Fender Precision Bass: Player vs Performer vs Professional vs Ultra - What are the Differences?

[@viewer112358]

That orange Player sounds great - as a Precision should.

[@christopherfidler3019]

Trump is a great name for it.

[@bjornedvardsson5510]

Was having Fender Player Precision before war in Ukraine, where I live. This is really good instrument, which I can highly recommend.

[@kabassa]

I feel the same, not so "modern" like the the others

[@jacobbrown9978]

Honestly I really like the matte finish. I will never knock a guitar company for trying something different and if it’s not your cup of tea there are plenty of options for everyone.

[@eaf27]

I find the matte finish most attractive, kind of over gloss finish.

[@oldguyplaysbass6503]

I have the American Performer P Bass in Lake Placid Blue with the matte finish. When I ordered it I didn't realize it was matte and was kind of bummed when I discovered this. I actually like it a lot though. Fingerprints are a thing of the past on this bass and it looks gorgeous with the maple fretboard! Cheers!

[@binheiss]

I have the orange Player P-Bass 🍊 This bass is so awesome. The typical Fender Precision killer sound. Nothing more I need ♥️♥️♥️

[@kyatzz]

That satin finish looks absolutely fantastic.

[@WEREWOLFCaT_STORIES]

These two are THE BEST when it comes to internet Duos. Play so well off each other.

[@cliffords2315]

Real Bass Players, makes all the difference, lots of the guys are guitarists that also know HOW to play bass but you can tell a real Bassit, the Manhandle the bass,

[@WEREWOLFCaT_STORIES]

@@cliffords2315 check me out on my channel i try haha

[@MckinleyDjents]

These two make the best bass vids ever. Informative and they have a good time. Such a hoot.

[@IPv6Freely]

I actually really like that matte blue, but I've personally had my eye on a Capri Orange bass for a long time!

[@modelcitizen1977]

I had a 60th anniversary American Jazz for years before selling it to raise money for my house purchase. I ended up getting a Player series to replace it, and I’ll be arsed if I can tell the difference in sound or playability. Absolutely astonishing value for money.

[@pacislav]

I searched for a comparison like this maybe a month before this video came out. I ended up with the Player series and I am pretty happy with it. Just like the tone of its pickups better than the more expensive options. Probably a matter of taste.

[@nym053]

I love that orange as well. Also prefer it soundwise. But I prefer a bright looking threadboard.

[@Dartania]

American Ultra sounds great to my ears. Smooth and growly at the same time, can go dark or bright. Love the PJ sound.

[@markgreen950]

Shame you didn't have the player plus to hand, would love to hear the direct comparison between that and the Ultra.

[@monguzzle]

I've tried the Player series P bass and thought it was excellent. A side-by-side comparison with the US version was quite interesting; there wasn't nearly as much in it as I'd have expected.

[@markaitkenguitar]

I have that exact American pro 2. Same neck and finish and it’s gorgeous. As a guitarist who just needs a luxurious bottom end for recording I couldn’t be happier. Feels like driving a caddy.

[@RyvenProductions]

Doesn't matter where the bassist is from. We all have the stank face. It's the universal bass language that lets everyone know you're in the pocket. Great video.

[@hks956]

Love the matte finish. It was the reason I picked it over the other American models and I replaced the black pickguard with mint. Lake Placid Blue with mint and black pickups look SWEET.

[@CountryFenderBass]

I saw a blues band play and the bass player was killing it..sounded awesome…on a beat up Squire. I spoke to him after the show and I asked if I could look at it. This thing was worn! He told me he has owned it for many years. He bought it when his bass was stolen on the road and he needed a temporary bass. He liked it so much it became is main bass…

[@ileutur6863]

I can't for the life of me figure out how fender manages to make several product lines out of such a basic design. A P bass is a P bass

[@bushDid911]

Quite incredible isn’t it 😂

[@sagittated]

The Capri Orange looks so good in person. It's very buttery and rich.

[@tombuck]

Jeez that orange is gorgeous.

[@Spritsailor]

You forgot to mention that the Performer basses have a Grease Bucket tone circuit which adds to the mids.

[@darrenbanton8929]

I’m after a pj, but now I can’t decide whether I should go for the pj or the traditional pbass. Great video guys

[@thomasoconnor9836]

I've got the Ultra in mocha burst. I love it, it freaking growls.

