The Precision Bass is the instrument that invented the electric bass guitar, and seventy years later it’s still the most recorded bass in history. The Player II Precision Bass carries that legacy into 2024 at $799 with an updated Alnico V split-coil pickup, rolled fretboard edges (a first for a Mexican-made P Bass), and the same bulletproof simplicity that’s made the P Bass the default choice for working bassists across every genre. One pickup, one volume, one tone — and more bass tone than most players will ever need.
If you’re looking for your first serious bass or upgrading from a Squier, the Player II P Bass is the obvious choice. If you’re a working pro who needs a reliable backup or a beater for bar gigs, it’s equally compelling at this price.
Bottom Line: The Player II Precision Bass is the best Mexican-made P Bass Fender has ever shipped — the rolled fretboard edges and improved pickup make it feel and sound closer to American-made models than any previous Player series bass.
Full Specs: Fender Player II Precision Bass
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder, gloss polyester finish |
| Neck | Maple, Modern “C” profile, satin urethane finish on back |
| Fingerboard | Maple or Rosewood, 9.5″ radius, 20 medium jumbo frets, rolled edges |
| Nut | Synthetic bone, 1.625″ (41.3mm) |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico V Split-Coil P Bass |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle Standard |
| Tuners | Standard open-gear |
| Scale Length | 34″ |
| Weight | 8-9 lbs |
| Finish Options | Black, 3-Color Sunburst, Polar White, Coral Red, Aquatone Blue, Hialeah Yellow |
| Street Price | $799 USD |
| Country of Origin | Mexico (Ensenada) |
The Player Series Alnico V split-coil pickup is the heart of this bass, and Fender got it right. Alnico V magnets produce sweet highs, punchy mids, and deep lows — the classic P Bass thump that sits perfectly in a band mix without needing EQ surgery at the board. Compared to the ceramic magnets found in some budget P Basses, the Alnico V delivers a more musical, less harsh top end while maintaining the low-end authority that makes a P Bass a P Bass.
The rolled fretboard edges are the most noticeable upgrade over the original Player series. This feature was previously exclusive to American-made Fender basses, and having it on a $799 instrument is significant. It makes the neck feel broken-in and comfortable from the first time you pick it up — no sharp fret ends, no uncomfortable edge when you wrap your thumb over the top.
The control layout is pure P Bass simplicity: one volume knob, one tone knob. Some players wish for more tonal flexibility, but the P Bass’s strength has always been its focus. You plug in, roll the tone knob to taste, and play. The bass does one thing, and it does it better than almost anything else at any price.
Who Is the Player II Precision Bass For?
The P Bass is the universal bass guitar. It works for rock, country, R&B, funk, punk, metal, worship, and jazz. If you’re a bassist who plays in multiple projects or covers a wide range of genres, a P Bass is the one instrument that will never sound wrong in any context. The Player II version gives you that versatility at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.
For beginning and intermediate bassists, the Player II P Bass is the smart upgrade path. The rolled fretboard edges and Modern C neck make it physically easier to play than most basses in this price range, and the Alnico V pickup delivers a tone that’s immediately usable without needing aftermarket upgrades.
For gigging professionals who need a reliable workhorse, the Player II P Bass is tough enough for bar gigs and festivals without the anxiety of taking a $1,500+ American-made bass into dodgy venues. Many working pros keep a Mexican P Bass as their primary gigging instrument and save the American for studio work.
✓ PROS
- Rolled fretboard edges — previously an American-series feature — make the neck supremely comfortable
- Alnico V split-coil delivers the classic P Bass thump that sits perfectly in any mix
- Simple volume/tone controls mean zero decision paralysis and maximum reliability
- Six color options including eye-catching Coral Red and Aquatone Blue
- $799 price undercuts most serious competitors significantly
✗ CONS
- Single pickup limits tonal range — no bridge pickup option for growly solo tones
- Standard open-gear tuners feel dated at this price — locking tuners would be welcome
- 8-9 lbs can feel heavy during long gigs without a wide padded strap
How Does It Compare?
Against the Player II Jazz Bass ($829), the P Bass has a wider nut (1.625″ vs. 1.5″), a thicker neck feel, and a single split-coil pickup vs. the Jazz’s two single-coils. The P Bass delivers more low-end thump and punch; the Jazz Bass offers more tonal flexibility and a slimmer neck. Most bassists eventually own one of each.
Compared to the American Performer Precision Bass (~$1,150), the Player II saves $350 but gives up the Yosemite pickup, Greasebucket tone circuit, and USA manufacturing. The Performer is a meaningful upgrade, but the Player II’s rolled fretboard edges narrow the gap in playability.
Against the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass (~$449), the Player II costs $350 more but delivers better pickups, rolled fretboard edges, and improved fretwork. The Classic Vibe is excellent for its price, but the Player II is the step up that serious bassists will appreciate.
Pricing and Availability
The Fender Player II Precision Bass is widely available at $799 USD at all major retailers. It’s a regular production model with extensive color and fingerboard options in stock.
Is the Fender Player II Precision Bass worth it?
Absolutely. At $799, the Player II P Bass delivers rolled fretboard edges (previously American-only), an excellent Alnico V pickup, and the same bulletproof P Bass design that’s been the industry standard since 1951. It’s the best value in Precision Basses right now and a legitimate professional instrument.
What’s the difference between the Player II P Bass and the original Player P Bass?
The Player II adds rolled fretboard edges, an updated Alnico V pickup, improved finish quality, and new color options. The neck profile is refined and the overall build quality is a step up. The core design and price point remain similar, but the Player II feels noticeably more refined in hand.
Should I get a Precision Bass or a Jazz Bass?
If you want a fat, thumpy tone that sits effortlessly in a band mix with minimal fuss, get the P Bass. If you want more tonal versatility, a slimmer neck, and the ability to blend between two pickups for different tones, get the Jazz Bass. Most working bassists eventually own both.
Where is the Fender Player II Precision Bass made?
It’s made at Fender’s Ensenada, Mexico factory. The Player II series has consistently impressed reviewers with build quality that approaches American-made standards, particularly with the addition of rolled fretboard edges on this generation.
The Precision Bass doesn’t need a sales pitch — it’s been the world’s most popular bass guitar for seven decades. The Player II version simply makes the entry price more attractive than ever while closing the quality gap with American-made models. If you need a P Bass and don’t want to spend $1,500+, this is the one to buy. It’s that simple.