Fender Deluxe Active P Bass Special Electric Bass (Maple with Gig Bag)
Special? Very! This hot-rodded hybrid packs P and J pickups, a smooth Jazz Bass maple neck, American Vintage P Bass bridge and a glittering gold pickguard.
Overall User Ratings (based on 58 ratings)
Submitted October 28, 2015 by Keith S in Bloomfield, CT
"Best 4 String Bass I've Ever Bought!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This bass is amazing for the price. It is my opinion that this bass is better than a lot of basses that are more expensive. Very versatile, can be used for funk, jazz, gospel, country. Funny thing is that I just got this bass yesterday and I'm already singing its praises. Get this bass!
Musical Background:
Electric Bass, Guitar
Musical Style:
Gospel, Jazz, Funk, R&B
8 of 8 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted August 23, 2012 by Chris C in Billerica, MA
"Mabye the best yet"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Well, I got this one about 3 days ago, in blizzard pearl. The online pix do it ZERO justice. The bass is beautiful. The color is more like pearl white meets metallic silver. The maple neck is as smooth as silk. I did not have to adjust ANYTHING. It was set up straight from the box. The sound? Pick the tone, and it's there. The P/J noiseless pickups are great, action is amazing. I've played the Marcus Miller jazz bass, and some other high-end instruments like the R Bass. They are NO match to this one, which is made in Mexico...about 100 miles from the U.S. plant and the same parts. I am more than impressed, and that's not easy to do.
Musical Background:
Been playing for 25 years
Musical Style:
Blues, metal, pop, oldies, Latin, Portuguese, Brazilian, jazz, gospel, contemporary Christian
17 of 19 people (89%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted April 6, 2016 by Chris H in Brandon, FL
"Nice Bass"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am learning to play again. Have not played since mid-80's. I bought this model because I want to learn reggae and also rock so having the J and P bass combo is perfect for me. I think the gold/black combo is really attractive with a maple neck. Quality is excellent. Not a scratch on it and it was easy to tune up with an electronic tuner. I have not had it long enough to learn all the controls but so far have been playing mostly the P or mix of P/J.
Musical Background:
Learner on bass and create electronic music with music samples, keyboards, software plugins
Musical Style:
Will use with some plugins on computer but attempting to learn reggae, blues, rock.
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted September 14, 2013 by Hal Y in Warwick, RI
"Great tone and playability!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The only thing I didn't like, and this is a matter of personal taste, was the gold pickguard. I changed it immediately for the red dragonfire pickguard. I bought the black bass with the maple fingerboard. The active EQ is great, but set flat, the bass sounds fantastic. I've seen comments about the bridge being sub-standard, but it comes with the same bridge that my '62 Jazz bass had. I've never had a problem with that in all these years(yes...original '62, not a reissue) and sustain has never been a problem. The components...pots, pickups, etc. are high quality and the workmanship is top notch. The fact that it was made in Mexico does not (in this case) mean lesser quality. I would definitely replace this bass if I needed to. I thought the workmanship, playabilty, tone, and price made this bass a great purchase. No regrets ...totally happy with bass.
Musical Background:
I'm in my 50th year of playing.
Musical Style:
Blues, jazz
9 of 11 people (82%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted October 28, 2015 by Keith S in Bloomfield, CT
"Best 4 String Bass I've Ever Bought!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This bass is amazing for the price. It is my opinion that this bass is better than a lot of basses that are more expensive. Very versatile, can be used for funk, jazz, gospel, country. Funny thing is that I just got this bass yesterday and I'm already singing its praises. Get this bass!
Musical Background:
Electric Bass, Guitar
Musical Style:
Gospel, Jazz, Funk, R&B
4 of 5 people (80%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted January 22, 2014 by Muzikk Mann in Roseville, CA
"One bad mamma jamma!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I got the blizzard pearl back in December 2013. This is a great sounding instrument. The EQ, tone knobs, and everything. I also have a Warwick and have not picked it up since I got this one. The price is right also. Forget about the made in Mexico stuff, this bad boy is beautiful and is total quality
Musical Background:
Guitar player by trade, Bass player by passion
Musical Style:
Gospel, Rock, Blues and whatever pays the bills
8 of 10 people (80%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 13, 2014 by Veranita H in Seattle, WA
"Great gift "
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this bass for my husband and he LOVES it. He cannot put it down! The ease of playing it is amazing! The tone of the bass is great. He wanted a P Bass and I chose this one due to I thought it would give him the best of the P and J world which it does. This has been one of the most satisfying basses I have ever given him. Overall NO REGRETS!