[@davidaubuchon7309]

Excellent playing guys! Thanks for posting. Love the P Bass.

[@rvbsoundfactory]

The blues riff was sweet guys. Your putting together some good videos right now! I'm fortunate enough to have a performer P, with rosewood fretboard! The versatility of haveing the Jazz pick up in the bridge position just added greater value for money and awesomeness. I was really tempted with the Pro 2 but just couldn't quite swing or Justified the added expense. If I were to do it again I would pass on the pro II 100%. And look very closely at the original 60s or the ultra P bass. However I'm starting to get a little itch for a Jazz bass!! Damn.

[@musenw8834]

maybe go for a squier PJ?

[@patrickr6505]

I have an Aria pro 2!!Got it back in the day brand new back in 1990.🤘

[@PSA955]

Great video, love the opening P-Bass jam. I were on your side of the pond I would buy the Ultra from you. I got mine this week, been a P-Bass player for 45 years, the Ultra is an outstanding iteration of an all time classic.

[@DamnDealDone]

I have realised that throughout my entire life I have never made a correct decision, so I went for the P-Bass with one pickup and limited sound options. I will send this one sound into an Ashdown ABM300 and be done. I can't mess that up.

[@elflakeador09]

I really like the player series in the buttercream colour 👌

[@Bassist_Ivan]

agree!

[@elflakeador09]

@@Bassist_Ivan I went and bought one and its a stunning bass

[@GranulatedStuff]

easy choice..the one that also has the jazz pickup

[@tagadabrothersband]

I went for a Performer model, in sunburst instead of blue. I wanted the bridge pickup for more versatility, the only think I don't really like is the 70's CBS headstock but it's not that important. Otherwise I have a Player Telecaster in orange capri and it's pretty cool.

[@robbiehanson4901]

Love that Orange bass.

[@SnarkyRC]

The best one for me is The Stingray.

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Honestly as a owner of 3 America Fender Bass Guitars, (2 Jazz and a P-Bass) I'm 100% way more of a P-Bass guy than a Jazz.. My America P-Bass is actually the PJ-Bass.. early 2000's model.. Anyway, I think the American Blue Performer would be a great Bass for any player.. and you can find them for a tad under or around $1,000 USD... which is Honestly incredible for a American Fender Bass Guitar. Buuut.. for Fender not to add Hardshell Case even if its just a basic hard case isn't cool..lol. That's just my opinion and I understand why they dont... Also, me personally I really like a string threw body. But that's just my personal preference.. Really cool video and comparison! 🤘

[@donnix1192]

I wish they would have included the Vintera and American Original series ,but I guess it was more focused on contemporary precisions. Although the player plus wasn’t included either

[@stephenshoihet2590]

I have that orange player pbass and I love it!

[@binheiss]

Me too! My orange player is so nice. The neck so easy to play and the color is…wow! 😍😍😍

[@lowtone1778]

What a great way to enjoy my morning java! You two give the best insights to the plethora of bass offerings! While I shop in the U.S., I get my trusted bass gear reviews at Andertons, from Nathan and Lee!

[@lanceforney5321]

They didn't mention the different tuners and different bridges

[@kabassa]

•Player Orange: 6:35 • Performer blue: 8:02 •Professional white: 14:47 •ultra Sunburst: 16:19

[@joshuaskade272]

where can i buy a Fender Player Precision Bass PF, Capri Orange? Can't find palces where they are in stock :/

[@oblate777]

Thanks! I’m in the market for a P and this is perfect timing!

[@green8923]

Great overview! I would, however, like to see some more playing up at the neck (for bass videos here in general), for an even warmer tone that you can get out of them. I often go for that sound, and being able to hear that along with playing towards the bridge (even if there isn't a pickup there) is just some extra perspective I'd appreciate. Just a suggestion though. Great playing as always :D

[@Ry_Valz]

I think we need to hear these bass on a live stage where there are LED lights and many signal interference just to see if the Noiseless Pickups are better or not.

[@Bert_Putini]

I love watching videos of things I'll never be able to afford

[@FredC-qy2vi]

I have a player series in Buttercream colorway. I love it! Simple and good. :)

[@Bassist_Ivan]

I just got mine yesterday! It is awesome!

