Fender P Bass Review

E

Expert Score

10.0
  • One of the most signature sounding bass guitars in all of popular music
  • The tone is deep and powerful and can move music and people
  • It’s a big and heavy bass. Not ideal for travel and can be too big for kids
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Overview

These absolutely deserve their reputation as the King of Basses.  My first bass was a 70’s Precision that I got from my Uncle John – a beautiful instrument.  But, probably because I was eleven years old, I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size of the neck.  Now of course, I wish I’d held on to it.

You simply cannot go wrong with a Fender P-Bass.  Old ones are sought after, but the American Standard series is just as good in my experience.  And you can take satisfaction from knowing that James Jamerson smiles down from heaven every time you thump around.

Critic Consensus

The Fender P Bass are known as the King of Basses, and best bass guitars for good reason.  James Jamerson made the Fender P Bass famous on songs like My Girl.  The opening bass riff is so recognizable that musicians and non musicians alike can pick it out within the first three notes.

Features:

  • Includes deluxe Gig Bag
  • Pj pickup configuration
  • Split-coil precision bass middle pickup 
  • Vintage noiseless jazz bass bridge pickup
  • Three-band EQ 
  • Active/passive switch
  • 4-Saddle HI Mass Bridge
  • 4-Bolt asymmetrical neck plate

The P Bass is a collectors item and the vintage models can be extremely expensive.  Fortunately there are multiple versions made now, including the Fender American Standard Series P Bass, which is also an exceptional model and available for a fraction of the price.

In the Fender American Standard Series there is the Fender American Professional Precision Bass and the Fender American Performer Precision Bass. If you’re interested in Fretless, check out the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass and other guitars by Fender.

There are also Ultra and Deluxe models.  


 

10.0

Fender P Bass Review

Sound
10/10
Price
9.9/10
Look
10/10
  • One of the most signature sounding bass guitars in all of popular music
  • The tone is deep and powerful and can move music and people
  • It’s a big and heavy bass. Not ideal for travel and can be too big for kids

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