Musical Background:
Guitarist primary 40 plus years
Musical Style:
Jazz; Fusion; and Blues
2 of 3 people (67%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted November 20, 2014 by robert booker in cohoes, NY
"great bass and great price."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have known about this bass for quite some time now and have always been intrigued by the look. When I finally got the opportunity to play one I was blown away. The neck is nice slim and sleek I went with the maple neck so it has a very nice light finish but still has that great nape only a maple neck can provide. I don't know that it sounds like a standard p bass it has an active preamp, so I'll say it's a p bass on steroids and with extra jazz pick up on the bridge tonal capabilities are astounding. For a while now I have needed a backup bass and I have always been a jazz things Guy, but the look and sound of this piece drew me to purchase it, and I am very very very pleased.
The pickups are fairly noiseless and the preamp has a nice balance of total capabilities, the hardware is pretty damn good. For a Mexican made base this one is astounding and after a little research I did find it uses a lot of American parts. I have never been deterred by the Mexican made anyways, I only own 3 Mexican made fender basses.
Musical Background:
Playing bass for 12 years. .. professional for about 5.
Musical Style:
Bluegrass funk R&b hiphop. Rock. Pop.. anything that moves and stimulates me..
2 of 3 people (67%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted January 13, 2016 by Bill s in seattle, WA
"Fender Deluxe Maple P Bass Special"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Purchased days before Christmas,as always super fast shipping,I really enjoy playing this bass,The J pup is my fav by far,creamy rich full bodied,the register is like glass,so smooth and fast,even that pest g,sounds as good as it can,high high marks,no mfg support don't really need them,i break it,i fix it,nice set up out of box for most,i play such a variety of styles...its a constant change,and the Fender Deluxe Maple P Bass Special,is perfect for Me
Musical Background:
playing steady 2 years,i picked it up,figured it out.4 string bass,6-12 string guitars,keyboards,drums,strings,brass....
Musical Style:
my styles,Lead bass,modified pick,modified finger,thumb pick,slap,pop....classical to western and everything in between,punk,fus
1 of 2 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted December 27, 2015 by Joe R
"The last factory made bass I will own"
I really enjoy tinkering with basses. My next one will be a custom tele bass build from parts I will source. I actually enjoy working on them more than playing them. The only upgrades I can think of are maybe a hipshot d tuner and hipshot bridge. The bass doesn't need either, the sound and playability alone make it worth the purchase. In my opinion, it came out of the box in better playing condition than my American special tele. I know it's a guitar and this is a bass, but the Mexican fenders seem to have more care put into the craftsmanship. The fact that it was made in Mexico only shows in the serial number. Incredible bang for your buck. And to top that, I'm working on a US base in Europe. During shipment the altitude changes didn't effect the bass's setup or anything. All I had to do was change the strings and tune it up. Very impressed
Musical Background:
At home, both guitar and bass. I'm trying my hand with luthier skills
Musical Style:
Funk, country, blues, rock, heavy metal
1 of 2 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted November 30, 2014 by marcus C in Bridgewater, NJ
"amazing entry level/professional bass"
This bass is a must have for entry level old timers, as well as professionals.
Sound
The wide array of sounds this bass has is versatile, yet limited. The noiseless j pickup has a very good 'honk' for replicating jaco-like tones. The p-pickup (a standard vintage alnico model) will need to be lowered a little bit upon delivery so it wont overpower the j-pickup, but otherwise the pickup has a very good sound (the fender 50s precision bass mim has the same pickup but for $50 more). With this bass the sound is either extremely trebley, or low end-muddy, so you'll have to experiment with EQing. This bass imo is best suited for contemporary, funk, alt. rock, blues, prog (both pickups combined can get you a geddy-leeish tone) and some styles of metal (metallica, iron maiden, sabbath type). Slap sound is fairly good but there are better basses if all you plan to do is slap. players into death metal, punk (just get passive p bass), and older jazz styles might fare better searching elsewhere. tip: swing 77 roundwound bring out the true potential this bass has to offer.
Features
features can take a few minutes to get used to but are relatively easy to use. My only qualm with the features is the boost control knob at the bottom of the bass which is completely useless, seeing as the bass sounds stringy and lifeless without any boost.
Ease of Use
Very good feel to it. Action might need some raising though.
Quality
The quality is arguably the best of any Mexican-made fender. no bass is complete perfect from the factory, but the build on this bass is solid and sturdy.
Value
Value is very good. better than the standard MIM line of cheap fender basses, and more bang for your buck than the road worn basses/jazz bass version of this model.
Manufacturer Support
I ordered a solid bass. and that's what i was delivered. nothing but satisfaction.