[@r3b0rn80]

The way I see it, an instrument should meet your first « feeling » requirement. I mean neck dimension and finish, string spacing and height as well as the body weight. Some can be adjusted wherever the bass came from, but some don’t (thinking of radius and finish neck in case of Fender/Squier). Pickups, shielding, can always be easily later upgraded. Design of the instrument… not so easy as they implies some luthier work (string through body bridge, lightweight tuning pegs) So, a beginner might pass on some great cheap instruments because they need a proper setup and it’a shame. Especially when an American made instrument still needs the same treatment. All in all, the best bass you can get is the one you can afford.

[@robjgolde3221]

Never understood why Fender marketed their Ultra P-Bass pickup as noiseless. The pickup’s basic construction makes it inherently noiseless

[@cptncanela]

They make less noise than the usual pikcups?

[@robjgolde3221]

@@cptncanela I guess? In fairness, I’ve never played an American Ultra p-bass, so I don’t have the proper frame of reference, but in any demo i’ve seen, it doesn’t seem less noisy than other P-bass pickups to my ears.

[@tedkellison2598]

@@cptncanela traditional p-bass pickups are humbucking coils so they're just as noiseless as the Noiseless. Seems pointless on a proper p-bass to offer noiseless pickups when they always have been.

[@cptncanela]

​@@tedkellison2598 I asked because I didn't know either. However, if I remember well, in this video was said that the is in active mode, the noise y reduced.

[@cptncanela]

@@robjgolde3221 Me neither, that's why I asked, actually. In any case, I'm not interested in active basses of any brand so, I guess I will never know the difference by myself.

[@wojtan]

I’ve been waiting for the Player vs the Pro comparison guys. For me the Player does its job pretty good.

[@marksr12]

Great video! Nice basses and great playing.

[@mojoemurphy]

Great video, I appreciate it because I learned I do not like the active version

[@rockthecasbahs]

Is the American professional ii worth the extra money considering that I already have a Mexican P Bass ?

[@Phaidrus]

Yes, it is very well built. Besides, another Pbass is always worth the extra money.

[@samiam5557]

Superb intro jam! Digging the orange P bass 😎

[@Alex69eyes]

Best demos around, as always...

[@ledhendrix5054]

Being a Painter it took me a while to get used to the flat finishes for Guitars/Basses , as the flat finish just looks like an undercoat to me or a colour sand.

[@williamcockfield2985]

Where’s the love for the player plus. I have one in a jazz bass. Love it but I have a feeling build quality wouldn’t compare to the ultra. Curious to see what someone that actually knows what they are talking about thinks.

[@marklitherland888]

🤣🤣🤣 Brilliant comparison but I still can’t make a decision… …I have a BIG birthday coming up and I have to choose my present. I currently play a Squier CV60 that I prefer to my Fender Jazz Bass and I’m looking to upgrade. I love the Jameson style purity of CV60 but I’m soooooo tempted by the versatility of the mixed pick-ups 😲 Thanks for nothing guys 🤣🤣🤣

[@michelleblythe1669]

What are the pros and cons of the 'string through' design of the Pro II bridge?

[@AllanGildea]

The chaps with chops are back! Top class.

[@warrenbutler7747]

Another great video guys love it 👍🤗

[@marklowe7431]

Both sounds mighty.

[@shamsam69]

Is the performer p bass available left handed, fellas?

[@optiTHOMAS]

"That gig bag is a least a step up from a bin liner!" 😅🤣👌🏻 bruh, brilliant! 😂 that orange is beautiful! So vibrant and juicy! Love the satin too! All of sound pretty fantastic! Good stuff, guys! 😎👍🏻

[@samstinkeringaround8961]

Love to hear you guys play

[@boomboxxhero9362]

I just found a pro 2 in sunburst with the EMG Gzr pickup for a pretty good deal. I only have a squire classic vibe jazz that I run through a Genzler 410-3 and a Super Bassman. Do you think the pro would be worth getting with the emg? I have never owned a Precision up to this point. I really enjoy all about the bass. You two guys are some of my favorite reviewers on yt. Thanks, gents.

[@Welshhomie]

If you're looking for a p with a high output pickup then it might be a good shout if it's a good deal and you can afford it! I would also check if they still have the original pickup as this might be a good option to switch back if you want a more traditional sound.

[@TSniper79]

I have a player series in Buttercream color. Love pbasses.

[@Drone453]

Just picked up a buttercream Player with a red tortoiseshell scratchplate fitted. Sounds great!

