Fender converts its iconic Precision bass model to the "uke" format

 The ukulele bass format is making its debut in the Fullerton series, it is a hit or a miss? Time will tell!

The Fender Precision uke has been announced. It shares a lot with its siblings from the Ukulele Fullerton Series that takes iconic design and turns it into a ukulele : four strings, a hole, a pick guard, a piezo pickup, and a preamp/tuner especially made by Fender to amplify the instrument.

The ukulele bass is not really a novelty. Kala did invent a viable formula with the U-Bass, which combined silicon rubber strings on a big ukulele body, translated the concept of the Ashbory Bass into the more traditional ukulele form factor. By the way, did you know that Ashbory had belonged to Guild until 1988 and then to Fender until 2012? The Ashbory may be dead, the idea is still alive and turned to a new category of instruments : the acoustic travel bass guitar.

The prehistory of the silicon rubber string bass: The Ashbory at the peak of its success, partly influenced by the Steinberger Stick Bass

The Kala U-bass: the invention of a brand new format of bass and a new way of traveling with one's bass

The Kala U-bass exists in acoustic and solid body, fretted or fretless with silicon rubber strings or metal strings. The rubber strings create a double-bass type of sound while the metal strings (that could be compared to think nylon bass guitar strings) are more adapted to pick and slap techniques.

For its Precision ukulele, Fender has chosen the best of both worlds: a ukulele size with the round wound gut strings from Kala. It allows a 20.5 ' scale format with a normal bass tune (E-B-G-D) and the look and feel of an electric bass. Could it be the ultimate compromise between acoustic bass and travel format? 

And what about the design? I have to confess that I love the binding on the body, it reminds me of the Telecaster Custom from 1960 and it is rare on a Fender Bass. I appreciate the balance between the headstock and the dimensions of the body which respects the proportions of the P-Bass. And I like the 3 tone sunburst typical from the 1962 P-Bass.

And how does it sound? Andertons did a preview at Fender's in London, as a world premiere! Check it out!

The sound has something rubberish, typical from the Ukulele Bass we know and love, and the slight brightness of the Acoustic Fender Kingsman. Can't wait to see the early adopters using it on stage!