For many bass players, choosing between Jazz or Precision models is a fundamental decision, the kind you make at the start of your learning journey and never waver from. If you've opted for the iconic finesse of a Precision bass, then you're in for a treat. In this guide we're rounding up the best Precision bass models you can buy right now.
Typically equipped with a split single-coil pickup, Precision basses deliver a focused, defined tone that lays the foundation for countless musical genres. With its robust neck and solid build, it's a go-to option for players seeking durability and stability.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top-notch Precision bass styles across various price ranges, even throwing in a few non-Fender alternatives. With so many other manufacturers joining Fender in the P-bass market, it does mean that even if you’re sold on a P-bass, there is still a lot of choice, with bountiful options for beginners and seasoned pros alike, delivering slightly different variations on the classic, punchy P-bass sound.
With our list, you can find the best Precision basses across all budgets, so scroll on and find out the best P-basses available right now.
Best Precision bass: Guitar World recommends
In much the same way the sugar-free version pales in comparison to the full-fat version of your favorite drink, there’s just nothing quite like the Fender American Ultra Precision Bass. Featuring selectable active and passive EQ controls, an additional Jazz Bass style bridge pickup, and a super comfortable modern ‘D’ neck profile, this really is the ultimate Precision Bass.
We also have to shout out the Sire Marcus Miller P8 which comes equipped with parts approved by the man himself, including the bridge, preamp, and a fantastic feeling rolled edge roasted maple neck. The combination of top-tier build quality and reasonable price point make this a fantastic Precision Bass for regularly gigging players.
Best Precision bass: Product guide
It used to be that buying a Squier was what you did if you couldn’t afford a full-fat Fender. Not any more. For our money, the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass is one of the best pound-for-dollar models you can get.
It boasts the same iconic shape as the more expensive models and marries it up with levels of build quality and attention to detail that far exceed what you’d expect for the price. The neck is a standout area of this bass, with a vintage C-shape providing comfortability that will please both beginners and pros. The gloss finish on the neck may not be for everyone, but provides a stunning aged look, which we really like.
We’ve seen plenty of players snap a Classic Vibe up as a studio buddy or as a backup for taking out on the road. However you’ll use it, we can assure you this is a serious bass guitar and one we can’t recommend highly enough.
It’s understandable if you are absolutely set on having a Fender P-Bass, but the reality for many is that the majority of basses featuring that legendary headstock are out of reach.
The Fender Player II Precision Bass might just change that reality. As the entry point into Fender’s Precision Bass line, coming in at a more palatable price, you would be forgiven for thinking that it wouldn’t be a full-fat Fender, but the detail is just as good as you would hope.
Rolled fretboard edges make playing this really easy, an uncommon feature in bass guitars at this price point. The overwound Alnico V P-Bass pickup offers bite, with ample low end that punches through a mix fantastically.
The color options are very appealing, too, with ‘coral red’ and ‘birch green’ our favorites, though you do have to pay extra for some finishes. The only potential downfall of the Player II Precision Bass is that it sits in a pretty competitive price bracket, though it always holds the trump card of being a genuine Fender.
If you’re a more advanced player looking for a high-quality Precision bass you can invest some serious money in, then the Fender American Ultra Precision makes for an obvious option. Obvious in that it’s Fender’s flagship (excluding Custom Shop models) P-Bass, with a host of noteworthy features. We like the choice of alder for the body as it makes it lightweight to play, while the Ultra Noiseless bridge pickup sounded frankly incredible.
With a list price of over $2k, this isn’t the everyman option, but if you’re looking for the best Fender has to offer then this one has to be right up there.
Read the full Fender American Ultra Precision Bass review
The Sire Marcus Miller P8 bass guitar is a real gem. It's a product of the collaboration between Marcus Miller and Sire Guitars, and wow, have they hit the mark. With its premium swamp ash body and roasted maple neck, the P8 delivers a rich and resonant sound that's pure ear candy. Thanks to the Marcus Miller Super PJ Revolution pickups, this beauty covers a vast tonal range, from velvety vintage vibes to punchy modern tones. It's like having a whole arsenal of sounds at your fingertips.
Crafted with precision and attention to detail, it offers exceptional tone, remarkable playability, and the stamp of Marcus Miller's expertise. Whether you're a pro or an enthusiastic bass lover, the P8 is guaranteed to impress.
