Another '62 AVRI Precision vs. American Standard thread.

[D.M.N.]

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

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.

I was going to post the same thing. The truss rod access has never been an issue, as I've never had to adjust them. My 62 P is still solid after some 6 years of pretty much daily use, and gigging about Washington, the weather isn't always the nicest to be subjecting a bass too. Same thing with having them out east. The humidity is way higher out here than back home, but it's never affected my basses in the slightest.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

Finger radius is different as well.

Yep, and a few other things too. I was just mentioning what the bigger differences were to me.

[petrus61]

Personally I find there to be enough difference as to make it an apples to oranges thing. Tone-wise, they are pretty close but the feel is vastly different on both instruments, IMO. The AVRI's are more classy and slick feeling, if that makes any sense and the slightest ding could leave you with a quarter size paint chip. The finish wear is inevitable with the AVRI's, some becoming very apparent within the first week. But this is one of the things that makes them great, IMO and gives them a sexy feel that is tough to match, neck differences aside. The AmStd's tend to feel more "substatial" (again, if that makes any sense) and pack a little more girth in the neck, IMO. My last AVRI had a very finicky neck and it fluctuated every time a hummingbird farted. Not a bad neck by any stretch and they all aren't like this...it was just one of those necks. I have decided to give my next AmStd the 57 treatment, adding a gold gaurd, thumbrest and all the "bling". I like the graphite support, the lighter tuners and the new bridges. I like the fact that the maple fingerboard is glossy while the back is satin and has a slight tint. All the modern benefits with old school aesthetic. So a 2012 3 tone burst with maple neck will become my very own "Custom Classic '58", sans the quarter-sawn neck. I'm so stoked. One thing that I have been waiting to hear more feedback on is the new "60's" pups in the 2012 models. Supposedly they are wound slightly hotter than the '62s and they don't seem to have the bevel pole pieces, leading me to believe they are a variation or different pup entirely from the '62.

[meatwad]

I got everything I ever wanted in a Precision Bass with my SB/RW 2011 AmStd. It has the look of the '62, but with modern appointments.

[shrimpflea]

I have a 62 AV RI P-Bass....my favorite bass of all time.

[kurosawa]

See if you can play a bunch of P basses. Let your ears and fingers choose.

[atomicdog]

I own an AM ST P Bass. If you're looking for a modern sound, go for the AM ST. I swapped out the bridge on mine to get more vintage sound. If the 62 AVRI is cheaper, go for it. I would.

[Sleeq]

To me, it's about the neck. I prefer the AM. ST. neck because it's thicker front to back, has bigger frets, rolled edges, and satin finish.

I have the best of both worlds; my MIA 2006 60th. Ann LE P-Bass is all AM ST specs with a '62 RI pickup

[Darren Low]

I think they have different pickups too. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[ljazz]

I don't have either of the AV's, but I do have a CS '59 P and a '08 MIA P. Love them both! However, I would recommend throwing in a OV Pup into the AmStd. Vastly different tone..... much more focus in the low mids than the std pup. (I think the AmStd's come with a CS vintage spec'd pup now)

I'm finding the finish issue to not be as big a difference as some are saying..... the thinner finishes implemented by Fender in '08 ding as easily as nitro..... mine isn't old enough yet to really know for sure, but it's showing "dullness" in the normal wear areas that makes me think the body finish will wear as easily as well.

I think it all comes down to how you think the instrument plays. The 1/8 inch difference in neck width, combined with the radius and front to back thickness could make one or the other a deal breaker for you...... although, these days, I'm finding those kinds of differences aren't a big deal for me.

[petrus61]

Anyone happen to know what the new CS 60's pickups read? Are they 10, 10.5, 11k? Want to know if I should budget for an OV in my next purchase.

[raferalston]

I got word from my local shop (who called Fender to see if they could order a 2012 '62 for me) that they (Fender) have discontinued that model and that they'd be releasing something new for 2013.

Anyway...I jumped on musicians friend to see if they had any left...and sure enough I ordered a 2012 AVRI '62 in sunburst for $985 TOTAL. (Their already discounted price+another 15% off via their website promo "Ask Paul" and free shipping/no tax.)

Pretty happy with the purchase and feel like I got a great deal.

Thanks for all the input here. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[j.kernodle]

good score! great deal. I think you'll be really happy.

[Mastermold]

Nice thread, nothing to add other than my preference is the AVRI's.

[raferalston]

Only drawback to buying online is I don't get to try out a bunch on the wall and pick my favorite.

But who has tons of 2012 AVRI '62's on their wall anyway? My local shops didn't even have a new one.

I'm hoping to get a good one...if not there is a 45 day return policy.

[Mike Vee]

I was going through the same thing last month and I ordered the 62 AVRI in sunburst. I got it for 1100 brand new. BEAUTIFUL bass but I decided the vibe just wasn't for me. It felt too classic rock, too 60s (go figure LOL.)

I returned it for a 2012 AMSTD in Charcoal Frost / Maple and couldn't be happier. It spoke to me from the first second. Just so much more slick looking and feeling. Bridge, tuners, neck plate - all bearing the fender name/logo and looking very slick. The neck feels a lot better to me. I also like the case a lot more, as the AVRI one is too nice for a case and needs it's own case haha. The AMSTD case is REALLY nice and feels like it could down down a few flights of steps no problem.

Overall, I felt as if I was holding the AVRI hostage, and that someone with a bit more vintage vibe would make a lot better use of it than me.

But, I also feel the AMSTD is a better buy (just way more features) and am happy with that part as well.

If you are more old school kinda guy you made the right choice. Another cool thing is that you got the last year they are going to make them.

[raferalston]

Good post Mike. Your points are exactly why I finally decided on the 62. Love the vintage feel, the case, the vibe...everything. Not to mention the tone!

Obviously both are great. Just different basses for different tastes.

[Mike Vee]

For Sure. Like i said it was really beautiful but i felt it would be in better hands with someone else who is maybe more of a vintage enthusiast...it deserved someone like you

[uOpt]

I would still like to see (more) confirmation that current AVRIs are nitro, and that it isn't just nitro on the neck, or a nitro overcoat over poly base.

I don't think that Fender directly specifies this. And I think they are holding full nitro back for the CS guitars and basses, as an upsell feature.

[raferalston]

The Fender American Vintage '62 Precision Bass is as classic sounding and resonant as the original. Following its introduction in '51, the P Bass went on to dramatically influence the way we play and hear music, impacting every genre in every decade since. The '62 Precision pays tribute to this landmark instrument as it starts its second decade. It features accurate detailing in electronics and hardware from the split single-coil pickups to the vintage tuning machines. Finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. Includes Fender deluxe hardshell case, vintage cable, and leather strap.