The Fender Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass guitar is a high quality, affordable version of Fender's iconic Precision Bass guitar, first created in 1951. This bass guitar embodies the spirit and sound of the original Precision Bass that helped create the distinctive sound of rock and roll while adding some modern updates for today's bass players.

With its alder body, C-shaped maple neck, and vintage-style split single coil pickup, the Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass can produce a wide range of classic bass tones perfect for many genres of music like rock, blues, country, and alternative. Its comfortable "1950s-type" neck profile and 9.5" fretboard radius make it an ideal choice for both experienced bassists and beginners alike. Quality components and construction, combined with its affordable price point around $400 USD, make the Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass an excellent value that punches above its weight for a bass guitar in the sub-$500 range.

History of the Precision Bass

The Fender Precision Bass has its roots in the original electric bass guitar designed by Leo Fender in 1951. Widely considered the first mass-produced electric bass guitar, the Precision Bass completely transformed both the bass and guitar world.

Prior to the Precision Bass, the upright double bass was the primary bass instrument used in jazz and popular music. However, the double bass had its limitations - it was large, awkward to transport, and difficult to amplify with the technology of the time.

Leo Fender recognized the need for an electric bass that could overcome the limitations of the upright bass. By adopting elements of his revolutionary Telecaster electric guitar design, Fender created a solid-body electric bass that produced a clear amplified tone.

The original Precision Bass featured several innovations that contributed to its rich tone and playability. It had a solid slab ash body bolted to a maple neck - a construction method that allowed the instrument to sustain notes longer. The split-coil pickup design gave it a focused punchy midrange tone. And the fretted neck allowed for precise intonation.

When it was unveiled in 1951, the Precision Bass immediately caught on with musicians and changed popular music. It became a staple instrument for jazz, blues, country, and early rock bands. The basic Precision Bass design remains largely unchanged today and has influenced countless other electric bass designs over the past 70 years.

One popular electric bass guitar that was influenced by the Precision Bass is the Ibanez GRX 6 GRX70QATVT. This affordable 6-string bass guitar from Ibanez's GRX series provides the legendary tone and playability of a Fender Precision Bass at a fraction of the cost. It features a solid agathis body, a comfortable maple neck, and two Ibanez Infinity R pickups for a wide range of bass tones.

Like the original Precision Bass, the Ibanez GRX 6 GRX70QATVT has a bolt-on neck design for great sustain and easy maintenance. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard feel smooth and fast for effortless playing. And the two pickups provide a focused midrange tone, just like the Precision Bass.

While it pays homage to the pioneering Precision Bass, the Ibanez GRX 6 GRX70QATVT adds modern enhancements like a slimmer neck profile, 6-string versatility, and updated electronics. This makes it an ideal electric bass for new players looking for the classic Precision Bass experience on a budget.

The introduction of the Precision Bass in 1951 opened the floodgates for countless bass guitar designs over the past 70+ years. But despite the new technologies and options available today, the core Precision Bass template remains foundational. Models like the Ibanez GRX 6 GRX70QATVT show that Leo Fender's original electric bass design is still influential and highly playable decades later.

Build Quality

The Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass nails the iconic look, sound and vibe of Fender's original Precision Bass guitars in a very affordable package. The attention to detail in the build quality makes this bass feel like a premium instrument.

The body is made from solid alder, which gives the bass a balanced and clear tone. Alder is a lightweight wood that resonates well, allowing the bass to project with a nice sustain. The smooth polyurethane finish on the body has an excellent gloss that looks great while also being thin enough to not dampen vibrations.

The maple neck has a comfortable "C"-shaped profile that feels fast and smooth during play. The fretwork is very well done, with leveled frets and smoothly finished fret ends. The Indian laurel fingerboard is beautifully dark and contrasts nicely with the maple. The nut width measures 1.5", which provides room for playing while still fitting nicely in the hand.

Overall the materials used on the Classic Vibe Precision Bass are excellent quality. The fit and finish is precise and clean. For an import-made instrument, the build quality rivals Fender's American-made Precision Basses that can cost twice as much or more. This is a testament to Squier's refined manufacturing processes.

