The Fender Precision Bass: A Short History

[@numanuma20]

I found it so astonishing for a guy who never played guitar or bass ended making the biggest brand of guitar and bass that millions of players have used.

[@hottotty13]

That might be the magic. Us right siders need those left side brain peeps to create the tools to create. For now it’s still the most beautiful symbiotic relationship to create art in my opinion.

[@bunsenn5064]

@@hottotty13I don’t know, even as a musical person I still find the hardware side of things to be magical. I think Leo Fender was an electrical engineer and ergonomist more than anything, but even I can have an appreciation for it.

[@logopneumatika]

Long live King Leo!

[@smeagle3295]

It’s because he had the good sense to listen to the feedback of skilled musicians playing his instruments.

[@nurabsal0x018c]

Probably my most prized possession is my dad’s 1966 P-Bass… Such a great instrument to play, and a piece of history.

[@Tarik78671]

You are lucky to have such a beautiful thing man, keep it for the next generation

[@nurabsal0x018c]

@@Tarik78671 for sure!!

[@RickBeato]

I learned so much from this video! Thanks Hypes!!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Hypes. Can't wait for your Greatest Bass Intros video!

[@digthemusicman483]

Rick, what're you doing here man?

[@jakubshouseofrock7109]

it's great to hear that someone who's taught so much is still learning :)

[@dennisnashville7114]

Rick Beato! One of my favorites! 👍

[@koreanfriedchildren]

yeah man

[@jarodivey9033]

The P Bass is the very definition of "the most music from the least gear," in all the right ways. I bought one a few years back and it's been my sole bass since.

[@hedekbass]

In the plethora of affordable pedals world we live in, a P bass is all you need to get any sound want. With a POG and fuzz I’d dare anyone to guess what bass I’m playing.

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

It's the Tele of basses, simple, raw and highly usable.

[@faisaldhariwal1510]

I've owned the same p bass, my only one for over 20yrs. It's had a hard life in that time, back to back gigs. Still absolutely beautiful

[@philliphelbig579]

4:27: EADG is the standard tuning for the traditional upright bass, so probably not a marketing idea on the part of Fender.

[@JC-11111]

One of my favorite songs ever uses an upright bass. 'Please Be With Me' by Cowboy w/ Duane Allman. The crazy part is Scott said the only time they used an upright was to record the song and they had never used one again until the night Duane's daughters book was released by, the same name. They played the song at the reading she did, using an, upright bass. Scott Boyer made the comment that, it was the first time they had used one since they recorded the song.

[@artyom108]

That’s a good point. (Though EADG was not 100% standard for Double Basses, it was certainly the most common)

[@jts3339]

You are bassically correct.

[@flahoo2807]

Wonderful bass. I cannot wait for you to cover the jazz bass.

[@fivewattworld]

Well I've sort of been thinking that should be next. You know, while I'm in the Fender end of the pool.

[@wtfever2474]

I'm looking fwd to the Stingray myself. Tho I prefer a passive P bass in the studio, a Stingray in a live setting is equally tonal bliss.

[@kcapkcans]

I'm most looking forward to the Ibanez Iceman ep.

[@BurtonBoyz715]

Yeah....SHOULD be a matched set of HISTORIES....This was very good....

[@alfredschau8922]

Or you could do one on the jazzmaster...

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Everybody, in 1951: We already have a bass amp. The knobs go to "10." Leo Fender @ 5:40 With First Fender Bassman Amp: "These go to 12." Nigel Tufnel: "I'll buy ALL of them!!"

[@michaelhawthrone2184]

You have a great voice for narration. It would be cool if you could narrate books in the music genre... I'd listen.

[@chromocopia5773]

I'd listen to this guy read the driver's manual from an '82 LeSabre.

[@michaelhawthrone2184]

@@chromocopia5773 haha, I can't say that I wouldn't.

[@paytonbowling7259]

Yes

[@Absolutelywhack]

I would definitely buy this man a beer and chat about music and gear for hours.

[@paddydaddyo]

Every time I can’t sleep, I put this on and I am almost immediately cured of my insomnia ...

[@shunocarrda]

Gold medal for the amount of information per viewing time. No-nonsense Zero-gibberish quality video clip. Thank you!

[@jasons7222]

This man's moustache fills me with hope and happiness

[@liammc546]

I'm a drummer, but I bought a red squire P-bass on a whim for $200 15 years ago. Still love knocking about on it. Very professional video. Good narration.

