Cant afford a "Funk Machine"

[supreetbose]

I have to come to terms with reality that I simply cant afford a Fender American Vintage '62 Precision Bass.

But I really want that James Jamerson fat low end tone.

So, I decided to either build me one or I`d mod a cheaper guitar.

Some of my options are:

1. Build me a Saga PB-10 Bass Kit (with an actual Vintage Fender pickup and La bella flats)

2. Buy a SX P bass or a second hand squier p bass, change the Pick ups and install La-bella flats.

I would like to install the "bridge cover" and have the foam mute.My concern is if these lower end basses will hold up to the tension of the Labella Jamerson set.

I wanted to get some opinions/experiences/comments.... which route would you go if you were me? Are there other options that I am not aware of?

Thanks for reading.

[elBandito]

pick up a used mim p bass. slap some flats on.

[Pilgrim]

If not the used MIM (excellent idea, BTW)...

Pick up a used Jay Turser JTB-40 (60's P clone) or JTB-401 (clone of a '54 P) and install Labella Deep Talkin' flats. Total investment, about $200. Might run $240 with covers.

Any of the basses you mentioned will handle the Labella strings, but I prefer the Deep Talkin' flats over the Jamersons, which are about as thick as tugboat hawsers.