Fender Precision Elite Bass

The Fender Precision Elite

All the information you need about the Fender Precision Elite!

History Elite 1 Elite II Micro-tilt adjuster Knob Bridge Tuners Colors Manual Brochure Users Block diagram Wiring I Wiring II Preamp Pcb Contact

History

The Fender Elite range (Precision, Strat and Tele models) was made in 1983 and sold between 1983 and the start of 1985. They were "premium" models, similar in concept to the current "Deluxe" models and followed on from the "Special" models of the early 1980s. The concept was to revise some of the existing Fender designs with new technology, while retaining as much of the "classic" appeal as possible. Unfortunately, an abysmally poor tremolo implementation on the Stratocaster model gave the whole Elite range a poor reputation in the market place, though in fact the Precision bass model is an excellent instrument. The reputation wasn't enhanced by the remaining stocks of all Elite models being sold out at "fire sale" prices at the start of 1985, as part of the preparation for the sale of Fender by CBS.

The Precision Elite came in two basic models, a single pickup type and a dual pickup type. On top of this basic model type, there were choices of a maple plus rosewood or all maple neck, plus choices of chrome or gold finish on the metal hardware.

Additionally, the very first Precision Elites were made with Walnut bodies and Walnut plus Ebony necks. Since the very last of the Precision Special models were also made from Walnut, it seems likely that the first Elites were made using the remaining stock of Precision Special body and neck blanks.

The Precision Elite series was only made for two years (1983 - 1984.) This was Fender's high-end line of the time and their second attempt at an active bass. This bass was made at Fender's factory in California. The preamp is probably designed by Paul Gagon, who now is vice president of engineering at G&L guitars.

During the time they were produced, there were modifications. The bridge for instance had a smooth side, later it became a rough surface. Early models had a flush mount output jack. Late models had no flush mount output jack. Also the electronics changed, there are two versions of the PCB (PN 021363A and PN 021363B).

The Elite I has one split humbucking pickup, active preamp, a TBX circuit (passive) with a center detent on the tone control. Center detent represents standard P-bass tone knob on full (no high cut.) Turning knob counterclockwise provides cut of highs; turning knob clockwise from detent provides boost to mids/highs.

The Elite II has two split humbucking pickups with an active preamp and a normal (passive) tone control.

The neck attaches to the body with four bolts and has micro-tilt adjusters.

The white pickup covers have a shape unique to the Elite series. Rubber gripped volume and tone knobs with F's engraved on top that are also unique to this series.

The active electronics run on a 9 volt battery stored in a compartment on the back of the body.

The bass has a high-mass chrome Schaller bridge with fine tuners (such as you'd find on a violin or cello).
Fine tuners are available at WWW.BASSMATTERS.NL.

Click to see the patent of the bridge.

The output jack is mounted on the side of the body. Schaller deluxe tuners and Schaller strap locks came standard.

The Bi-flex truss rods allows tightening in either direction to make the neck either more concave or more convex. The neck is wide and has a flat oval or “C” shaped neck profile and a “skunk stripe” . The bass came with a molded plastic case that says “Fender” on it.

Colors:
Standard Colors:
(506) Black,
(521) Natural,
(500) 3-Color Sunburst,
(531) Sienna Sunburst,
(532) Brown Sunburst,
(543) Pewter,
(580) Arctic White,

Custom Colors Add $75.00:
(502) Lake Placid Blue,
(509) Candy Apple Red,
(542) Aztec Gold,
(545) Candy Apple Green,
(546) Emerald Green,
(560) Wild Cherry,

Custom Stratoburst Colors Add $100.00:
(550) Bronze Stratoburst,
(551) Black Stratoburst,
(552) Blue Stratoburst

3 Color Sunburst