[@noahr4951]

Your videos are seriously better than most of the stuff that gets put on TV. Please keep it up. Really great stuff.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Noah!

[@thaddeusfields4360]

I don’t understand how the P-Bass doesn’t have a bigger aura around it than the J-Bass. It is such a great instrument.

[@fivewattworld]

Amen brother!

[@thaddeusfields4360]

@@fivewattworld I got my daughter an American Professional ii Dark Night P-Bass. She LOVES it. I’m a pretty big fan too.

[@phipschi4255]

​@@thaddeusfields4360 great dad 🤝🏼 she still playing?

[@svenjansen2134]

P>J

[@momish392]

I own, and adore a P Bass. Thanks so much for teaching me some history on the P Bass :)

[@howlin6521]

The one "improvement" you didn't mention was when Duck Dunn put a Jazz Bass neck on a P body. It's truly the best of both worlds more so than adding a J pickup IMHO.

[@fivewattworld]

I had that in script as a common and popular mod but then had to cut it to get the time down. So thanks for sharing that here. Keith

[@cmstevens4684]

I've done this and you're right... never looked back.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

After playing the Epiphone P-bass duplicate that I owned from Feb. 1996 - June 2000, I can say the most tempting Fender or Squier version to me is that hybrid version with both the J-bass bridge pickup and the slimmer neck. I can play a traditional P-bass, but it’s not as comfy to me.

[@RedArrow73]

I agree with your premise, but another honorable mention would be Roger Glover of Deep Purple splicing a '51 neck onto a '62-era body, I believe for tonal reasons. I'm also led to believe a number of UK players did this.

[@lowendthrasher9297]

Definitely depends on the person. I went from p to jazz and back to p. I just couldn’t get used to the skinnier neck of the jazz, and I’m a dude with smaller hands. I’ve since sold the jazz and now have four p’s with a fifth on the way within the next few months!

[@charlesmanthy9697]

"Short" history? Seemed very concise and informative for a short history. You could say it was more precise.

[@georgewaters8592]

Tell you what, I've owned a bunch of electric basses over the years but nothing comes close to a nice old Fender P bass.... it's just something about the look and the sound that is just so rocking, especially when run through a coupe of Ampeg SVT's... So many great recordings and gigs were done with the Fender P bass, covering every kind of music too, to me it's the greatest electric bass guitar of them all, especially the 1962 !! I have a '68 that's 100% stock and a '77 that's got a Bad Ass bridge and Bartolini Pickups which definately gives the bass a little more zing, but still... those were common mods during the '80s. Thank you so much for producing this well made video.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Been waiting for this one for a while!! Thank you!! As always, well spoken and well presented!

[@fivewattworld]

Thank you! Hope it’s been worth the wait...

[@maynardmadsen8712]

So happy to see a new video Keith! Five watt world is my favorite channel.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Maynard. We've been moving (new "set" you probably noticed). But we're back now. Thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@manfredoliveras3196]

Can't wait to see the jazz bass chapter. Minimalist approach is essential in design. Thanks for the video.

[@manfredoliveras3196]

Must add, excellent documentary well presented and accurate. Very good material thanks again.

[@jltrem]

Great to see you, Keith. My 6V6 had grown cold waiting for a new FWW.

[@dgraves242]

Incredible history of the P-Bass and simultaneously of Rock. I learned so much!

[@JustinBrown25]

I checked the serial number on my p bass 1983 made in japan that I picked up for $50 thank you Lord.

[@jcrogers3854]

I have a 62 reissue Squire JV precision bass its my go to bass for everything ! Anything made in Japan from this period is incredible hang on to it !

[@ZRJZZZZZ]

You are a fine journalist as I’ve said before. Your pieces are very much like the bass that you presented, focused, directed, efficient and beautiful in a no-nonsense way. Good job.

[@Sven.Bornemark]

This is the best documentary I've seen in a long, long time. Thank you!! :-)

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Sven.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Jack Bruce played a Fender six string bass But wasn't comfortable with it.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

That Bass Six is on “I Feel Free”, @@toneyisaiah408. Didn’t Keith put in Five Watt World)s SG history that Jack stopped playing that and switched to the SG bass because he’d decked out the Bass Six in psychedelic colors that tarnished the sound?

