Fender Road Worn '50s Precision Electric Bass (with Gig Bag)

Built to capture the look, style, and sound of a well-loved 1950s-era instrument, this Road Worn P Bass features Fender's aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

Overall User Ratings (based on 15 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(15) (see rating details)
Submitted August 3, 2010 by a customer from sbcglobal.net

"almost got it 100% right... get one!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I expect to be happy with this bass for a long while. I was collecting cheaper basses in the past (and fixing them up), but there is nothing like buying and playing a more quality instrument.
Sound
The sound of this 50s road worn Pbass is awesome IMHO... however, I changed the pickup (based on a review I read elsewhere). I crossed my fingers and put in a SeymourDuncan Antiquity pickup, as suggested by the reviewer. I am not sorry I did that. Whereas the original pickup sounded great. the seymour duncan sounds really-really great.
Features
Not many features here except for the free gigbag. The road worn look is nice. I got the sunburst model. The brass pickguard is groovy. the retro tuners are tight but really hold tuning well. The neck feels like it's on the large side, but only a fraction. I got used to it fairly quick and have adjusted (was playing basses with smaller necks before).
Ease of Use
This is a very simple bass. just plug it in and play. One volume knob, One tone knob.... done. This bass is kind of a large instrument, so I would not recommend this one for small kids learning bass etc... the bass has a nice weight to it. not too heavy, and not too light either.
Quality
The fit and finish are nearly flawless. The quality is fairly high. The one thing I had to do (and this is due to my guitar tech knowledge) is add another string tree (string holder-downer thingy) for the two heavy strings E and A....BECAUSE.... there was moderated string buzzing in the nut slots. holding the strings down stopped the nut buzzing. The bass comes with the standard one string tree for the D and G strings. Overall, I am very happy with the bass quality and finish.
Value
I paid the full discount list of 999.99 (used the 4 payment plan). It is about the maximum I would pay. I almost wish it was more like 899 tops. However, this is ultimately a fine bass to own....
Manufacturer Support
have not used it yet for the bass. but I have asked Fender for help with other matters, and they have always come thru with answers.
The Wow Factor
I would say this bass is inspiring, it has a high 'coolness' factor, in my opinion...

Musical Background:

active hobbyist musician/producer

Musical Style:

pop,rock,country,funk, artistic
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Submitted December 27, 2015 by Adam P in Denver, CO

"Great bass!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Don't let the fact it's made in Mexico fool you.... Back in the 90s they had quality control issues but those days are long gone. The last several Mexican Fender's I've tried have been really solid basses. They lack some bells and whistles of their American counterparts, but they have everything you need with great comfort and playability.This Road Worn bass is no exception. It's styled after a 50s Precision bass. Out of the box you'll notice excellent fretwork, and solid construction. There wasn't a single dead spot or buzzy area on the fretboard. The fret ends were nicely rounded and not sharp, the neck pocket was tight, and the setup was perfect. Other nice things about this bass are the smooth moving pots, and that the tuners hold a tune really well.The tone is nice and warm when you let the strings lose their initial zing. Overall, it sounds just like a P-bass should. Warm and punchy.I love it, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a more vintage styled P-bass.I'd consider it a higher-end bass than something like an American Special / Highway One, but lower end than a MIA Standard Fender. However, the only way you're getting a Vintage Styled bass from Fender America is if you throw down a lot more money than this Road Worn Precision bass costs. It's a no brainer to buy this for the quality and price.

