If you’re thinking about getting the high-end Fender American Professional II Precision Bass and you’re not sure if it’s worth it or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular American-made model. It’s a pretty expensive guitar, but is it actually that good?
The truth is that Fender American Professional II Precision Bass offers an absolutely stunning quality. This guitar sounds, looks and feels incredible. Although it’s expensive, it’s definitely worth every cent.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this bass guitar so good and so popular among the professional musicians. Firstly, we’ll start with the overview of the specs. Additionally, we’ll investigate the pros and cons of that model. Of course, there will be a few sound demos included as well!
Overview – Specs & Pricing
Fender American Professional II Precision Bass is a high-end guitar created for the most advanced bass players out there. It’s often used by a lot of professional musicians all around the world and it’s actually one of the most popular top level basses manufactured by Fender.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features an alder body, a comfortable ’63 C-shaped maple neck with “Super-Natural” satin finish and maple fingerboard. What’s important, this P Bass comes in a few different versions, so if you prefer rosewood fingerboard – you can get it too.
The manufacturer equipped this bass with the V-Mod II Precision Bass split-coil pickup which offers a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. If you’re searching for a classic punch and growl, you can be sure that this guitar won’t disappoint you.
It is also worth mentioning that this bass looks absolutely amazing from the outside too. It’s available in a few different color versions: 3-Color Sunburst, Mercury, Dark Night, Miami Blue and Mystic Surf Green. Surely, anyone will be able to find their own favorite version!
When it comes to pricing, it’s a pretty expensive guitar. It’s totally normal though – all guitars from the American Professional II Series tend to cost a lot. But considering how good these guitars actually are, they’re definitely worth the money!
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Pros And Cons
Although Fender American Professional II Precision Bass is generally an excellent bass guitar, just like any other instrument it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Don’t worry though – there are far more pros than cons in this case.
Pros
- Comfortable Neck
- Beautiful Finish
- Amazing Tone
- High Versatility
- Great For Live Gigs & Studio Recording
Cons
- High Price
As you can see, the main advantage of that Precision Bass is the superb quality. The truth is that all guitars from the American Professional II Series feature a very high quality and they’re made with thorough precision and attention to detail. Undoubtedly, this guitar is a real piece of art!
On the other hand, a lot of bass players may consider this P Bass as overpriced. Personally, I don’t agree with that – in my opinion it’s totally understandable that guitars from the highest shelf are expensive. You just have to be willing to spend a serious amount of money if you’re looking for the best guitar on the market.
That being said, the advantages of that model outweigh the disadvantages of that bass. There’s nothing to worry about apart from the price, so if you have the budget for it, go for it! There’s a high chance that you’re going to immediately fall in love with that guitar.
Who Is It For?
Fender American Professional II Precision Bass is designed for the most demanding bass players out there. This is a high-end American-made model, so it’s mainly created for intermediate and professional musicians. Still, less advanced bassist are going to love it as well.
Just like any other Precision Bass manufactured by Fender, this guitar features a really versatile tone. As a result, it can be efficiently used in a lot of different styles of music and in a lot of environments. Whether you want to play some blues on the stage or record some rock bass lines in the studio, this guitar won’t let you down.
It is also worth mentioning that this is one of the most expensive Precision Basses made by Fender, so it’s mainly created for those who know what they’re searching for. If you’re looking specifically for the best bass on the market, this is a safe bet.
Overall, the vast majority of bass players will enjoy the inimitable quality of the American Professional II Precision Bass. There’s not much to complain about apart from the price. It’s a dream guitar and it guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Here’s an another sound demo.
American Professional II vs Player Series Bass
A lot of bass players wonder whether they should choose the American Professional II Precision Bass or a bit more affordable Fender Player Precision Bass. The truth is that it’s not that easy to pick a clear winner of that battle.
In general, American-made Fenders are better than Mexican-made Fenders, but the difference isn’t that obvious. If you’re a beginner, you probably won’t even notice the sound difference. But if you’re a more advanced bassist, you will definitely notice that the American Professional II is a much better bass.
Still, it all comes down to your own personal preferences and your budget. If you don’t want to spend too much on a new guitar, the Player Series Bass will be a better choice for you. But if you’re searching for the best gear on the market, choose the American Professional II Precision Bass.
Here’s a really good video that compares both of these basses – feel free to check it out below.
Alternative Options
If you don’t like the sound of the American Professional II Precision Bass or you simply can’t afford it right now, that’s totally fine too! The market is full of other really good and affordable bass guitars. But in the end, it all comes down to your own personal preferences and most importantly, your budget.
Here’s a few more bass recommendations based on my own experience.
Firstly, if you’re on a really tight budget, you should definitely consider getting the Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass ’54. Although it’s not a Fender, it offers a really good quality and it’s far more affordable in comparison with the Precision Bass reviewed in today’s article. This model is perfect for both beginners and more advanced bassists.
Alternatively, you can also check out the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass. This model is a bit more expensive than the previous Paranormal Jazz Bass, but it also deserves a lot of recognition. It has a medium scale length (32″), which means that it’s really comfortable for players with smaller hands and shorter fingers. Surely, it’s one of the best mid-level basses out there.
If you’re okay with spending a bit more and you really care about having the Fender logo on the headstock, check out Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass. This is a fantastic bass guitar which is really underrated in my opinion. Not many people are aware of how good and versatile this guitar is. It’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to spend too much on any of the American-made Fenders.
FAQ
Where is Fender American Professional II Precision Bass made?
Fender American Professional II Precision Bass is manufactured in Corona, California.
Is that bass good for beginners?
Yes! Although the American Professional II Precision Bass is mainly designed for intermediate bassists, it can also be efficiently used by beginners.
Are Precision Basses better than Jazz Basses?
There’s a few things that differentiate Precision Bass and Jazz Bass Fenders. They look and sound a bit differently, so it’s all up to you and your own preferences. Nevertheless, both of these types of basses guarantee an enjoyable playing experience!
Are American Fenders better than Mexican and Japanese?
In general, American-made Fenders are considered as one of the best guitars out there. Still, some Japanese and Mexican-made models tend to offer a really good quality which is similarly high.
Where can I find out more about Fender bass guitars?
If you want to learn more about this legendary manufacturer or electric guitars, bass guitars and guitar amplifiers, check out the official website of Fender.
Summary
As you can see, Fender American Professional II Precision Bass is a really unique bass guitar. This is an instrument from the highest shelf – there’s no doubt with that. Undoubtedly, the vast majority of bass players will appreciate the high quality of that model.
What do you think of that bass? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more bass recommendations, you may also like:
