What is the primary difference between this and a standard Player II P-Bass?

The Modified Active version features an 18V active preamp, a 3-band EQ, and an additional Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. It also includes hardware upgrades like the HiMass bridge and TUSQ nut not found on all standard models.

Can this bass be played without a battery?

Yes, it features an active/passive toggle switch. In passive mode, the bass functions like a traditional instrument and does not require battery power to output a signal.

What pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with a Player II Modified Precision Bass neck pickup and a Player II Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. This setup prevents the hum typically associated with single-coil bridge pickups.

What is the benefit of the 18V preamp over a 9V system?

An 18V system uses two 9V batteries to provide more 'headroom.' This means the signal is less likely to clip or distort when using heavy EQ boosts, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic sound.

What are the neck specifications?

The neck has a Modern 'C' profile with a satin finish. The maple fingerboard features rolled edges for increased comfort and a 34-inch scale length.

What does the HiMass bridge do?

The HiMass bridge is heavier than a standard stamped-steel bridge. It increases the sustain of the notes and improves the overall resonance and tuning stability of the strings.

What is the nut made of?

The instrument uses a Graph Tech TUSQ nut. This material is designed to be self-lubricating, which helps prevent strings from binding and improves tuning accuracy.

What is the finish on this specific model?

This specific model features a 3-Tone Sunburst gloss finish on the body. The neck has a satin finish for a smooth playing feel.

How does the P/J pickup configuration work?

It combines the split-coil pickup of a Precision Bass with the single-coil pickup of a Jazz Bass. This allows players to blend the two sounds for a wider range of tones than a single-pickup bass provides.

Are the tuning machines standard?

The bass features tapered-shaft tuners. These are designed to force the string windings downward, creating a better break angle over the nut for improved resonance.

Is the fingerboard maple or rosewood?

This specific version (denoted by MN) features a maple fingerboard. Maple generally offers a slightly brighter attack compared to rosewood alternatives.

What controls are available on the active EQ?

The active preamp provides a 3-band EQ. This allows the player to independently boost or cut the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to shape their tone.

Gear article

Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass

The Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass is a contemporary four-string electric bass featuring a versatile P/J pickup configuration and a high-headroom 18V active preamp. It combines traditional Precision Bass aesthetics with modern performance upgrades such as a HiMass bridge, rolled fingerboard edges, and active/passive switching.

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Overview

The Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass represents a technical evolution within the Player series, designed to meet the demands of modern session and touring musicians. This specific iteration is finished in a classic 3-Tone Sunburst and features a maple fingerboard (MN). Unlike standard passive models, this 'Modified' version incorporates an 18-volt electronic system, providing significant headroom and tonal flexibility beyond the traditional volume and tone controls.

Electronics and Hardware

The instrument utilizes a 'P/J' pickup configuration, combining a Player II Modified Precision Bass split-coil neck pickup with a Player II Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. This pairing allows for the iconic P-Bass punch while adding the clarity and bite associated with a Jazz Bass, notably without the 60-cycle hum often found in vintage bridge pickups.

The onboard 18V active preamp includes a 3-band EQ for precise shaping of bass, mid, and treble frequencies. A dedicated active/passive toggle switch allows the player to bypass the preamp entirely for traditional tones or to ensure the instrument remains functional in the event of battery depletion.

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Construction and Playability

Focusing on ergonomic comfort, the neck is carved to a Modern 'C' profile and finished in smooth satin. The maple fingerboard features rolled edges, which provides a 'broken-in' feel immediately out of the box.

Hardware upgrades facilitate improved resonance and stability. The HiMass bridge adds weight and density to the body-string connection for enhanced sustain, while the Graph Tech TUSQ nut and tapered-shaft tuning machines improve the string break angle, resulting in better tuning reliability and string tension across the nut.

Sound Character

The sound of the Player II Modified Active Precision Bass is defined by its versatility. In passive mode, the neck pickup delivers the classic, mid-heavy 'thump' synonymous with the Precision Bass legacy. When the active preamp is engaged, the 18V system provides a crystalline high-end and powerful low-end boost that suits modern genres like gospel, funk, and metal. The Noiseless bridge pickup adds a secondary layer of definition, allowing the bass to cut through dense mixes without introducing unwanted noise.

Target Audience and Comparison

This model is aimed at intermediate to professional players who require a single instrument capable of covering multiple genres. While the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V offers an entry into active electronics, the Fender Player II version provides higher-specification hardware and a P/J configuration. For those seeking even higher-end appointments, the American Professional II Jazz Bass remains an alternative, though it lacks the specific P/J split-coil punch found on this modified Precision platform.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between this and a standard Player II P-Bass?: The Modified Active version features an 18V active preamp, a 3-band EQ, and an additional Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. It also includes hardware upgrades like the HiMass bridge and TUSQ nut not found on all standard models.
Can this bass be played without a battery?: Yes, it features an active/passive toggle switch. In passive mode, the bass functions like a traditional instrument and does not require battery power to output a signal.
What pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with a Player II Modified Precision Bass neck pickup and a Player II Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. This setup prevents the hum typically associated with single-coil bridge pickups.
What is the benefit of the 18V preamp over a 9V system?: An 18V system uses two 9V batteries to provide more 'headroom.' This means the signal is less likely to clip or distort when using heavy EQ boosts, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic sound.
What are the neck specifications?: The neck has a Modern 'C' profile with a satin finish. The maple fingerboard features rolled edges for increased comfort and a 34-inch scale length.
What does the HiMass bridge do?: The HiMass bridge is heavier than a standard stamped-steel bridge. It increases the sustain of the notes and improves the overall resonance and tuning stability of the strings.
What is the nut made of?: The instrument uses a Graph Tech TUSQ nut. This material is designed to be self-lubricating, which helps prevent strings from binding and improves tuning accuracy.
What is the finish on this specific model?: This specific model features a 3-Tone Sunburst gloss finish on the body. The neck has a satin finish for a smooth playing feel.
How does the P/J pickup configuration work?: It combines the split-coil pickup of a Precision Bass with the single-coil pickup of a Jazz Bass. This allows players to blend the two sounds for a wider range of tones than a single-pickup bass provides.
Are the tuning machines standard?: The bass features tapered-shaft tuners. These are designed to force the string windings downward, creating a better break angle over the nut for improved resonance.
Is the fingerboard maple or rosewood?: This specific version (denoted by MN) features a maple fingerboard. Maple generally offers a slightly brighter attack compared to rosewood alternatives.
What controls are available on the active EQ?: The active preamp provides a 3-band EQ. This allows the player to independently boost or cut the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to shape their tone.