Musical Background:

Bassist

Musical Style:

Funk, Alternative Rock, Alternative, Indie
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Submitted September 26, 2013 by Keith O in Rialto, CA

"Vintage Fender reborn?"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I have been looking for a Precision bass to replace my old '66. Played a lot of the newer MIA and MIM models and was never quite happy with the necks on these. I'm used to the wide "c" shaped necks. Ordered a Road Worn based on other reviews. This bass felt like my old bass. The neck is very comfortable and has a worn in feel to it. The nitro finish lets the wood resonate more than poly. This bass is very light weight to, I'm guessing 8 lbs or so. I re-strung it up with flatwound strings and the tone is very old school. Factory set up was a little high so with a little adjustment the bass was playing very nice.
Sound
Vintage Fender Precision bass. Volume and tone very basic. It's a Precision!!! Lots of tone possibilities from low down thump to twangy by just by turning the tone knob. The Precision bass sits well in the mix in all kinds of musical styles.
Features
The nitro finish is very nice. The relic treatment gives the bass some character.
Ease of Use
This bass has a wide neck. I would try to get your hands on one to see if it's a good fit for you. Not a good beginners bass for younger players with smaller hands. Once set up properly, the bass is very comfortable to play.
Quality
Build quality is very good for a MIM Fender.
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Submitted November 14, 2011 by a customer from zoho.com

"Looking for vintage Fender Precision bass look and sound, here it is."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is the bass for me. It has the feel and sound of my original '64, but plays easier. The sound is all P-Bass and really drives the sound of my band. We play elements of jazz fusion blended with Classic Rock. I also have a Jazz bass, which now sits on a stand as a backup. I can't get away from the sound that says it all, vintage Fender Precision bass.
Sound
I was an owner of an original '64 Fender P-Bass. I loved that bass, played it 'till it fell apart after 35 years. I looked for a replacement, tried everything, couldn't find what I was looking for until now. This Road Worn P-bass is awesome. It has the 'sound'. I like it better than the American Standards, as good as the original '64. I was skeptical at first, but after playing gigs, it really roars. I finally got my groove back.
Features
I give it a 10 for features. For me, it has the P-Bass sound, which is all I need. It does have an interesting tone control. It sort of has three sounds as you turn it. All forward is bright and growly, in the middle it has a 'spacey' sound(in a good way), all the way back, it is subdued like an upright. I use RotoSound Swing 66's(45-105) and they sound great. I suspect flats would work really well too. I chose the Sunburst finish, same as my original '64. I thought the 'Fiesta Red' was a little too Salmon-y. I don' recall the originals being as 'pink-ish'.
Ease of Use
Plays great. The setup out of the box was good, did a little tweaking after putting on the RotoSounds. The neck is a little thinner than the original '64 and American Standards. I actually like that, makes it a little easier to play for these aging fingers. It's a little lighter in weight than Americans, which is also a plus for me.
Quality
Very well made. It is definitely better than a 'Mexican' standard. Although made in the same plant, it has better materials and workmanship. The 'Road Worn' finish is thin nitrocellulose-lacquer and is very authentic and helps the tone and sustain. The worn-ness of it is a little over done, but I do get a lot of positive comments. My favorite is the cigarette burn on the headstock.....Too bad I don't smoke.
Value
I'm giving it a 9, at $999 it is almost the same price as American Standards. I personally like this bass better, but it should be about $100 or so less since it is not made in CA.
Manufacturer Support
Can't say, haven't had to deal with them in a very long time. That lends to the inherent quality of their guitars.
The Wow Factor
Again 9 here. My attraction to this bass was not the Road Worn finish. At first I was hesitant because of the finish and Maple fretboard(my '64 had rosewood, or course). A Mexico made bass that was beat with a bicycle chain, than doubled in price, didn't make sense. But, after playing in the store, and now using it as my regular gigging bass, definitely what I want.

Musical Background:

Been palying guitar and bass sicne 1962. Pro, semi=pro

Musical Style:

Calssic Rock, jazz, fusion
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Submitted October 16, 2013 by Anna O in Rialto, CA

"Classic P bass"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
After looking at a bunch of basses we narrowed it down and found the road worn. The bass has a very comfortable neck and light weight. The 1.75 nut width takes some getting used to if have a slimmer neck, but it is not a"baseball bat". Bass has everything you could ask for in a Precision. Sounds great in a band mix. get your hands on one and check it out. I've played a lot of MIM Fenders and this one is put together very well. The factory setup was OK, but after a little tweaking, the bass plays great.

Musical Background:

Pro bass player 50+ years

Musical Style:

Americana, Blues, Jazz, Roots.
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Submitted April 4, 2017 by kirk childress in spartanburg, SC

"great bass"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I got this bass a week ago, I couldn't be happier, great tone good action. I have had an American p bass before and it was very good , I think this p bass is just as good

Musical Background:

I just play at home for now, just practice trying to get better

Musical Style:

rock, rock n roll, blues, jazz. really have many likes
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Submitted September 25, 2013 by Matt Kohl

"I Love It !!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Through the years, Ive had many basses, mostly Fenders. I used to have vintage basses but sold them. It's no fun to play a gig and have to worry bout your high dollar bass growing wings. I bought a Fiesta Red Road Worn Bass 3 or 4 years ago and a Road Worn Jazz Sunburst both from eBay. I was really hoping to make the Jazz Bass my number one bass, not to say that it's not cool too, but the tone of the P Bass is just so awesome that it's a easy choice !! All the people I have played with since having this jewel love the sound. I use a small amp with it. A GK500B Fusion & Ampeg Portbass 2X10. This rig sounds like a SVT without the weight and volume It came with Flats, I've loved the sound so much I kept them on. 110 ga. What a sound !! Another cool thing is if something happened to it, I could go buy another one just about anywhere and it would probably be a great as the one I have. They are all identical. A again for a GREAT bass !!

Musical Background:

Lifer

Musical Style:

I can play most styles and sound good but I suck at jazz. Mostly play blues and classic rock
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Submitted March 5, 2015 by Jeff S in Milwaukee, WI

"I love this bass!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I was looking for a classic "chunky neck" P-bass to replace the one I foolishly sold back in my college days. After a lot of research I decided this was the one. I could not be happier with this bass. I personally love the relic treatment along with the nitro finish, but it is the way this instrument feels that sets it apart. Right out of the box it felt like I had played it for years - the neck especially was very comfortable. The sound is exactly what I wanted - aggressive sounding when you dig-in, and warm and woolly when you roll back the tone. I highly recommend this bass!

Musical Background:

Professional musician

Musical Style:

Pop, rock, blues, country, oldies.
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Submitted November 5, 2015 by Andrew L in Putney, VT

"THIS IS IT. "

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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Sure, the worn look is kinda cheesy, but, looking beyond this you can find the sweetness. I do not use any effects other than the dirt and/or noise gate on my amp. I do occasionally use a Philosophers Tone to round my bass off. This bass doesnt really need it, even though it adds a lil more sustain to it, which is nice. I put the finger rest, ashtray bridge and pick up covers. This gets a double \m/!

Musical Background:

Eh, I mess around on drums, bass and guitar..

Musical Style:

A lil bit of everything..
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Submitted November 30, 2019 by Bob M in Youngstown, OH

"I like it BUT"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Bass plays really nice and all that but there’s one thing that no one mentioned in the reviews. The tuners are reversed. So it’s opposite which is like driving on the wrong side of the road. Has anyone else run across this or is it just my Bass?

Musical Background:

40 guitar player, just started to fill in playing the bass.
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Submitted July 13, 2014 by george j in New Haven, CT

"True P bass sound"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
first let me start by saying zZounds did a great job with setup and delivery. strings where tuned down which is a plus when shipping. Now for those of you who are critics of the worn distressed look and MIM, this bass looks, feels, sounds like the american made and believe me when I say, i' ve had my share of fender american made basses and this bass shares the same spot light. If you where subjected to a real blind test with this bass and a american version 90% could not tell which is the american and those who did it was a lucky guess. This bass is on point in every area of playability. It can cover any genre of music. I strongly believe you don't need a certain bass to emulate your favorite artist or genre of music you just need to horn your skills and be creative, after all, isn't that's what musicianship is all about, being creative? With that being said this bass and any bass for that matter will allow you to express yourself it's just a matter of taste and choice and this is mine. Love this bass and I definitely choice the right bass to express my creativity. The only change I plan to make on this bass is putting some La Bella Deep Talking flats on her not that anything is wrong with the stock issue I just prefer the sound of flats on a P bass other then that the PU's will not be replaced nor anything else on this bass as it delivers the sound that a P bass is suppose to convey with excellent sustain. Thanks Fender and thanks zZounds..... p.s. I rated the manufacturer at 10 not based on it's support but instead based on the fact that I have not had a problem with this bass so with that being said I guess thats a plus for me and the Fender name.

