#Japan #Tokyo #Fender #anniversary collection #Precision Bass

Celebrating 75 Years of the Precision Bass

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), based in California, has unveiled the '75th Anniversary Precision Bass Collection' to honor the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant bass guitars in history, the Precision Bass®. Alongside this collection, they have released an original video series titled 'Lowdown on the Low End', featuring celebrated bassists discussing the allure of the Precision Bass.

“I've tried other basses, but there’s nothing quite as balanced as the 'P Bass'. It feels like part of my body.” – Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

The 1950s witnessed the flourishing of big bands, making it difficult for upright basses to provide sufficient volume. In response, founder Leo Fender developed the Precision Bass in 1951, incorporating the design principles of the Telecaster while introducing a double-cutaway body to enhance playing balance. This creation marked the beginning of mass-produced electric bass guitars, significantly altering the landscape of music history.

While the Telecaster featured a single-cutaway design, the Precision Bass's double-cutaway body included two sharp angles, a practical innovation aimed at improving the balance of its longer and heavier neck. This bold silhouette made a significant impact and served as a direct inspiration for the Stratocaster’s body shape just a few years later.

By the 1960s, the Precision Bass had become a staple in studios and on stages. Brian Wilson favored this model, making its sound a recognizable part of The Beach Boys’ songs. Moreover, legendary session musicians like James Jamerson and Carol Kaye played it in numerous Motown hits, further bolstering the Precision Bass's popularity amid the rock 'n' roll explosion. Esteemed bassists such as John Entwistle, Dee Dee Ramone, Roger Waters, and Geezer Butler propelled the bass into a more aggressive and energetic era, proving its enduring presence even alongside distorted guitars, booming drums, and powerful vocals.

Today, the Precision Bass still holds a crucial position in modern music, cherished by top bassists like Mike Dirnt from Green Day, Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses, Nate Mendel of Foo Fighters, Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Pino Palladino, and Tony Franklin.

Justin Norvell, Fender's Chief Product Officer, commented, “The Precision Bass has not only changed the sound of bass guitars but has also expanded the possibilities of popular music. Even after 75 years, its legacy continues to evolve. We aim to celebrate this narrative through the ensemble of models in our 75th Anniversary collection, which represent both the instrument's legendary history and its innovative future.”

The '75th Anniversary Precision Bass Collection' consists of three globally produced models inspired by the journey of the Precision Bass, from its unique offerings to industry standards, alongside two Japanese models. Each limited edition model harmonizes classic Fender designs with contemporary elements, offering players endless possibilities across genres, styles, and skill levels.

• - The '75th Anniversary American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass® features an ash body, nitrocellulose lacquer, and a powerful single-coil pickup, exuding a retro charm reminiscent of the original model.
• - The '75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass® boasts a flame maple top, smooth rounded fretboard edges, a “supernatural” satin finish, and jazz bass pickups, epitomizing the essence of the Precision Bass.
• - Lastly, the '75th Anniversary Player II Precision Bass® incorporates an eye-catching Diamond Dust Sparkle finish, rich and smooth low-end, and the outstanding Thunderbolt™ Precision Bass® pickups, embodying Fender's modern craftsmanship through its beauty and practicality.

To commemorate the launch, Fender released a special video series titled 'Lowdown On The Low End', which delves into the lives of various artists. This four-part series features iconic players currently using the Precision Bass, gathering at the renowned Sound City studio in Los Angeles to engage in discussions covering various topics related to the Precision Bass. Through interviews, jam sessions, and anecdotes, these artists share their unique experiences and insights about the instrument.

Featured Artists in the Series:

• - Lee Sklar, Freddie Washington, Bob Glaub, and Steve Ferrone: They discuss the transformative shift from upright to electric bass and the Precision Bass's ongoing relevance in studios and tours today.
• - Geezer Butler and Nate Mendel: With a warm, documentary-like intimacy, they share how the Precision Bass has influenced their playing styles and soundscapes.
• - Matt Freeman, Justin Bibbona, and Jesse Bibbona: This trio dives into their touring experiences, studio work, and the evolution of iconic bass lines.
• - Tal Wilkenfeld and Steve Ferrone: Tal showcases her rare vintage Precision Basses, explaining their features and the impact they have on sound as they jam together.

Join the celebration and explore the legacy of the Precision Bass with this unique collection, available at Fender Flagship Tokyo and the official Fender online shop as well as authorized dealers nationwide.

Product Lineup:

• - 75th Anniversary American Vintage II 1951 Precision Bass® (Approx. Price: ¥473,000 incl. tax)
• - 75th Anniversary American Professional PJ Bass® (Approx. Price: ¥462,000 incl. tax)
• - 75th Anniversary Player II Precision Bass® (Approx. Price: ¥181,500 incl. tax)
• - Made in Japan Limited 75th Anniversary 1951 P Bass® (Approx. Price: ¥330,000 incl. tax)
• - Made in Japan Limited 75th Anniversary Hybrid II P Bass® (Approx. Price: ¥220,000 incl. tax)

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation has been revolutionizing music and culture since its inception in 1946. With brands like FENDER®, SQUIER®, GRETSCH®, and others under its umbrella, FMIC exemplifies an approach centered around players, delivering high-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. As it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2026, FMIC carries on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, connecting players through their shared love of music.