styles.

i had to do some minor adjustments to fit my style since i bought it used. keep in mind that since the neck on these things is higher up your action will be VERY high. if you like to slap, get ready to break a few high strings. finish is beautiful but fragile. if you're planning on being rough, don't get one with the flame finish.

hardware is great but once again, keep in mind that flame-top finishes are fragile. i bought mine with a small nick in the front but it hasn't grown or become worse because i keep it out of dramatic temperature differences. everything is solid and works well as long as you're careful.

bought used, no support.

I've been playing rock and jazz for four years and this was my second bass (of three). i like the precision lyte because it's comfortable with a thin neck and it's great for complicated, fast lines. if you're a little shorter than average (i'm 5'7") these are awesome because they're made a little smaller than most fenders. for the price, this bass is a beast.

1989-1990,I think they were only made as a Japanease-22 fret,4 string and were discontinued a few years back.All original hardware but I plan on replacing the pre-amp with a better quality one.
Mine is a metallic looking cherry red and has a few very minor scratches/dings all under a cm in size.
The finish has a very nice silky feel to it but compared to older fenders it is a bit plasticy.
Light,fast,vast sound range and a very unique feel make me love this bass.

Its big range of sound suits me well as I like playing anything but mainly jazz and funkish rock.
It does have a slight scratchy sound to it (maybe its my subconsciousness after seeing that rats nest/back cavity),
overall a good sound to me.

Action has been adjusted once in 5 years, truss rod never and pickups were seup just right when I bought it(private seller with plenty experiance).
That back/battery cavity is ridiculous and makes me want to vomit.
If the electronics were better(quality and workmanship) then this guitar would be heaven but if that were so I probably would'nt own it because that would kick up the price and anyways the electronics are replaceable...
The gold finish is starting to tarnish a bit on the saddle and a tiny amount on the machine heads.
Overall excellent for a 15 year old bass.

The Basswood body is a bit sketchy and does not stick up to abuse, finish looks like it will last another 15 years.
The only problem(is it?) would be a battery dieing on you but if you are that forgetful and are playing in a high risk situation I suggest you get a tattoo about active basses and 9v batteries.

I would REALLY hate to lose it.. and would search for another because of its uniqueness, I've heard there is a Squier that is similiar but i doubt the materials and sound are as good all in all Im very, very glad to have this bass it is my first and after 5 years of playing I still don't want another.I think of it as my reason for still playing as the range of sounds and the look never leaves me bored.

I don't know which year it was made.
It has been made in Japan.
22 frets
Still has got a great look, I think that he is about ten or 15 years old.

The sound is great, It is also very variable.
You can find your own sound in it.

It's got the bling bling looks, I love this Bass guitar.
It's really my favorite.
I've also have a Dean Razor, a Dean Q6 (six strings) an Acoustic Bass and also a starter bassguitar.
But the one I love most is the Fender Precision Lyte...

It has got great size, it's in fact pretty small and the neck is thin, you can play very fast on this guitar. Especially with the right strings..

Tha hardware is ok by me, never had any problems with it.
Only thing is that the battery runs out, but that's what you'll get with a active bass....

Never had any problems with my guitar, so I don't know anything to tell about that...

Other gear:
Ibanez 45 watts amplifier, also a Behringer (15 W) and a Peavey (15 W) that is broken..
Other guitars:
- Dean Edge Q6
- Dean Razor
- Motion Acoustic Bass
- Vantage Starter Bass

The Fender Precision Lyte is my absolute favorite.
The Weight +
The looks +
The sound +
The size +

I bought this bass s/h back in the 80's when I needed another bass while my Ricky 4001 was having some work done.
It's finised in sunburst with maple neck and gold hardware. Standard active electronics, made in Japan.

I've used this bass for playing most styles and find it fulfills my needs.It's been played through many different combos and always sounds good.There is a fine selection of sounds from this guitar which mean you don't really need to swap guitars too much on stage. I don't use any fx when on stage but do sometimes when recording.It has a sound of it's own so don't expect a light P-Bass, but having said that it is versitile.

When I bought it, it had a couple of nicks on it mainly the headstock but nothing much. The bass had bset up well before I got it so I didn't need to do much to it.It's a very fast playing bass with a narrow neck which helps.

This bass has been gigged a lot over the years and apart from the battery letting me down once, and that doesn't count has never let me down.I never needed a back up.
The gold hardware is starting to wear at the tail but that's to be expected on a near 20 year old guitar. All the electics still work well and I have not had to reset the neck up to now.

Never had to contact them.

I've 30 years of experience and have owned this example about 18 of them.It is easy to play, has a great range of sounds, is reliable, and lyte! Yes I'd have to get another one if I lost this, hope I don't though.

MIJ 1994 Ser # T007xxx
22 Frets
Fotoflame sunburst.
P & J Lace
Gold hardware
Finish excellent
neck pocket the tightest of any bass I've had
Beautiful neck
normal P-lyte

Not as ballsy as my Jazz Deluxe and of course my Precision, but then nothing is. However a very wide range of sounds are easily obtainable.
In that, it is far more versatile than my '72 P.

Action was terrible, but I did buy it unseen through online auction Trademe in New Zealand. The gold is worn a bit on the bridge, but that's to be expected on a 9 year old bass.

I took the bass to bits, cleaned and checked from end-to-end. Put it all back together again and threw some Thomasik-Infield Jazz Flats on it, pulled the neck into order and adjusted the bridge for playing height and intonation. This was the easiest Fender I've ever set up (I currently own 5 others). The action is a dream. I have a very light touch and use the lowest possible action, so this thing is fast!