While not strictly designated as a P-Bass, the Music Man Sterling Sub Series Ray4 is a great ‘precision-adjacent’ bass for the money. It's got a classic StingRay look and tone, with a basswood body, maple neck, and maple or jatoba fingerboard. It's also got a 9V active preamp, a low-noise humbucking pickup, and a fully adjustable heavy-duty bridge which gives great sustain.
The Ray4 is a versatile bass that can handle a wide range of genres, from rock and funk to jazz and R&B. It's also great value for the price, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced players. If you're looking for a great bass that won't break the bank, the Music Man Sterling Sub Series Ray4 is a great option.
The Sandberg California II range offers hugely versatile P-styles that can handle a wide range of musical genres. It comes in a selection of different finishes, pickup combinations and even scale lengths, and has a comfortable, modern C-shaped maple neck with a roasted maple fingerboard. Our preferred pickup combination sees it equipped with two Delano pickups (a P-style neck pickup and a bridge humbucker).
Overall the California II VS has a well-balanced sound that is both punchy and articulate. It can be used for anything from slap and funk to rock and metal. If you're looking for a versatile and high-quality bass guitar, the Sandberg California II VS is definitely worth your attention.
The StingRay is one of the most popular bass models of all time, and the Ray34 captures its signature sound perfectly. It has a big, bold sound that cuts through the mix, but it's also versatile enough to play a variety of genres. For our money, the roasted maple neck is one of the best features of the Ray34. It's smooth, fast, and very stable, making it a joy to play. We also loved the 3-band active preamp, which provides plenty of tonal control.
Overall, the Music Man Sterling Stingray Ray34 is a great bass for any player. It has a classic sound, a comfortable neck, and plenty of tonal control. If you're looking for a great bass to start your collection, the Ray34 is easy to recommend.
The Lakland Vintage P-style Skyline Bass is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and tonal versatility. With its sleek design and high-quality components, this bass offers a premium playing experience. It features a vintage-style split-coil pickup that delivers rich, warm tones reminiscent of classic P-style basses. The well-balanced neck and comfortable body shape provide excellent playability, making it suitable for various musical genres. The solid construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Overall, the Lakland Vintage P style Skyline Bass combines timeless aesthetics, remarkable sound and reliable build quality, making it a worthwhile investment for intermediate bass players stepping up towards professional-grade instruments.
We couldn't have a list of the best precision basses and not include the wonderful instruments of Roger Sadowsky. Now, while we would have loved to have included one of the company's custom-made basses, as these are a little out of reach for the average working musician, we've decided to opt for the German-made MetroLine instead.
This contemporary bass takes the classic P-bass design and elevates it to new heights, resulting in an extremely lightweight, superbly versatile bass that’s a joy to play.
Featuring a swamp ash body, 34" maple neck with 12" fingerboard radius and Sadowsky's famous active bass and treble boost, there isn't a sound this bass can't do!
Pioneers in the hard rock and metal guitar space, Charvel actually makes some of the best basses for metal, and the Pro-Mod San Dimas proves why. With its sleek alder body and extremely thin maple neck, this P-style bass is designed for speed and extreme playing.
The tonal heart of this bold P-bass is a set of DiMarzio pickups. This bass features the Model J at the bridge and Model P in the middle, delivering the low-end power you expect from a Precision Bass and the bright attack from a Jazz Bass.
A Charvel HiMass bridge, Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut, open-gear tuners, Luminlay side dots, and a 3-band active EQ continue the Pro-Mod's impressive spec list.
Read our full Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas PJ V review
Unlike the L-2000, Kilpton, or JB-2, the LB-100 is a more traditional take on the P-style design that Leo was so proud of. First hitting the scene in the late '90s, the LB-100 has been a stable of the G&L catalog and is particularly popular among Precision enthusiasts.
We are big fans of the Tribute Series here at Guitar World, as these instruments are effortless to play, very affordable and always impeccably finished.
Featuring a lightweight poplar body, vintage tint satin neck with maple fingerboard and black block inlays, alnico split-coil pickup and G&L Saddle-Lock bridge, it's pretty hard to find a better p-bass at this price point.
The Squier Sonic Precision Bass features just about everything you could want in a P-Bass, but presented at a price point that makes it attainable to even those on the strictest budget.