[@cptncanela]

I bought a Player Series bass last year, maple fretboard, but it came with a lot of dead spots, so on eBay, I got an American Performance Rosewood neck, new, and it came in perfect condition, no dead spots, and fits perfectly. Now I have a mexiamerican bass. I also upgrade the pickups to the CS 62"s. The bridge for the 70's and the pots. So basically, I have an american bass with a mexican body. The sustain is unbelievable amazing.

[@longdongbongchong]

LOL

[@ileutur6863]

You bought a new neck because of a fret problem?

[@cptncanela]

@@ileutur6863 not a fret problem but a neck problem overall

[@kungpuk5186]

My player came with four major problems out of the box. Neck and frets were about perfect though.

[@337camo]

It's funny you say that because I too have a mexiamerican bass, but the opposite of yours. Mine is a Performer P body (Penny color) all stock, Greasebucket circuit, etc. but with a Mexican Player P maple neck. It's my favorite bass that I own, although I only own 1 more: Fender Blacktop P. Blacktop is a great series. Anyways, I'd like a Jazz neck for my Performer/Player P

[@sirdijamond]

I’ve got a performer series model.

[@sigmundsound]

None after watching Spector and Warwick videos from these awesome players! 👌

[@mercury8180]

I do not like a p bass with a jazz pick up. To me that is not a p bass. When you do a similar review on the jazz bass will any of those have a p bass pick up? I think not because if it has it is not a jazz bass. I have the electron green player p bass and absolutely love it. I am not a fan of active pick ups on a p bass either as i feel less is more and that is what makes the p bass the best out there. All of this is just my humble opinion of course. Great vid as usual.

[@hoompaloompaa]

I agree

[@cliffords2315]

Thats an Ultra P-Bass, not a Jazz bass, they sound nothing like a jazz bass, more like a Rickenbacker and with the EQ Preamp you can get it to sound like a $10,000 Alembic, or a Rickenbacker if you cut back the midrange.

[@trevorblair197]

Once you kill the jazz pu's you are essentially playing a p - bass. ✌️😎✌️

[@Musouk66]

The purist will know that you’ll get a unique sound with one pick-up or split coil. Add another pick-up and the strings still react to the magnets in the added pick-up, even when phased off. It’s less P-Bass in my opinion. Just a thought.

[@Luchodela]

Hi guys! first, just wanted to let you know that I love your videos, you are not only great musicians but also very funny. There's a serie of Fender basses that I don't seem to find in any of your videos, it is the "deluxe" series. I understand there are MIM and American versions of it and as I see (or think) this version seems to be categorized somewhere between the Professional and the Elite or the Ultra because it is also passive / active with noisless pickups...is that so? or it fits below that category? Thanks again! Cheers from Peru!

[@fanbladeinstruments]

Just my opinion but I've always felt that putting jazz pickup on a P was a bit of a waste. It's an ok combination but the best P I've ever had was a frankenstein with a P pickup added in the bridge. That thing was a tone monster until the Jazz neck twisted and I cannabalised it for parts. I really should set to putting another one together - unless Fender want to make that an option in which case I'll be first in line to buy.

[@rrdream2400]

they had a P with 2 split coil pickups in the 1980's called the Elite. I'm surprised they don't have one now. it's tough to match the output with a PJ configuration, the P pickup often over powers the J.

[@cliffords2315]

Why? all you have to do is turn the fade pot to the P-Bass only and you have a P-Bass that sounds like a p-bass if you turn it back to the middle using both you have a Powerful sounding Jazz bass output. Its a no brainer if you play songs that need different kind of sound.

[@coffeest]

I love all these fore P's, but I think my money would be taken into a Player plus TBH.

[@FireFly-Band]

Do any of you have any experience with Behringer bass amps? I'm considering the BXD3000H but there aren't many videos or anything like that. Should i consider it or leave it?

[@billyellow4849]

I had a 180W 12" Behringer bass combo that lasted me 20 years, no probs. Solidly-built cabinet. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones?

[@r3b0rn80]

I wish my income would increase the same way the mexican Player serie did. I mean, from 600€/700€ to minimum 800€ in matter of months o_O' We can definitely say it’s a steal now…

[@LilView]

Wish you didn't have to buy a $1700 guitar just to get rosewood

[@fernandolara4999]

Look on reverb for MIM Fenders from the 2000's - 2010's. That was before Pao Ferro was ever in use and can get those instruments for $500 - $700 easy.

