What body wood is used in the Fender Standard Precision Bass?

This model features a poplar body. Poplar is known for being a resonant and balanced tonewood that provides a solid foundation for the instrument's overall sound.

What is the neck profile of this bass?

The bass is equipped with a modern C-shaped maple neck. This profile is designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.

What type of pickup does the Standard Precision Bass use?

It uses a single split single-coil pickup. This design is famous for its punchy, powerful tone and its ability to cancel hum compared to standard single-coils.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a common Fender specification that offers a compromise between a vintage feel and modern playability.

How many strings does this model have?

The Fender Standard Precision Bass is a traditional 4-string bass guitar. This makes it an ideal choice for players who prefer the classic feel and spacing of four strings.

What kind of bridge is installed on this instrument?

It features a 4-saddle bridge equipped with steel saddles. These components are chosen to provide precise intonation and ensure solid tuning stability.

What is the typical price range for this model?

In the UK market, the typical price for this specific model is approximately £539. This positions it as a mid-range instrument within the Fender catalogue.

What size are the frets on this bass?

The bass is fitted with medium jumbo frets. These are larger than vintage frets, allowing for easier fretting and a more effortless feel across the neck.

Is the finish on the body matte or glossy?

The poplar body features a glossy finish. This provides a sleek look and protects the 3-Colour Sunburst aesthetic over time.

How does the sound of a Precision Bass differ from a Jazz Bass?

The Precision Bass, including this Standard model, typically offers a punchier and more direct tone due to its split-coil pickup. The Jazz Bass, like the American Professional II Jazz Bass, usually has a brighter, more versatile sound from its two single-coil pickups.

Is this bass suitable for long playing sessions?

Yes, the modern C-shaped neck and ergonomic body design are specifically intended to ensure comfort. These features help reduce hand and shoulder strain during extended performances or rehearsals.

Does this model include active electronics?

No, the Standard Precision Bass features a passive electronics setup with a single split-coil pickup. For active electronics, one would look at models like the Player II Modified Active Precision Bass.

Gear article

Fender Standard Precision Bass 3-Colour Sunburst

The Fender Standard Precision Bass is a four-string electric bass guitar featuring a sleek poplar body and a classic split single-coil pickup. It is a fundamental instrument in modern music, designed to provide the resonant, punchy tone that has defined the bass frequency for decades.

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Overview

The Fender Standard Precision Bass in 3-Colour Sunburst represents a continuation of the world's first mass-produced electric bass guitar. This specific iteration utilises a resonant poplar body finished in a high-gloss coating, paired with a maple neck. It is designed to offer a balance between traditional aesthetics and modern playability, serving as a reliable tool for both live performances and studio recording sessions.

Design and Construction

The instrument is built around a modern C-shaped maple neck, which is engineered to provide a smooth feel for the player's fretting hand. The fingerboard features a 9.5-inch radius and is equipped with medium jumbo frets, facilitating easier note bending and comfortable fingering across the scale. For hardware, the bass employs a standard 4-saddle bridge with steel saddles, ensuring that intonation remains precise and tuning stability is maintained even during aggressive play.

Electronics and Sound

At the heart of the Standard Precision Bass is its split single-coil pickup. This configuration is celebrated for delivering a powerful, punchy tone that cuts through a mix while remaining thick and foundational. The poplar body contributes to a balanced tonal profile, providing enough resonance to support the pickup's natural output. The result is a versatile sound suitable for genres ranging from rock and blues to pop and soul.

Target Audience

Due to its straightforward controls and ergonomic design, this bass suits a wide variety of players. It is particularly well-suited for musicians who require a 'workhorse' instrument that can handle long sessions without causing fatigue. Its price point and feature set make it an accessible choice for intermediate players looking for a professional-standard Fender instrument, as well as working professionals who need a dependable backup or primary 4-string.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other models in the Fender ecosystem, such as the Player II Jazz Bass, the Precision Bass offers a simpler, more direct tonal approach with its single pickup compared to the Jazz Bass's dual-pickup versatility. Within the broader market, it stands as a premium alternative to entry-level options like the Gear4Music Chicago or VISIONSTRING packs, offering higher-grade tonewoods and hardware. For those seeking modern refinements, the Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass provides active electronics, whereas this Standard model adheres to a traditional passive setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Fender Standard Precision Bass?: This model features a poplar body. Poplar is known for being a resonant and balanced tonewood that provides a solid foundation for the instrument's overall sound.
What is the neck profile of this bass?: The bass is equipped with a modern C-shaped maple neck. This profile is designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.
What type of pickup does the Standard Precision Bass use?: It uses a single split single-coil pickup. This design is famous for its punchy, powerful tone and its ability to cancel hum compared to standard single-coils.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a common Fender specification that offers a compromise between a vintage feel and modern playability.
How many strings does this model have?: The Fender Standard Precision Bass is a traditional 4-string bass guitar. This makes it an ideal choice for players who prefer the classic feel and spacing of four strings.
What kind of bridge is installed on this instrument?: It features a 4-saddle bridge equipped with steel saddles. These components are chosen to provide precise intonation and ensure solid tuning stability.
What is the typical price range for this model?: In the UK market, the typical price for this specific model is approximately £539. This positions it as a mid-range instrument within the Fender catalogue.
What size are the frets on this bass?: The bass is fitted with medium jumbo frets. These are larger than vintage frets, allowing for easier fretting and a more effortless feel across the neck.
Is the finish on the body matte or glossy?: The poplar body features a glossy finish. This provides a sleek look and protects the 3-Colour Sunburst aesthetic over time.
How does the sound of a Precision Bass differ from a Jazz Bass?: The Precision Bass, including this Standard model, typically offers a punchier and more direct tone due to its split-coil pickup. The Jazz Bass, like the American Professional II Jazz Bass, usually has a brighter, more versatile sound from its two single-coil pickups.
Is this bass suitable for long playing sessions?: Yes, the modern C-shaped neck and ergonomic body design are specifically intended to ensure comfort. These features help reduce hand and shoulder strain during extended performances or rehearsals.
Does this model include active electronics?: No, the Standard Precision Bass features a passive electronics setup with a single split-coil pickup. For active electronics, one would look at models like the Player II Modified Active Precision Bass.