I replaced the std strap buttons with gold Shallers as I do all my guitars. The finish has 3 small dints in it and the odd scratch in the body relief area from belts (the strap which came with it was set to full length, so I presume the previous owner played loe - I play mid). I gave it the Meguiers scratch removal treatment, then the full clean, polish & wax job and it looks great.
I never take a spare bass when I play and have never been let down, so yes, I do take it without a backup.

Had a Fender amp repaired under warranty this year. No problems at all. IMO, FMIC are a great company to deal with - they've always been completely helpful to me.

I've been playing in bands since 1961 and have owned pretty much everything. I prefer Fenders. If lost, I'd look for another. I loooove the weight, or lack therof. I love the playability. I love the versatility. IMO - well done Fender Japan.

Been playing for 40 years and have had a ton of gear, but this is one of the best basses i've owned. It's a 1991 japanese model with 22 frets and 4 strings. the first thing i changed was i went to my flat strings. Finish is a pearl white with gold hardware. I bought this at a used guitar store a couple of years ago in wisconsin, giged with it for for a year a had to pawn it.(not a good day) it sat in the pawn shop until a few days ago when i bought it back, a good day. its a pleasure to play, light and great sound.and no more back aches!

I play blues and can get the sound i want with out any effects.

I never had to mess with anything except for changing the strings. finish is great except for a few nicks i put in it, Hardware is still in like new condition. like i said it's finished in pearl white and changes color in different light, great looking.

I played this bass everyday, either at a gig or rehearsing the only problem was that i had to carry 9 volt batteries with me which it seemed to eat like crazy. i have to take it in to have the jack replaced, i stepped on the cord one night a pulled it, now i get a good crack if not careful.

never had to go in. will be taking in shortly for minor things to a independent shop

over the years I've had mostly fender guitars, but have also owned a yamaha,and a peavey, now i have a 1966 fender, 1986 ibanez and my fender lyte which is my favorite. i had to pawn it last year, got 150 dollars for it with a new case, bought it back just a few days ago for 175 dollars with the case. so 300 original purchase price plus the 25.. i feel i stole it back...

I love this thing. Mine was made in the late 90's. It has 22 frets on a thin rosewood jazz-style neck, active precision & jazz pickups. The body is shaped like a precision bass, and made of ash (I think), which makes it very light. The finish is beautiful, its Metallic Black (black with metal flake that sparkles in the light) and gold hardware. It has four knobs for volume, pan, bass boost and treble boost.

This bass is well suited to stage work. I play blues, rock & funk music. I play through a 400rb and a G-K 4x10 cabinet, and I've always been pleased with this setup. The instrument is sensitive and dynamic, it sounds great across the fretboard. I can get that phat dark sound (think Alice In Chains), a very bluesy sound (think Eric Clapton), and a light popping funk sound (think Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Of the three basses that I've owned (Mexican P-bass, Japanese Yamaha bass), this is my favorite. Action is great, its so easy to play. And the fit & finish have withstood three years of gigging. No loose gear, no noise in the electronics, no oxidized hardware, just easy playing. I still get compliments on its appearance.

This bass is rock solid. Its been my only gigging bass for three years now, and the only things I've had to maintain are the strings, battery & tighten the input jack once in a while. After three years, the finish has only minor scratches, and the pickup covers are worn from finger wear. I did put locking strap buttons on it, which has been a great upgrade. No more falling bass while you're jumping around stage.

Never dealt with them.

I love this bass. I've been playing for five years. If it were stolen, I'd definitely replace it. It sounds great, is easy to play. The best thing about it is its light weight. You don't feel like you need a back brace if you're on stage for 2 hours.

I believe this model was made in 1991. Has 24 frets. Flamed Maple top with bass wood body, sunburst finish. Has active electronics. Came with stock lace sensor p-bass and jazz pickups. Controls are volume, pickup mixer, bass, and treble. Over all good amount of features and much tone.

I think this bass could cover just about any kind of music style. The stock pickups were pretty good, but I just didn't feel like they had a full enough sound. The original jazz pickup was single coil and had a slight hum. The p-bass pickup was very good, but just lacked some fullness, I scrapped both of them for Dimarzios, now I'm very happy with this bass. Ever since I've replaced the pickups this bass really sings. The dimarzio p is excellent, it's got this deep full sound and really picks up any light finger tapping you do. The dimarzio jazz has a more treble sound to it, better suited for playing more punk sounding songs I think. Overall I'm very happy, I'm only using a fender BXR 200 and I'm quite impressed with the sound now.

I'm not sure how the bass was out of the factory. I had my regular guitar guy, Chuck, from Soundlogic in Madison set everything up for me and adjust the pickups. As usual he did an excellent job. The gold hardware on this as usual was starting to wear, very typical though for a very used guitar. The finish seems to have held up well, the only things wrong with it were dents from the previous user.

I'd say this bass will last, like most fenders it's built like a tank. The only diffence is this isn't like a brick, it's a light bass and is much easier to play than your typical jazz bass or p bass. These are a lot like the zone basses that are out now. Everything about these basses seems very solid, this bass looks like it took some abuse and has held up quite well, so if it would have been babied all a long, I'm sure it would still look perfect.

Never dealt with them

I've been playing for 8 years now. I have a regular p bass that feels like a brick, this is tons better. I'm always impressed by the quality of Japanese fenders, they just are made so well. If this were stolen I'd definitely buy another one, the feel alone of the bass was more than worth the money. Now that I've replaced the pickups I'd say this stacks up well against much pricier basses.