The Wow Factor
I cannot believe a bass like this costs so little!
Musical Background:
playing bass 4 years, play in school bands,
Musical Style:
thrash metal, progressive rock, hardcore, death metal, contemporary/solo, alternative rock/grunge, jazz fusion
3 of 5 people (60%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted December 22, 2014 by Doug T in Moses Lake, WA
"Fender Deluxe Maple P Bass Special"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
A++. Arrived earlier than expected. Came right out of the box set up and ready to play. Finish was flawless. I never ordered an instrument online before but was very pleased when it arrived.
Musical Background:
Bass and guitar for 37+ years
Musical Style:
country and classic rock
1 of 2 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 5, 2015 by Matthew L in Carson City, CA
"Best bass I have played"
I've got a squier affinity (piece of pawnshop crap) and an ibanez btb400qm, which is nice but it's really heavy, not my style aesthetically, and is active passive. i wanted a fender and an active bass.. thats when i saw and ordered this beauty. I ordered on sunday and recieved it on monday (I live 20 miles from the zzounds shipping center). I absolutely love the bass in all aspects. the gold pickguard isnt my color of choice, but looks better than the pictures on here made me believe and the neck is a bit thicker than the ibanez and i had to play with it to get everything setup to my liking, but it is the best bass i have played hands down. if you want an amazing bass at an amazing price i suggest the fender deluxe active p bass special made in mexico.
Musical Background:
Bass, Bass guitar, and piano.
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal.
of 1 people (0%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 22, 2015 by Robert B in Pittsburg, CA
"Off the chain"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'm loving this. PJ pups, Jazz neck, Active electronics and a light weight Precision body. Plenty of sustain. Make sure you get it set up. Mine really needed it out the box. After the set up it now plays very well. You can dial in so many sounds and you can go right back to the P bass with ease. I'll keep you updated.
Musical Background:
Multi instrumentalist Keyboards, Guitar, Bass
Musical Style:
Jazz Rock Funk Fusion
of 1 people (0%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted February 11, 2015 by F C in Orleans, MI
"Deluxe P bass deluxe special"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great bass for the price with the features it has. Mine needed some more finish work on the sides with the frets, kind of sharp. Ugly gold pick guard. Sounds great. I also have a American P bass deluxe with the switch to go active to passive. I like them both. Both can trick you into thinking they are Jazz basses with the EQ. Love the C necks.
Musical Background:
10 years playing around with bass.
Musical Style:
Contemporary Christian, playing almost every Sunday medium sized church.
of 1 people (0%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted April 30, 2011 by a customer from charter.net
"Don't buy into the American Mexican version bull. This bass is made very well, and sounds even better."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This will be my #1 bass. I don't even want to look at my other basses.
Sound
This bass sounds amazing with active elects. I love the 3 band EQ, and with the pu blend knob, you can really get a wide spectrum of sounds with just this knob. The mid level EQ knob is very responsive and really cuts or adds mids. The EQ is not just for tone enhancement, they actually work, and do just what they are for. I play through a MarkBass 2x10 combo with a 15 ext cab. I have also played this through an Ampeg 8x10 and WOW is all I can really say about this bass. It sounds so clear and the tones are even, across the strings and up the neck. My high G is just as loud and punchy as my low G etc. When I first played this bass with the band, it felt like a new car. Very tight, and responsive. I don't know if the MIM basses are supposed to be less quality or not, but I would put this bass up against any American made Fender without hesitation. I have not been able to find a flaw yet. I pulled the pick guard and electronics to see how it was made, and i can't find anything but quality craftsmanship.
Features
It comes with a well, cheap gig bag. Buy a hardshell to put this bass in. You can even get them used at a pawn shop if you have to. I have the Blizzard Pearl with a maple kneck, and the finish is beautiful and the neck is very slick, not tacky as someone told me. The pick guard is GOLD. Not my favorite color, but it gives it a classic look. By the way, no one as of now, offers a replacement pick guard, so you will have to have one custom made, or live with the gold one.
Ease of Use
As I said before, this bass sounds amazing !
Quality
I saw this bass at another retailer and it had a dip in the clearcoat, however, mine has no flaws at all. It is very well made, and the paint is perfect.
Value
Like I said, I will put this bass up against any American made for twice the price. Both in appearance, and sound !
Manufacturer Support
Have not used the support. Don't think I will need it.
The Wow Factor
Sex appeal ? Lets just say I have no regrets, and would purchase another one if this one got gone. I think the appeal to something is based on personal preference. But this one hit a home run for me !
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Country and Rock
23 of 26 people (88%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Please wait.