[@telecasterbear]

Lesson learned. After all of the changes brought about by chasing fads, back to the basics is sought. Thanks for the lesson.

[@kingstumble]

The instrument that changed the sound of popular music. A genius invention. Thank you Leo.

[@shaunw9270]

Always looking forward to the next 5 Watt World video . This was superb as always , thank you 👍

[@silverdragon0000120]

Cool! I’ve always wanted a musicman stingray, a strandberg bass or a fender jazz bass.

[@cliffthelightning]

I have been playing guitar for more then 10 years, picked up a cheap p bass a month ago, i rolled the tone off and the volume at max and have not put it down for the last weeks. I love these basses.

[@CMFL77]

I think it would be great for Fender to officially partner with you. Couldn't think of anyone better to narrate the history of one of the most important & influential companies in music. With so many details still up for debate decades after the fact they could use you to tell the stories and also clear up things debated endlessly. Looking forward to the next FWW!

[@dopplebear9755]

I love these short histories! Thanks for putting these into the world. there isn't a dud in the bunch

[@MuscleDad420]

Worth mentioning that the covers, allegedly designed and included to aid in eliminating hum, were really designed for aesthetics. The sight of an electric pickup and intonatable bridge was considered a little unsightly when compared to Gibson's offerings. The misunderstanding comes by way of the horseshoe pickup "cover" on early Rickenbacker 4000-series basses, which was magnetically charged and aided in output.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Despite how there probably isn't enough information even for a short history of it, a Bass Six retrospective would rock. It's a misunderstood and unsung gem in the Fender catalog/history. It may not have been the pathfinder that the P-Bass and J-Bass have been, but it deserves honorable mention. Thank you for acknowledging Mr Sklar, Mr. Williams.

[@geofflb6537]

Apologies if it's been said before but in an interview last night on UK TV (Oct 2021) Sting referred to his 54 as his number 2 bass - his number 1 is his 57. Thanks for these histories, especially this one.

[@Funkybassplayer]

Hello there. My Fender polar white p bass with flats and bridge covers, I call him Buddy. Is my pride and joy. I’m a student of bass playing for a little more than two years now and it’s getting more and more joyful to play him. I’m a funk lover and old disco but Steely Dan is my favorite band to play along with. Only a few songs till now. Their bass lines are difficult to say the least. Good old Chuck Rainey 😁😁😁 This video gave me a lot of good information. Well done pal. ❤️ Greetings

[@fredherfst8148]

Nice job. Would love to see the checkered history of Rickenbacker basses. "I know you'd like one, but you'll have to wait. Oh, and we'll have worked out what didn't work so well over the next few decades". (I love my 2005 4003)😎

[@Surge_LaChance]

I really appreciate all your work. Your content is concise and clearly narrated. Makes me want to jam even more! Thanks!

[@ragingchimera8021]

Fantastic research and presentation... missed ya 5-Watt!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks man-Hope it’s worth the wait!

[@ragingchimera8021]

@@fivewattworld for sure, I can do a better job of geeking out with my bass player now : )

[@ScreaminT81]

In times like these, I am glad I have 5 Watt world videos to watch, along with other KZbinrs. Thank you Keith.

[@wedgenstein]

I've got a 60th Anniversary Precision that I've had for a couple of years , and it became my number 1 bass immediately... Not a reissue but is a "hybrid" model using some memorable features of the 60 year (at the time) run of the Pre bass... It's the most resonant bass I've ever owned, made of swamp ash and is a joy to play and listen to! Long live the P Bass!

[@peterlodman-slater8798]

Your videos are a godsend for anyone in the market for a vintage instrument

[@Cris2Lin]

Keith, another great video on the subject of the P-Bass. Your master class education on the topic is above par. Thank you for keeping them coming.

[@teddownum7428]

I love that Lionel Hampton had a role in the early history of the P-Bass. Well done, Hamp!

[@sonsauvage]

How could anyone dislike these videos? I just don't get it. The content delivers on the titles exactly, and in great yet concise detail, every time

[@44thenazz]

There's always some dickhead out there.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Because some people, who don’t know what they’re talking about and have never made a video in their lives, think they can do better.

[@gregoryrobertson6866]

I've got a 91 Blanda Pbass. The one with 22 frets and the longer upper horn and the Schaller micro tune bridge. That's why I'm always smiling! Great video. Great channel.

[@2357y1113]

Leo Fender is the Nikola Tesla of music.

[@hedekbass]

More like the Edison or Ford. Tesla was the genius who never achieved commercial success and peer recognition in his lifetime.

[@2357y1113]

@@hedekbass That's also a good comparison 🤔

[@poleckrzysztof]

@@hedekbass Ford is a great comparision :).

[@crisp9929]

I'd say the Henry Ford. He didn't invent the electric guitar - but he popularized it and mass produced it

[@drvee1983]

2357y1113 Now THAT is a great line!

[@hiramgonzalez1367]

Yes!!! I was waiting for this video. Thank you

[@fivewattworld]

First one to comment! Thank my friend...it’ll be worth the wait. Hope you like it.

[@AppleOno]

Like the Strat and Tele, the Fender Precision is a beautiful design with a perfect sound. Never been beat!

[@HughDeFrance]

Welcome back Keith! Hope the move was smooth and I hope this is the first of a lot more videos to come!

[@aaronpetri6224]

I think one very great variation of the P-Bass that you forgot is the cowpoke. Even though it is from the made in Mexico series, I would argue it is the best sounding P-Bass I have ever hear. They were only produced for a limited time, as a "Fender Precision Bass Special". The sound of the bass is just upright spectacular and I am glad to own one.

[@ryanhallwrites]

Truly a fascinating video. It's amazing how much modern music is still influenced by 60-year-old technology. Also thanks for the Rocco Prestia shoutout - one of my favorite musicians of all time right there.

[@johnqwerty7396]

Very interesting and complete video, looking forward to a Jazz bass video.

[@unfinishedworship3173]

Our bassist uses an American Professional II P-Bass. It’s the Dark Night reverse burst. Love the sound! Love the look!

[@brianstrawser5695]

I can't thank you enough for your content. Each one is so well thought out and informative. Please keep them coming.

[@edgarmatias]

The Precision Bass neck is essentially a Telecaster neck that’s been extended 5 frets longer (or lower) at the nut. You can see this by positioning the two necks side-by-side. Line up the first fret of a Tele/Strat neck with the 6th fret of a P/Jazz neck, and you’ll see that all the higher frets line up exactly. Leo probably just took the Tele neck and added more frets past the nut, until it sounded right for bass.

[@dongiovanni-m3i]

Nice. Team jazz myself but recognize the purity and beauty of the precision.

[@telecasterbear]

I am back to watch this again. I have just purchased a used 2020 fender professional precision bass, used. I have not owned a bass for about ten years. I want to keep up with bass as well as guitar. That will double my opportunity to fit into a band of retired folks like me. Thanks Keith.

[@timbowen2586]

Absolutely love your short history videos... not only a history of the instruments but also the players that played them is so cool also... It was so great you mentioned Pino Palidno, has such a killer bass player. Again thank you for all the knowledge and entertainment

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

I own a USA G&L LB-100 bass, which has all the qualities and charcteristics of the Fender P bass. I love it.

[@richardsidler]

Most excellent, well researched and inspiring video. Much thanks! 🙏🏻

[@ProfessorX931]

As a bass player who stumbled upon your guitar videos. I couldn't wait to start this video. You nailed it my man. Great job!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Cody.

[@ProfessorX931]

@@fivewattworld Ain't no thang. I'll be sure to recommend your videos to my guitar playing friends.

[@grantwalkersound]

I work for Fender and I learned things I didn't know in this video... and I have learned quite a bit having worked there for 6 years now... I'm going to share this with some of my co-workers. Extremely well done.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Grant

[@dawsonfradin9071]

Man, you have one of the coolest channels! I dig all the stuff you make man, this one was great.

[@dallasorr1794]

I love this... I play bass and just can't get enough of history about it. Thanks

[@davidjonorato3554]

Great Job Keith!!! Glad I could help out!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for everything Dave.

[@stevesmith1712]

Greetings from North East England. I enjoy your series and your philosophy - keep on keeping on, Keith.

[@scottstpierre]

Keith, I haven't even watched this vid yet and I'm very excited to be able to take this in later tonight. That's how much I look forward to your shows.

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Very good musical historical video, indeed! Thank you Keith.

[@brettthebassist]

The pickup design on the ‘57 says it all. Still used to this day.