Musical Background:

I've been playing for 15 years. semi-pro.

Musical Style:

rock, blues, r&b, and raggae
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Submitted August 3, 2014 by george j in New Haven, CT

"Classic p bass sound and feel"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Love this bass even if it has that worn look that most viewers get turned off about, but if you can look beyond that and base it solely on sound, feel, and playability you too will love it also..... Don't knock what you have not tried.....
Sound
The sound is truly classic and sounds like a p bass should but it doesn't pigeon hole a certain genre of music... I play R&B, Blues, Rock and Reggae and this bass delivers... as for making it sound any better, that's a matter of taste and choice. The only thing I changed was the strings and nut... Roundwound to Flatwounds everything else will remain the same. I like my action nice and low and this bass gives my just what I need and without any fret buzz and no dead spots anywhere along the fretboard....
Features
The components on this bass works for me as I stated in the above I changed the nut and strings only due to my taste and choice not say anything was wrong with those....
Ease of Use
Once I did my own setup with some minor adjustments to suit my style of playing this baby was ready for gigs. The neck is very comfortable and the feel is smooth and not sticky even on humid days i'm able to slide up and down the neck with ease.
Quality
Bass is made very well for a MIM, no different then a MIA. Same fender company, same human hands, same concept and quality just different location.... Good job Fender.....
Value
If you want to compare it to a MIA or MIA signature or better yet a custom the answer is " . . L L " yes!...
Manufacturer Support
The only reason I dealt with this company was to order a fender original nut instead of a aftermarket product... Delivery time was much sooner then stipulated, 3 days and that included the ordering date. impressive seeing how I live on the north east coast and it came from the west coast..... As for having a product problem, nothing at all.
The Wow Factor
The wow factor for me is not only how good it sounds but close it looks to the classic and current reissued model's that cost much much more for the same sound, feel and playability at a much affordable price is a no brainier in my opinion.

Musical Background:

14 years playing 8 of those year giging and jamming

Musical Style:

R&B, Rock, Blues, Reggae
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Submitted October 3, 2016 by Kenneth B

"Great Bass!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I was in search of a bass that would be a workhorse: I play out 3 nights a week most of the year. This bass is versatile, looks and sounds great, and feels amazing. I researched and played many basses and almost went with an American P-Bass, and while I understand the advantages of doing so, I believe this bass feels better in my hands. I have short stubby fingers and the neck profile seems a little thinner than most P-Basses. Plus it looks way cooler in person! If you love playing bass, you need this one!
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Submitted May 4, 2009

Fender Road Worn P Bass Customer Review

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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If you are deciding to get the bass or look at it, I hope my review helped. It is a great bass and I would recommend it to anyone.
Sound
I recently bought this bass, I love the sound. The American P-Basses don't get nearly as much growl and deepness that this bass has. Great punch, even with factor strings. I love it. I was a bit concerned because it is Mexican made, then I looked and saw all road series is Mexican made. Although it is Mexican, it is crafted like an American Bass....I'd definitely choose it over an American Bass. In addition, it's a high end bass, so it's not gonna be crafted like a Mexican Squire.....:P
Features
I love the old-look, feel, and sound of this bass. It's great that it comes with a bag :D. Like all P-basses it has 2 knobs.
Ease of Use
If you can play, you can get a good sound out of this bass. The playability is great on this bass.
Quality
Made perfectly. Like I said before, it's a very well made bass.
Value
For the price, this bass is awesome.
The Wow Factor
Today, I told my friend I got a 1950s remake P-Bass and he told me that I just moved a step up. He thought it was awesome especially the fact that it's a 1950s remake.

Musical Background:

Active Musician, Studying Music In College

Musical Style:

Jazz, Funk, Rock, Pop
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