The Cordoba C9 is a high-quality nylon string acoustic-electric guitar with pro-level features, tone and playability. It has a solid Canadian cedar top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides for a rich, warm sound. The mahogany neck provides stability and sustain while the ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability. This guitar utilizes a dual-source pickup and preamp system that accurately captures the C9's lush nylon-string tone. Premium appointments like gold Gotoh tuners and an ebony bridge further enhance the look, feel and tone. With its excellent craftsmanship, premium tonewoods and electronics, the Cordoba C9 06512 delivers an outstanding playing experience comparable to models costing much more.

The build quality of the Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass is truly impressive for the price. The use of quality tonewoods like alder and maple allow the bass to have excellent resonance and sustain. Details like the fretwork, nut width and neck profile are all well-executed. This attention to detail in manufacturing results in a bass that feels solid and plays smoothly. For guitarists seeking the iconic Fender Precision Bass tone and experience without spending a fortune, the Classic Vibe '50s P-Bass delivers in spades.

The Cordoba C9 matches high-end appointments with meticulous craftsmanship. It starts with premium solid tonewoods that provide excellent resonance, volume and clarity. The neck is stable and smooth thanks to quality mahogany construction. Little details like the ebony bridge and gold tuners enhance the look while also improving tone and tuning stability. The preamp and pickup accurately convey the C9's rich nylon-string sound. Every aspect of this guitar has been carefully considered to offer pro-level quality and playability.

Playability

The Classic Vibe Precision Bass has excellent playability thanks to its comfortable C-shaped neck profile, 9.5" radius fingerboard, and well-balanced weight.

The C-shaped neck has a smooth, slim taper that feels fast and allows easy access to the higher frets. It's a very playable neck shape that accommodates different hand sizes. The fingerboard is made of pau ferro which has a feel and tone similar to rosewood. It has a modern 9.5" radius which provides a great compromise between vintage and modern radii for comfortable chording and soloing.

Despite its vintage styling, the bass weighs in at a very reasonable 8.6 lbs. The contoured body and forearm cut allow the bass to balance nicely whether playing seated or standing. The weight is light enough to play for extended periods without fatigue, yet still substantial enough to keep the bass stable on a strap.

The Classic Vibe Precision Bass's comfortable neck profile, smooth fingerboard, and well-balanced body make it an exceptionally playable and ergonomic bass. The neck shape, fingerboard radius, and overall weight work together to create an instrument that feels great in the hands.

Sound Quality of the Fender Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass

The sound is one of the most critical components of any bass guitar. Fender aimed to replicate the iconic tone of their vintage Precision Basses in the Squier Classic Vibe model.

Pickups

The Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass is equipped with a split single-coil pickup in the mid position that provides that distinctive Fender growl and punch. The pickup utilizes alnico magnets and enamel coated wire to produce a warm, rich tone. It captures the authentic vintage P-Bass sound that defined genres like rock, blues, country, and R&B.

Electronics

The electronics include master volume and tone controls, allowing shaping of the EQ curve. The passive circuitry stays faithful to the original Precision Bass design. There is no onboard preamp, so effects like compression or EQ would need to be added with pedals. Overall, the electronics deliver a flexible variety of classic Precision Bass tones.

Tone

With the alnico pickup and simple passive electronics, this bass pumps out the quintessential fat, round sound Fender basses are prized for. There's lots of low-end punch and thump, balanced nicely by the focused mids and clear highs. It handles clean tones and overdriven growl equally well. From Motown to metal, this bass can produce the iconic Precision bass sound.

Hardware

The Fender Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass features high quality hardware that matches the iconic look and feel of the original 1970s model.

Bridge

It has a vintage-style 4-saddle bridge with block saddles that provide solid intonation and tuning stability. The classic Fender bridge design is known for durability and consistent string spacing.

Tuners

The bass uses open-gear tuning machines with vintage-look buttons to precisely tune each string. The tuners turn smoothly and hold tune reliably even during extended playing sessions.

Controls

For controls, there is a master volume and tone knob that give you flexibility in dialing in your tone. It also has a pickup blend knob that goes from full neck pickup to full bridge pickup, allowing for a wide variety of classic Precision bass tones.