[@JC-11111]

Man those things looked slick in 1956 when new, with that white guard and the plain chrome control plate. Wow! I never realized just how good they looked.

[@chrisbradshaw159]

Absolutely excellent as usual. Five Watt World is my favourite guitar/amp channel on KZbin. So well researched and presented.Thank you mate.

[@glenfougeron2823]

Hands down, One of the best channels on KZbin !

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Glen!

[@miramarensis]

Great video. These videos are so important for just bass players but anybody that appreciates what makes modern popular music what it is today. Keep up the great work!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks man!

[@lambsows4168]

my heart broke when you said "to this day" rest in Peace Dusty!

[@greatkingrat]

Hi there. I just wanted to let you know just how much I am enjoying this series...I have watched a good amount of them and I am not looking forward to it ending (perhaps watch them again I think). Your tone and speed is very easy to listen to. Absolutely brilliant series!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Dom!

[@raygunpyle]

Very informative....I am actually in the middle of building my first (parts) P Bass. I think the most interesting trivia from this video is how Fender didn't bother to update any promo material for a while since the bass was mainly unchanged for a number of years.

[@GDubyah]

Great video. Between your videos on minimizing setups/rigs to these documentary style videos they are all amazing and I feel I take something away each time I watch one. Keep up the amazing work.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Grant

[@reckless-ramblers]

My yellow '51 re-issue CIJ is one of those instruments you know you'll never part with. Maple neck & fretboard and flat wound strings it has played silky smooth for many years in a number of bands. Thank you Five Watt World for the great video.

[@brendanhay8838]

I love watching the transition from experimental builds to the first few performances with working instruments. History in the making. Outstanding work as always, sir.

[@shaalis]

Wonderful again. And I appreciate all the citation work you've done.

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

Amazing presentation, Keith. You never cease to amaze me with your attention to detail - so impressive. Thanks!

[@wa1ufo]

Great video! I wouldn't trade my Pbass for anything else. Beautiful looks and balls to the wall power and sound. Thanks!

[@holtphillip2451]

I never knew the history of the bass. Never had to do it,learn something new every day. Thanks for the info! My favorite channel!😎

[@paulmarshall4236]

So informative, interesting, and thorough. Fun, too. Thanks

[@dmccombe7]

Excellent history lesson and great presentation. Looking forward to the Jazz version now. Many thanks for making and asharing with us all.

[@SteveWatsonMusic]

Thorough and insightful! Thank you for posting this.

[@Roomer645]

By FAR the best piece on The Pbass that i have seen on KZbin in all these years. Very very well done !! Hats off and making a Bow.

[@fivewattworld]

Thank you Sergio!

[@geerhoar]

Thank Leo for the 34” scale!! I love the P body with a deep, narrow, Jazz neck.

[@onnodejong4702]

Hi Keith, your video's are always so informative and pleasant tot watch. Thanks and keep it up!!

[@tonycarel1785]

Thanks for the awesome history lesson!! Very well done!! Have listened to it a least 3 times now. Thank you for your hard work of putting this together. As a bass player means a lot!!

[@edc3093]

Keith, Wow!! This is great. It is the first and best review of the Fender Precision Bass I've heard. It is also great to see you back doing the 5WW. Please keep those videos coming!

[@JasonChannell]

Good to have you you back Keith. We were getting worried.

[@fivewattworld]

Just moving house Jason. But thanks for the concern. Working on the Jazz bass next. Thanks for watching man. Keith

[@JasonChannell]

@@fivewattworld no worries. I still bought a DGT because of your video and love it. An EJ Strat may be next. :)

[@aaronchilds4279]

I love your channel's content and its mission. I get excited when each new video pops up in my notifications. Thanks!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Aaron!

[@clayz1]

I’ve learned more about music from KZbin, including all my old favorites from the sixties on. Amazing.

[@tomshaug]

in the exhausting world of over promising and under delivering, Keith Williams is the very best at understated excellent work, this piece exceptional as always

[@fivewattworld]

My wife says “damn straight Tom!”

[@Knightmare-gz9ls]

Another fantastic lesson Keith 👍. Not a bass player at all but still love the knowledge and nerding out on gear. Keep up great work and hope you are settled in. As always your friend from Northeast P.A.

[@8981USMC]

Excellent mini documentary. Thank you

[@themusicindustrialcomplex]

I wish all KZbin videos were as well researched and produced as this video. Thank you!