From Jamerson to Today: The Lasting Impact of the Fender P Bass
The Fender Precision Bass, often referred to as the P Bass, is a go-to bass for many touring and studio bassists and can be heard on countless records. Before the P Bass was released in 1951, upright (double) basses were the standard in popular music. The problem was that upright and double basses were cumbersome, were difficult to amplify, and often required a lot of physical strength to play. Leo Fender saw an opportunity to create a new type of bass that was easier to play, more portable, and capable of being amplified without feedback. Thus, the P Bass was created, which was popular among jazz and studio musicians when it was first released. The P Bass can be heard all throughout music, but no one captured the sonic potential of the instrument quite like the bassists at Motown Records — most notably James Jamerson, who created a unique sound by using the playing style and technique of the double bass to play the P Bass.
Fender Precision Bass History and Models: A Legacy of Innovation
Over the years, Fender has introduced numerous variations of the Precision Bass to cater to evolving music styles and player preferences. These include models with active electronics, different pickup configurations, and various finishes. The American Professional II, Player II Modified, and Vintera II series are just a few examples of current models that offer updated features while maintaining the classic essence of the original P Bass.
Iconic Fender Precision Bass Features
The Fender Precision Bass was the first mass-produced solidbody electric bass guitar, which departed from the hollow-bodied acoustic double basses of the time. This design made the instrument more durable and allowed for greater volume and sustain. The original model had a simple single-coil pickup, which was later upgraded to a split-coil humbucking pickup in 1957. This change reduced unwanted noise and provided a thicker, more rounded sound. In modern P Bass models, you can find varying pickup configurations to best suit your sound.
The P Bass was also the first bass to consider comfort. Its contoured edges and reduced weight allowed bassists to play for hours on end without discomfort. As for the rest of the instrument, the P Bass features a 34-inch scale length, a bolt-on maple neck, and a fingerboard made of various tonewoods, such as rosewood, maple, pau ferro, and ebony. The design also includes a two-knob control layout for volume and tone, allowing for straightforward and intuitive sound adjustments.
How to Shop for Fender Precision Bass Guitars at Sweetwater
Ready to purchase your first or next Fender Precision Bass? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, reach out to our highly knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers. They’ll help you choose the right bass guitar for you!
If you prefer to shop online, Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your Fender P Bass choices based on your desired specs, such as the brand, price range, series, and much more. Select your preferred specs in our convenient product filters and explore your options!
