Fender electric bass: an overview of the models

Fender electric basses have been influencing the global music scene since the 1950s. The P- and J-Bass are the manufacturer’s flagship models.

Fender electric bass: the classics in detail

Fender not only makes electric guitars, but has also been producing electric basses with solid bodies since 1951, which were intended to replace the hollow body or acoustic models that were primarily used. The manufacturer has achieved this with the P- and J-Bass.

• The Precision Bass laid the foundation for Fender electric basses, developed by Leo Fender himself. The P-Bass was launched in 1951 and the style of the body is reminiscent of the Telecaster, only slightly larger and with a significantly longer neck.

• The sound is described as “chunky”, deep and penetrating due to the solid body in combination with the split-coil humbucker. For this reason, the P-Bass was able to establish itself in almost all music genres, especially rock, blues, punk, pop and metal. Well-known players are Steve Harris, Roger Waters and Monk Montgomery.

• The Jazz Bass was released about ten years later than the P-Bass and was designed primarily for jazz music. The thinner saddle and the two single-coil pickups, which can be adjusted individually, allow for more virtuoso playing. The asymmetrical body is a typical distinguishing feature of the model.

• The sound is a bit duller and more focused on the lows than the mid-range P-Bass. This makes it popular in jazz, funk, punk and even metal music. Paul McCartney, Jaco Pastorius and Marcus Miller are just a few of the bassists who use the model.

• Note: You can get the Jazz Bass or P-Bass from Fender’s own Squier brand at significantly lower prices. These basses are therefore ideal as entry-level or transition models.

Fender electric bass: Other well-known models

Not only the P- and J-Bass are among the models from Fender. There are other electric basses that are characteristic of the musical instrument manufacturer.

• Inspired by the guitar model of the same name, the Mustang bass stands out due to its shorter 30-inch scale length, which offers comfortable playability for beginners. It offers a warm and direct sound and is often used in the genres of electronic, disco and rock.
• The Jaguar is an electric bass modeled on the design of the Jaguar electric guitar. It can be compared sonically to a J-Bass, but the advanced electronics offer a more individual sound. This makes it popular in rock, punk and metal music and it is played by Troy Sanders or Mark Hoppus.
• The Bass VI is an exclusively six-string model with a fairly thin neck and a shorter scale length. The bass offers a significantly different sound from classic models and uses three single-coil pickups for a clearer tone. The Beatles and The Cure are among the bands that used the bass because it was easy to switch from the electric guitar.