Coming in several classic colorways, the Sonic Precision bass has understated but smart looks that compliment its classy feel, with a slim C-shape neck, and thin body, making it immensely comfortable and ideal for beginners. Many retailers will sell this bass as part of a package too, though Squier don’t offer one themselves and it does not come with a soft case as standard.
For a budget bass guitar, the open gear tuners feel fairly robust and the 4-saddle bridge with adjustable intonation does the job well, however these would be areas that are worth considering an upgrade. As a first bass, however, it’s really hard to look any further.
Best Precision bass: Buying advice
How to choose the best Precision bass for you
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Precision bass recipe has been revised and improved over the years, but in general, it has remained largely the same since inception and most versions from most manufacturers don’t deviate too far from that recipe, which makes it that much more difficult to separate models.
If cost is your prime motivator, then the good news is that even budget P-Basses can fulfill the classic tones you’re looking for, though they may fall down in areas such as build quality and hardware. A safe bet is looking at mid-tier models, such as Mexican-made Fenders - e.g. Player Series P-Bass - or Sire’s extensive range of P-Bass models, which should cater for even serious bassists, without busting the bank.
If money is no object, there is no shortage of options on the high-end P-Bass market, where specific electronics, hardware, and finishes become much more bespoke, and you may even be able to specify your own options.
Whilst guitarists may like to think they take the crown, all bassists know deep down that we are the coolest members of the band, so having a bass that looks just as cool is crucial. Fortunately, even the most affordable bass guitars can come in great colors, such as the Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Precision Bass, which comes in a truly awesome 3-Color Sunburst with red scratchplate, or, our personal favorite, Olympic White with red scratchplate. If you want even more options, jump up to the Fender Player II Precision bass line and unlock choices including ‘Hialeah Yellow’ and ‘Aquatone Blue’.
A final consideration is whether you may find use in investing in a 5-string bass guitar, giving you an extra level of versatility. Most manufacturers will offer at least one 5-string P-Bass model in their range, however options may be more limited, so it is worth considering this early on in your decision-making process.
P-bass pickups
One of the main differences lies in the pickup configuration. The Precision Bass features a split single-coil pickup; this distinction affects the tonal characteristics of each bass. The P-Bass delivers a focused and powerful low end with a punchy midrange, making it an excellent choice for genres like metal, blues, and country. Its single-pickup design provides a straightforward and classic tone that cuts through the mix with clarity and definition.
Which other brands make Precision-style basses?
In terms of brands beyond Fender, there are reputable options worth exploring. Music Man offers high-quality Precision Bass models with its own unique twists, often favored for their craftsmanship and playability. Other brands like G&L, Sire and Strandberg provide excellent alternatives that maintain the essence of the P-Bass while adding their own sonic characteristics and design elements.
How much should I spend on a Precision bass?
When considering price ranges, it's important to note the differences between inexpensive and expensive models. Inexpensive P-Bass guitars generally feature more affordable components and materials, resulting in a budget-friendly option without compromising on the iconic P-Bass sound.
There might, however, be questions about the durability and reliability of their electronics. On the other hand, higher-end models offer superior craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, advanced electronics, and enhanced hardware. These upgrades translate into increased durability, better tonal versatility, and overall playing comfort. If you're a professional musician or someone seeking a lifelong instrument, investing in a higher-priced P-Bass can provide a rewarding playing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between a Precision Bass and a Jazz Bass depends on your musical preferences and the genres you intend to play. If you crave the foundational power and focus of a classic bass sound, the P-Bass is an excellent choice. Its versatility extends across various genres like rock, blues, and country. However, if you desire a broader tonal palette and more flexibility in your playing, the J-Bass is worth considering, particularly for jazz, funk, fusion, and modern styles. Exploring different brands and price ranges will help you find the ideal Precision Bass that aligns with your musical aspirations, budget, and personal playing preferences.
How we choose the best Precision basses for this guide
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best Precision basses available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best Precision basses on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Related buyer's guides
- Best bass strings: Optimize your tone and feel
- Best bass amps: low-end amplification options for bassists
“This bridge is a work of art”: Tim Commerford’s new Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay is a love letter to the pawnshop bass that shaped the first Rage record – and it’s uniquely primed for his playing style
“Blends Shergold’s rich bass heritage with contemporary appeal”: Shergold’s new Telstar Bass repackages one of the firm’s best electric designs of recent years into a low-end format