[@LilView]

@@fernandolara4999 Oh I know. Got a bunch of em.

[@charlesbr7684]

No shit right.

[@brentt.sykora9274]

No problem with Pao Ferro, but most a majority of my guitars are maple anyway.

[@TheRainmanBachelor]

Or go Squier. Indian laurel is darker and same tone. Pau Ferro just doesn’t do it for me. And why is it on the Jaco model?

[@PlayWithYourThumb]

Would have liked a Classic Vibe included, just to show how they compare. I have no skin in the game as I own CV and USA built.

[@BassRacerx]

I just want a standard p bass with a jazz neck for under $1000 is that TOO much to ask for fender!!

[@rrdream2400]

in the 1970's they offered a P bass with a A width (jazz) neck as an option. They were around $300 then and made in the USA.

[@gregory7572]

i don't like that the ultra has the truss rod adjustment on the bottom of the neck. Kind of a deal breaker

[@MyName-nx1jj]

Pickup and set up. Everything else is secondary. Ditched my Elite for an old Classic Vibe which played and sounded better.

[@sallopiccolo7336]

You guys are great.

[@michaelotten1956]

I like the white one.

[@evzzs]

Bought an Ultra - 2yrs later I traded it for a MIM Player - the ultra sounded ultra, but it didn’t P. Only the P can P.

[@Stratmandew]

wow... bases are loaded! 😉. now lets talk about those chairs! ❤

[@flowbius]

Little green bag ...😄👌... nice demo...😁🤙

[@petestaint8312]

Excellent jam! 😎

[@halcyo]

Did someone mess up the timing of the drum backing track when they edited the video or something? I know these two guys have better rhythm than that- that intro jam sounded like a hot damn mess lol

[@donnix1192]

Nathan is a monster player.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Capri Orange is cool, but that Pau Ferro is a such cheap, look light brown that ruins it. Dig the dark rosewood on the ultra.

[@angrybadger4236]

Tone adjustment was good but Never touch another man's knobs without asking permission.

[@CurrieNerd]

If these two can play guitar too, can they do more of the vids? Presenters that *don't* say 'errrm' every third word seem to be hard to find.

[@SevanStick]

Where is the timestamp guy when you need him?!

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

Pj bass is the best of both worlds

[@mark240862]

I've never understood why a compound radius fretboard on a bass would be a consideration. Having been a bassist for 4 decades the radius is something that has never crossed my mind. I guess if you played like Billy Sheehan then maybe it might be a consideration but I'm willing to bet Billy wouldn't give a shit what it was.

[@CosmicHippopotamus]

Billy was super involved with the development of his Yamaha bass and that thing is full of playability features. Most bassists don't, but I think he's a pretty bad example.

[@DoofersCreepers]

Radius effects are noticeable when you start going to 5 string and above. Small radius marks it difficult to mute B string. Depending on muting technic. Thumb muting will be difficult. Large radius measured arc will be flat, flatter on 4 string. Also when different string gauges are used, the strings arc changes too. I measure my fretboard arc and match string arc near bridge.

[@philcuoreeth2941]

may i know what Fender amp is that ?

[@concuben]

Strange how ultra is noisy in passive mode. For that price you would expect better? Or is it inherent in the design of the pickups that they cannot be noiseless in both passive and active modes?

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Excellent guy's 🎸🎸🎵🎶

[@basscoup]

Prefer the PJ options here

[@olac454]

Has the (blue) perfomer bass a passive mode?

[@guidorusso60.]

Is a performer bass , only passive

[@glengelo]

Why p-bass doesn't come in 5 string?

[@sextuspompeius1266]

Because 5 strings are goofy

[@buckbumble]

The Professional II is the way to go. Trust me. The Player series colours are horrid and to be they sound a tad thin. Everything about the pup on the pro sounds way more defined. It also has a lovely chunky 63 style neck

[@suk4ed]

these are pricey, my mate

[@buckbumble]

@@suk4ed that is one major drawback granted. If possible, I would just save up and wait.

[@trevaudio]

@@buckbumble Or if you can get your hands on the last of the American standards, a “15 or “16. Hi mass bridge, CS62 pickups, graphite rods in the neck…great bass.

[@cliffords2315]

@@suk4ed but so is its Resale value if you want to sell it, wait 5 years you can actualy sell it for more money than you paid, wait 10 years even more