The high quality hardware components on the Fender Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass deliver the authentic vibe and functionality of the original 70s model. From the bridge to the tuners and control knobs, each element contributes to great playability, tuning stability, and tonal versatility.

Versatility

The Precision Bass has proven to be one of the most versatile bass guitars ever made, suiting a wide range of musical genres and playing techniques. Its fuller low end and punchy mids allow it to provide a solid rhythmic foundation in any style, from classic rock and blues to funk, soul, R&B, and pop.

The Precision is especially well-suited to Motown, disco, and other dance-oriented genres where a driving, booty-shaking bass tone is essential. Many session bassists of the 1960s and 70s relied on the Precision for its ability to lock in with the kick drum and push the groove. The percussive attack and sustain make it perfect for slapping, popping, and other funk techniques as well.

Jazz bassists also appreciate the crisp punch and deep lows of the Precision, which provide excellent support in an ensemble situation. It has enough growl and grit to cut through, allowing for melodic walking bass lines and improvised solos. The balance across the EQ range gives jazz players flexibility when shaping their tone.

Overall, the Fender Precision can seamlessly blend into virtually any musical mix, providing a solid low-end foundation while retaining enough crispness and clarity to be heard. Its versatility solidifies its reputation as one of the most ubiquitous and enduring bass guitar designs.

Comparable Options

Fender's Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass sits in a very competitive price bracket when it comes to high quality, affordable electric basses. Here are some of the other top options to consider in this range:

• Ibanez Soundgear - The Ibanez GSR200 is a very popular bass in this price range, known for its fast neck, versatile tone shaping options, and sleek looks. The Soundgear basses offer a modern take on a classic design.

• Yamaha RBX170 - Yamaha's RBX series has been a staple of affordable bass gear for years. The RBX170 provides versatile passive electronics and Yamaha's comfortable neck profile at a budget-friendly price.

• Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 - With its slim, fast-playing neck and flexible dual humbucker pickups, the Sterling SUB Ray4 packs a lot of punch for an import bass. The Music Man styling is an added bonus.

• G&L Tribute JB-2 - G&L offers its own take on a classic design with the JB-2 Tribute bass. Featuring Leo Fender's innovations beyond his early Precision Bass work, this model provides great bang for buck.

• Dean Edge 09 - With its fast-playing 34" scale length, the Dean Edge 09 bass serves up modern styling and electronics options at a wallet-friendly price point. Dean basses often outperform their price.

No matter your preferences, there are great options for versatile, quality basses around the same street price as the Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass. It's worth trying out a few to find the best match for your playing style and needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Classic Fender Precision Bass design and sound at an affordable price point
• Quality build and components like alnico pickups and maple neck
• Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
• Versatile tone from vintage split coil pickup
• Ideal for a wide range of musical genres
• Good value for money from a reputable brand

Cons

• Hardware quality not as high-end as USA-made Fender models
• Pickup and electronics are imported
• Only available in limited color options
• Won't satisfy bassists looking for more modern features
• Not made in America like some Fender models

Conclusion

The Fender Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass delivers exceptional value for the money. While not a top-tier instrument, this bass punches well above its price point in build quality, playability, and most importantly - tone.

The '70s-era styling looks fantastic, invoking a sense of vintage mojo with the large headstock and block inlays. Attention to detail in the finishing and fretwork result in a smooth playing experience right out of the box. The bass feels solid and well-made, with quality hardware that can stand up to regular use.

When plugged in, the Classic Vibe Precision Bass sings with deep low end and growling mids thanks to the alnico split-coil pickup. From thumping rhythms to melodic riffs, this bass nails the quintessential "P-Bass" sound. The tone is further shaped by the 3-band EQ, allowing a wide range of dialed-in tones.

For gigging bassists or hobbyists on a budget, the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass is easy to recommend. Fender quality and mojo at an entry-level price make this a tremendous value. While not an heirloom-quality instrument, it punches far above its class. Beginners will appreciate the comfortable neck and quality construction, while more advanced players will be impressed by the excellent tone and vintage vibe. For versatile, affordable, and great-sounding electric bass, the Squier Classic Vibe '70s P-Bass is hard to beat.