First Look: Fender Unveils 75th Anniversary Precision Bass Collection

In 1951, Leo Fender launched one of the most revolutionary and enduring instruments of the modern day: the Fender Precision Bass. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the iconic design, and Fender is rightfully celebrating the milestone with three limited edition models: the 75th Anniversary American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass, the 75th Anniversary Player II Precision Bass, and the 75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass.

“Each 75th Anniversary Precision Bass model showcases the rich heritage and legendary tones that have made the P Bass® an unrivaled icon,” the company writes. “From vintage purists to progressive players seeking cutting-edge features, rest assured there’s a model that will deliver. Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Precision Bass and own a piece of Fender® history with the 75th Anniversary Precision Bass Collection.”

The American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass model celebrates the birth of the modern electric bass by faithfully reproducing its original features. It’s built with a swamp ash body finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, a one-piece maple neck featuring a 1951 “U”-shape profile, and a maple fingerboard with vintage frets. The company also created a 75th Anniversary Pure Vintage ’51 Single-Coil Precision pickup to deliver “authentic tones with that foundational thump and clarity.” Other features include a vintage-accurate serialized bridge with Pure Vintage Precision Bass Fiber saddles, vintage-style reverse gear tuners, and a 1-ply black phenolic pickguard.

You can get a look at the bass in this overview from Empire Music:

A 75th anniversary is traditionally celebrated with diamonds, and Fender included that aspect in the 75th Anniversary Player II Precision with its Diamond Dust Sparkle finish. The Mexican-made model features a contoured alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. Its special 75th Anniversary Thunderbolt™ Precision Bass pickup features the more familiar split-coil design, while other modern appointments include its Modern “C” neck profile, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, rolled fingerboard edges, and a four-saddle bridge with single-groove steel “barrel” saddles. A commemorative neck plate and four-ply pearloid pickguard tie things all together.

Finally, the Fender 75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass pays homage to the design by bringing together elements from throughout the years. Its select alder body has exotic flair with a flame maple top, yet comes in the timeless two-color sunburst finish. Its maple neck has a ’63 P Bass profile and a maple fingerboard with rolled edges, a 9.5-inch radius, and medium jumbo frets.

“The 75th Anniversary Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® pickups deliver the best of both worlds – that foundational P-Bass thump combined with the articulate growl and versatility of a J-Bass bridge pickup,” Fender explains. “Other premium appointments include gold-plated hardware throughout, a vintage HiMass™ bridge and tapered-shaft tuning machines.”

Again, hear the bass in action from this Empire Music demo:

The Fender Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Precision Basses are available now. They American Vintage II 1951 Precision has a street price of $2,899, the Player II Precision goes for $1,099, and the American Professional PJ has a price of $2,699.

Fender 75th Anniversary American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass Photos:

Fender 75th Anniversary American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass Specs:

Fender 75th Anniversary Player II Precision Bass Specs:

Fender 75th Anniversary Player II Precision Bass Specs:

Fender 75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass Specs:

Fender 75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass Specs: