Another '62 AVRI Precision vs. American Standard thread.

raferalston · #1 12-03-2012, 12:17 PM

I've narrowed it down to these two Fenders. I've read all the previous threads and it seems like the only thing that everyone can agree on is that you need to play them side by side and see which one is right for you.

Well, I did that, and I still can't decide.

A few of questions;

Which one would most likely hold its value better?

What are the main tonal differences? (The amp I played them though in the store left a lot to be desired.

If they're so close in terms of quality...what exactly are you paying the few extra hundred dollars for on the '62 RI?

Much thanks,

A-Step-Towards · #2 12-03-2012, 12:20 PM

Well currently the Av's are cheaper then the standards i think, there is a big blow out sale.

raferalston · #3 12-03-2012, 12:21 PM

Where?

A-Step-Towards · #4 12-03-2012, 12:23 PM

samash has the 62 RI backordered in sunburst for under $1100, musicians friend has the sunburst 57 for under $1200. I called musiciansfriend and they were willing to match samash's price on the 62 and send me a 62 reissue for $1030.

bassgod0dmw · #5 12-03-2012, 12:23 PM

Pretty much everywhere

The tone is really very similar between the two of them. As for the differences, I think the biggest ones are:

Nitro vs. Poly finish
Gloss vs. Satin neck finish
1 3/4" nut vs 1 5/8" nut
Vintage style bridge vs. HMV

raferalston · #6 12-03-2012, 12:28 PM

Thanks. I have a connection at a major retailer so I might be able to get a substantial discount on either one.

That's why I'm really struggling to decide. They both seem like an excellent decision.

Just can't seem to pull the trigger on a specific one.

First world problems I guess...

bassgod0dmw · #7 12-03-2012, 12:31 PM

Do you want a bass that is always going to look relatively new? Or a bass that is going to look worn and well played? After it's well played of course...

Do you like a bigger neck?

Do you like gloss neck finish?

If yes to two or more, go for the AVRI. If no, then go for the MIA Standard.

I've got a 62' & 57' AVRI and an MIA P and they're all great instruments. If I had to choose only one it would be my 57' AVRI, but thankfully I don't have to choose right now. I do prefer the neck on the MIA P though, I like the smaller nut width and I've always been a satin finish kind of guy.

As for your original questions, I think the AVRI holds it's value better...but that doesn't mean that an Am Standard P doesn't.
You're paying extra for the nitro finish on the AVRI which is costly and a PITA to apply, and the "close" reproduction of a vintage instrument.
It's been said more than a few times that the AVRI's are basically the quality of a Custom Shop instrument for half the price. I'm inclined to agree with that statement. I'd put my 57' up against any of the CS basses I've played and choose mine every time.

raferalston · #8 12-03-2012, 12:34 PM

I like the well played look (as long as it isn't "relic'd")

So, you're saying that the AVRI will wear faster?

raferalston · #9 12-03-2012, 12:40 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards the AVRI.

bassgod0dmw · #10 12-03-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raferalston

So, you're saying that the AVRI will wear faster?

Yes.

Nitro will wear much faster. Poly is a much tougher finish and may show no signs of wear after years of use.

**Jeremy Allen** · #11 12-03-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raferalston

I like the well played look (as long as it isn't "relic'd")

So, you're saying that the AVRI will wear faster?

The nitro finish will wear faster, yes. But in a nice way.

raferalston · #12 12-03-2012, 12:46 PM

Cool. I like the idea of that.

Bongolation · #13 12-03-2012, 01:32 PM

The AVRI has a non-graphite neck.

A few other odds and ends. Check the specs on the site.

ggvicviper · #14 12-03-2012, 03:01 PM

I never played an AVRI P, but I have heard great things. I own an American Standard from 2011, which is awesome.

I say get the AVRI simply because they may not make that '62 model again. Look what happened to the guitars. Plus it's a steal now

raferalston · #15 12-03-2012, 03:23 PM

The only gripe I've heard about the AVRI is the truss rod access is limited to taking off the neck and the fact that it's non graphite.

j.kernodle · #16 12-03-2012, 03:39 PM

the non graphite allows the neck to be thinner front to back. I've had my AVRI a few weeks now and don't regret it a bit. lightweight great build quality, and there aren't many out there.

just make sure you like the 1.75" nut width, 7.25" radius and small frets. it's a different feel.

bassgod0dmw · #17 12-03-2012, 03:40 PM

Taking off the neck to do a truss rod tweak is a PITA, but it's not too bad once you do it a few times. I much prefer not having to though.

Most necks don't have graphite in them, but that is a selling point for the Am Standard as well. They do have a very nice neck. FWIW, I've never had an issue with a non graphite neck. Although I haven't ever had to adjust my graphite necked basses once it's dialed in though.

raferalston · #18 12-03-2012, 03:53 PM

Thanks again everyone. I'll post some pics once I make the big purchase.

9mmMike · #19 12-03-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Pretty much everywhere

The tone is really very similar between the two of them. As for the differences, I think the biggest ones are:

Nitro vs. Poly finish
Gloss vs. Satin neck finish
1 3/4" nut vs 1 5/8" nut
Vintage style bridge vs. HMV

Finger radius is different as well.

9mmMike · #20 12-03-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raferalston

The only gripe I've heard about the AVRI is the truss rod access is limited to taking off the neck and the fact that it's non graphite.

My AVRI necks never need adjustment beyond the initial setup. Maybe I am not fussy enough but I have never needed to tweak one after setting it where I want. That's my experience here in South East PA anyway and I have a gaggle of AV RI's here that are continually rotated into the gig/practice schedule.