5 string P's
 

5 string P basses are not the most commonly used thing (by my estimation) Do they suck? I love the P bass sound and would love to have something like an old Fender, but I still want to have a 5th string! Any happy mediums?

No. They don't suck.

I just don't see them commonly used, so was wondering why. I'm sure they're solid, I'm trying to find a nice one. What kind is that specifically?

I love my 2010 Fender Precision V.

I love mine! You should shop around for them. Some are better than others. Mine has a killer B and unique rosewood pattern. It has a great sound. Whether fingers or pick, it's thick and punchy! The grind of the pick with the tone turned up is sweet as well.

Original post for when / where or how that PG came to be?
Truly bada$$.

To the OP, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Fender American Standard P Bass V.
Well, after X-Mas :ninja:

I've played 2-3 other P-5ers but really just dig Fender.

Also groovy. Getting harder to wait until after the New Year :spit:

Definitely don't hate mine either...

Attachment 302023

They don't suck at all. The Fender American Standard P5 is a nice bass. The neck radius is somewhat vintage feeling and it's fairly thin front to back. Alder body, Maple fretboard is my favorite model. Prefer Ash body, but Fender isn't listening right now. 18mm spacing. Very nice. Nordstrand and Bartolini make replacement pickups for it. Nice even response across the strings. You can now build a Warmoth P5 which gives even more wood choices.

Certainly do not suck. What sucks is trying to find one or even worse trying to find a PJ 5er. Mine: Squier with NOS Fender P pickup and Dimarzio Ultra Jazz in bridge. Regular Fender models don't even have a PJ 5er.



Yes, it's killer!

Here is a couple to choose from. Both cool in their own way.

Lakland 55-64 is another option. Skyline or US.

To the OP: my guess as to why there are very few used 5 string FENDER Precisions is that (IIRC) they've only been out since 2008. I think most people who buy them, keep them. Great bass! Definitely on my GAS list.

2008 Fender American Standard PV.

A couple of years ago, they were all over the awards shows (VMA's, CMA's, etc...). I think Nashville has shifted away from fives into downtuned fours. It is a little picky about strings, but it plays great and sounds great.

They're not so common because nobody makes them in the under-$1000 price bracket. There are the MIA Fender P-5s and the Lakland 55-64s, and that's about it (apart from boutique and custom instruments). Nearest thing I've got is a Yamaha BB415, which is P/J.

Sandberg, if you have the budget.

That's a nice looking bass, Joe! I've got a 2011 Am Std Jazz 5'er with a maple fretboard. Plays like a dream.

I've said it before in a few other threads about P 5'ers....I've yet to see one in any of the three music stores I go to. Don't know if Fender just doesn't make that many or if they sell as soon as the store gets them.

Nice bass.I'd like to try a P5 with a soap bar in the bridge position sometime. Something dark and thick sounding, maybe a Bart P2.

I've owned the Deluxe P5 with the bridge humbucker, so I'm not sure if I would have a qualified opinion. I sold her for 2 reasons. The neck was a little wide for my liking, and the B never sounded solid to me. I have since come to an understanding that no bass can be "PERFECT", so I now wish I had that one back,

they don't "suck" ofcourse, its just that people who prefer or need 5 strings USSUALLY like more "modern" and more verstaile sound, while other dudes who like P bass, they just want classic P bass and therefore four strings.