Fender American Pro II P Bass - Electric Bass - Mercury
The beating heart of modern music, brought to its technical peak.
The Fender American Professional II Precision Bass® draws on over sixty years of global stage presence to deliver the ultimate standard for the professional bassist. Its iconic 1963 P Bass neck profile, now featuring rounded fingerboard edges and a Super-Natural finish, redefines playing comfort. Powered by the new V-Mod II Split-Coil pickup, it delivers the warm rumble and organic presence for which it is legendary, while incorporating surgical innovations for today's musician, available at Garage à Musique.
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The Precision Bass is the instrument that invented the electric bass, and the American Professional II is its most sophisticated evolution. It meets the critical needs of professionals: complete access to the upper frets thanks to the sculpted neck heel and rock-solid structural stability thanks to Posiflex™ graphite bracing. Whether you're in the studio or on tour, this bass provides a rhythmic foundation that sits naturally in any mix, with the reliability only Fender can guarantee. It's the instrument of choice for those who demand a massive, uncompromising low end.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Precision Bass® |
| Configuration | Split Single-Coil |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | "1963 C" |
| Tuning fork | 34" (864 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.625" (41.3 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard with Posiflex™ graphite reinforcements |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Easel | 4-Saddle HiMass™ Vintage (Traversal or Top-Load) |
| Mechanics | Fender® Lightweight Vintage-Style with tapered axles |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell depending on the model) |
| Buttons | Knurled Flat-Top (Moletés) |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 7250M NPS (.045-.105 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Ultra P-Bass | Modern / Active | PJ configuration with preamp, but deviates from the pure passive P sound. | Available here |
| Lakland Skyline 44-64 | Optimized P-Style | Very stable neck, but lacks the historical prestige of the Fender logo. | Product not listed |
| Fender American Vintage II '60 | Historical Reissue | An exact reproduction, but without the comfort of the modern sculpted heel. | Available here |
| Yamaha BB734A | Hybrid PJ | Very versatile, but with a more bulky ergonomics than the Precision. | Available here |
| Sandberg California VM | Custom Shop Style | Superb German construction, but a more modern sound character. | Product not listed |
| Fender Player II P-Bass | Mid-range | Very sturdy, but lower-end pickups and hardware. | Available here |
| Sadowsky MetroLine P | High-end Studio | Lightweight, but with a very compressed, typical "New York" sound. | Product not listed |
| G&L LB-100 (USA) | Leo Fender's Evolution | Very powerful pickup, but neck profile often wider. | Product not listed |
| Music Man Caprice | Passive Premium | Very comfortable, but doesn't offer the iconic "growl" of the P-Bass. | Product not listed |
| Fender American Performer P | Entry-level USA | PJ configuration, but without the graphite reinforcement or the Deluxe case. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Introduced in 1951, the Precision Bass was the first instrument of its kind to be mass-produced. It replaced the bulky upright bass and allowed bassists to be heard with precision (hence its name). The American Professional II honors this lineage by retaining the "1963" neck profile, considered by purists to be the most comfortable in Fender history. The major innovation lies in the V-Mod II pickup, which uses a specific blend of Alnico magnets to deliver greater clarity in the high frequencies while maintaining the massive low-mids that defined rock and soul.
Cultural References & Artists
James Jamerson - Standing in the Shadows of Motown (1960s) : Le son qui a défini le R&B.
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) - The Number of the Beast (1982) : Le "clank" caractéristique du heavy metal.
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) - The Wall (1979) : La précision rythmique et mélodique.
Pino Palladino - Voodoo (D'Angelo, 2000) : La référence ultime du groove néo-soul.
Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) - Appetite for Destruction (1987): The aggression of hard rock.
Dee Dee Ramone (The Ramones) - Rocket to Russia (1977) : L'énergie brute du punk-rock.
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) - Paranoid (1970) : La fondation du son doom/heavy.
Donald "Duck" Dunn - Soul Man (Blues Brothers) : Le pilier du son Stax Soul.
Sting - Synchronicity (The Police, 1983) : Souvent vu avec une P-Bass vintage.
Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters) - The Colour and the Shape (1997) : La solidité du rock alternatif.
Carol Kaye - Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys, 1966) : La bassiste la plus enregistrée de l'histoire.
Guy Berryman (Coldplay) - A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) : Lignes mélodiques et rondes.
John Entwistle (The Who) - "My Generation" (1965) : A utilisé la P-Bass avant ses modèles custom.
Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers) - No More Heroes (1977) : Son de P-Bass saturé iconique.
Adam Clayton (U2) - The Joshua Tree (1987) : Utilise souvent des P-Bass pour leur assise.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the feel of the "1963 C" neck?
This is the purist's preferred profile, offering a nut width of 1.625". It provides a solid feel under the hand, but thanks to the rounded fingerboard edges and the "Super-Natural" finish, it is incredibly fast and comfortable for the bassist at Garage à Musique.
Does the V-Mod II microphone produce background noise?
Thanks to its "Split-Coil" design, the pickup acts like a passive humbucker. It naturally cancels hum and RF interference, guaranteeing a pure signal even at high gain , ideal for demanding studio sessions.
What are Posiflex™ reinforcement rods used for?
They stabilize the neck against Quebec's extreme weather variations. These graphite reinforcements prevent the wood from moving, thus avoiding problems with ground loops or string buzzing after a temperature change.
Can I pass the ropes through the body?
Yes, the HiMass™ Vintage bridge allows string-through mounting for more tension and resonance, or top-load mounting for a softer feel, a flexibility characteristic of Garage à Musique's authority.
Is it an active or passive bass?
The American Professional II Precision Bass is a 100% passive instrument. It requires no batteries or phantom power , offering an organic sound, natural dynamics, and a complete absence of processing latency .
What is the advantage of a bone nut?
Bone is the ideal material for optimal vibration transfer from the strings to the neck. It offers superior resonance and increased durability compared to synthetic nuts, a surgically precise technical detail for your sound.
Is the "Super-Natural" finish durable?
Absolutely. This ultra-thin satin finish is designed to protect the wood while providing a consistently smooth glide. It won't become sticky with perspiration, ensuring consistent performance night after night.
Why choose a Precision Bass over a Jazz Bass?
The Precision offers a more "woody" sound, focused on the lower midrange, which fits perfectly into a mix without complex adjustments. It's the quintessential "foundation-laying" instrument, renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness at Garage à Musique.
Is the Deluxe case included?
Yes, it comes in Fender's Deluxe molded hard case. With its TSA locks and custom-fitted interior protection, your investment is safe from bumps and knocks during local or international travel.
How does the Precision Bass handle saturation effects?
Exceptionally good. The V-Mod II pickup has enough bite to keep the saturation defined without becoming muddy, allowing you to get that legendary "grow" characteristic of the greatest rock albums.
The Precision Bass is the instrument that invented the electric bass, and the American Professional II is its most sophisticated evolution. It meets the critical needs of professionals: complete access to the upper frets thanks to the sculpted neck heel and rock-solid structural stability thanks to Posiflex™ graphite bracing. Whether you're in the studio or on tour, this bass provides a rhythmic foundation that sits naturally in any mix, with the reliability only Fender can guarantee. It's the instrument of choice for those who demand a massive, uncompromising low end.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Precision Bass® |
| Configuration | Split Single-Coil |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | "1963 C" |
| Tuning fork | 34" (864 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.625" (41.3 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard with Posiflex™ graphite reinforcements |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Easel | 4-Saddle HiMass™ Vintage (Traversal or Top-Load) |
| Mechanics | Fender® Lightweight Vintage-Style with tapered axles |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell depending on the model) |
| Buttons | Knurled Flat-Top (Moletés) |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 7250M NPS (.045-.105 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Ultra P-Bass | Modern / Active | PJ configuration with preamp, but deviates from the pure passive P sound. | Available here |
| Lakland Skyline 44-64 | Optimized P-Style | Very stable neck, but lacks the historical prestige of the Fender logo. | Product not listed |
| Fender American Vintage II '60 | Historical Reissue | An exact reproduction, but without the comfort of the modern sculpted heel. | Available here |
| Yamaha BB734A | Hybrid PJ | Very versatile, but with a more bulky ergonomics than the Precision. | Available here |
| Sandberg California VM | Custom Shop Style | Superb German construction, but a more modern sound character. | Product not listed |
| Fender Player II P-Bass | Mid-range | Very sturdy, but lower-end pickups and hardware. | Available here |
| Sadowsky MetroLine P | High-end Studio | Lightweight, but with a very compressed, typical "New York" sound. | Product not listed |
| G&L LB-100 (USA) | Leo Fender's Evolution | Very powerful pickup, but neck profile often wider. | Product not listed |
| Music Man Caprice | Passive Premium | Very comfortable, but doesn't offer the iconic "growl" of the P-Bass. | Product not listed |
| Fender American Performer P | Entry-level USA | PJ configuration, but without the graphite reinforcement or the Deluxe case. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Introduced in 1951, the Precision Bass was the first instrument of its kind to be mass-produced. It replaced the bulky upright bass and allowed bassists to be heard with precision (hence its name). The American Professional II honors this lineage by retaining the "1963" neck profile, considered by purists to be the most comfortable in Fender history. The major innovation lies in the V-Mod II pickup, which uses a specific blend of Alnico magnets to deliver greater clarity in the high frequencies while maintaining the massive low-mids that defined rock and soul.
Cultural References & Artists
James Jamerson - Standing in the Shadows of Motown (1960s) : Le son qui a défini le R&B.
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) - The Number of the Beast (1982) : Le "clank" caractéristique du heavy metal.
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) - The Wall (1979) : La précision rythmique et mélodique.
Pino Palladino - Voodoo (D'Angelo, 2000) : La référence ultime du groove néo-soul.
Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) - Appetite for Destruction (1987): The aggression of hard rock.
Dee Dee Ramone (The Ramones) - Rocket to Russia (1977) : L'énergie brute du punk-rock.
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) - Paranoid (1970) : La fondation du son doom/heavy.
Donald "Duck" Dunn - Soul Man (Blues Brothers) : Le pilier du son Stax Soul.
Sting - Synchronicity (The Police, 1983) : Souvent vu avec une P-Bass vintage.
Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters) - The Colour and the Shape (1997) : La solidité du rock alternatif.
Carol Kaye - Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys, 1966) : La bassiste la plus enregistrée de l'histoire.
Guy Berryman (Coldplay) - A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) : Lignes mélodiques et rondes.
John Entwistle (The Who) - "My Generation" (1965) : A utilisé la P-Bass avant ses modèles custom.
Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers) - No More Heroes (1977) : Son de P-Bass saturé iconique.
Adam Clayton (U2) - The Joshua Tree (1987) : Utilise souvent des P-Bass pour leur assise.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the feel of the "1963 C" neck?
This is the purist's preferred profile, offering a nut width of 1.625". It provides a solid feel under the hand, but thanks to the rounded fingerboard edges and the "Super-Natural" finish, it is incredibly fast and comfortable for the bassist at Garage à Musique.
Does the V-Mod II microphone produce background noise?
Thanks to its "Split-Coil" design, the pickup acts like a passive humbucker. It naturally cancels hum and RF interference, guaranteeing a pure signal even at high gain , ideal for demanding studio sessions.
What are Posiflex™ reinforcement rods used for?
They stabilize the neck against Quebec's extreme weather variations. These graphite reinforcements prevent the wood from moving, thus avoiding problems with ground loops or string buzzing after a temperature change.
Can I pass the ropes through the body?
Yes, the HiMass™ Vintage bridge allows string-through mounting for more tension and resonance, or top-load mounting for a softer feel, a flexibility characteristic of Garage à Musique's authority.
Is it an active or passive bass?
The American Professional II Precision Bass is a 100% passive instrument. It requires no batteries or phantom power , offering an organic sound, natural dynamics, and a complete absence of processing latency .
What is the advantage of a bone nut?
Bone is the ideal material for optimal vibration transfer from the strings to the neck. It offers superior resonance and increased durability compared to synthetic nuts, a surgically precise technical detail for your sound.
Is the "Super-Natural" finish durable?
Absolutely. This ultra-thin satin finish is designed to protect the wood while providing a consistently smooth glide. It won't become sticky with perspiration, ensuring consistent performance night after night.
Why choose a Precision Bass over a Jazz Bass?
The Precision offers a more "woody" sound, focused on the lower midrange, which fits perfectly into a mix without complex adjustments. It's the quintessential "foundation-laying" instrument, renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness at Garage à Musique.
Is the Deluxe case included?
Yes, it comes in Fender's Deluxe molded hard case. With its TSA locks and custom-fitted interior protection, your investment is safe from bumps and knocks during local or international travel.
How does the Precision Bass handle saturation effects?
Exceptionally good. The V-Mod II pickup has enough bite to keep the saturation defined without becoming muddy, allowing you to get that legendary "grow" characteristic of the greatest rock albums.