A decision

adamlunt · #1 11-19-2012, 07:02 PM

I can't decide whether to pay £1000 for a 2012 MIA Standard Precison or £1400 for a well played and worn sunburst '76 P.

Both feel like great basses. The 76 being the better sounding bass (quite aggressive) while the MIA is a better feeling bass and is a touch cheaper.

I'm into the older basses because they have unique character and sounds, but my main concern about the '76 is that its good-condition 77-78 money.

ncapone · #2 11-19-2012, 07:41 PM

The 76 is an investment that will keep going up if you ever decide to sell it. And besides, how often do you come across those?

adamlunt · #3 11-19-2012, 08:16 PM

Its hardly investor condition though. A lot of wear and tear (36 years old I guess)

scottbass · #4 11-19-2012, 08:37 PM

DISCLAIMER #1: I am the owner (and lover) of a new model (2008) MIA Std Precision. That being said, you say you prefer the feel of the new P and the sound of the old P. My opinion is that there are several things you can do to change the sound of a bass that's "almost there" sound-wise, but not much you can do to change the feel of a bass. New strings - flats, perhaps - and/or a different pickup may well put the new bass where you want it, sound-wise. But in the end it's your decision, not mine. There is a lot to be said in favor of vintage P bass mojo.

I realize this is just the opinion of one guy who has owned two P basses over the years, but the '71 P bass I owned back in the day never felt as good as my 2008. All I did to my '08 was ditch the Fender roundwounds in favor of some TI Jazz Flats. No pickup change needed.

DISCLAIMER #2: All the usual - IMHO, YMMV, etc.

bostonasphalt2 · #5 11-19-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamlunt

Its hardly investor condition though. A lot of wear and tear (36 years old I guess)

It will still hold its value IMHO

adamlunt · #6 11-20-2012, 11:33 AM

I'm still not convinced... any more opinions?

78fenderjazz · #7 11-20-2012, 11:41 AM

I would probably go vintage. I love a nicely broken in bass and there are some options to improve the feel (different strings, professional set-up, frets redressed etc...) and an older bass will hold its value better and start to increase in value sooner than the newer one (beat-up or not)

That said if it is unforgivably uncomfortable it not worth it as a player.

Spinal Tapper · #8 11-20-2012, 11:47 AM

I'd go for the 76. I love old Fenders. Maybe it just needs a good setup from a tech?

My 75 P is the coolest P bass around town. Plays like a DREAM.

You can always sell the 76 later and you won't lose any money on it, and snatch yourself up a 2012 P at ANY time.

But it would be harder to flip the 2012 P for what you paid when you find yourself gassing for the 76...

If the 76 is a good deal, snatch it up!

adamlunt · #9 11-20-2012, 07:40 PM

All great points, however its gonna be a working instrument. I'd hate to end up losing or damaging a vintage instrument on the road.

Kmonk · #10 11-20-2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbass

DISCLAIMER #1: I am the owner (and lover) of a new model (2008) MIA Std Precision. That being said, you say you prefer the feel of the new P and the sound of the old P. My opinion is that there are several things you can do to change the sound of a bass that's "almost there" sound-wise, but not much you can do to change the feel of a bass. New strings - flats, perhaps - and/or a different pickup may well put the new bass where you want it, sound-wise. But in the end it's your decision, not mine. There is a lot to be said in favor of vintage P bass mojo.

I realize this is just the opinion of one guy who has owned two P basses over the years, but the '71 P bass I owned back in the day never felt as good as my 2008. All I did to my '08 was ditch the Fender roundwounds in favor of some TI Jazz Flats. No pickup change needed.

DISCLAIMER #2: All the usual - IMHO, YMMV, etc.

I agree. I have several 1970s Fenders, a 2008 Precision and a 2011 Jazz. The newer basses actually sound and play better. The 1970s were a tough time for Fender due to budget cuts by CBS. There were some pretty bad Fenders made at that time but there were also some very good ones. I recently read an article that stated that the 2008 and newer Fenders are some of the best basses Fender has ever built.

plankspanker13 · #11 11-20-2012, 07:55 PM

Having cut my teeth on vintage 70's P's, in the 80's, I have to agree with the OP. I have tried the 2008 & newer models, when shopping, and have been quite impressed. Of course, I "graduated" to multiple-pickup instruments, in the 90's, and have a healthy love for J basses to this day....even if the ones that I currently have are G&L's.

jcburn · #12 11-20-2012, 07:59 PM

The new Fenders play and sound great but for me there is just something about an old Fender that I cant put my finger on.
You mention the sound being better on the '76, and I will concur. The older Ps have a more aggressive sound and I like this - +1 there.
As far as playability go there are heaps of things you can do to a bass to make it play better - new bridge, new lightweight tuners, fret work, pro set up etc etc. If you replace an old genuine part just make sure the replaement doesn't need extra drilling/routing etc. and keep the old part just in case you sell it down the track.
As far as damaging a vintage instrument - think of it this way. It's obviously not pristione any way. Scratches and player wear are probably already there. A few more aren't going to be apparent staright away, whereas on a new bass they will. Plus if you really damage the bass (i.e. broken neck) then it's just as disappointing to damage a new bass or old bass.
In my opinion the older basses have a chunkier neck, which for me is a positive.
Another plus is the vintage instrument is cheaper!
Lastly I have a '78 P Bass(absolutely stock) and a '06 Frank bello sig that I have modded with Dimarzio pickups and a warmoth neck. The Bello is a cracking bass and I love it, but there is just something about the look and sound of the '78 that just makes me smile and nod when I'm playing, even though it is a little less comfortable to play than the Bello.
Now this is all only my 2c but I vote for the '76.
Have fun with your decision - best part is which ever way you go you have made a great choice!

ILLINOX · #13 11-20-2012, 08:40 PM

and then there's bragging rights about owning the 76...

geoff_in_nc · #14 11-20-2012, 08:49 PM

Not to get all philosophical on you or anything, but....

I've got to say this works for me....

(and for the record, I gathered the older one spoke to you more... go with what speaks to you.)

pocketgroove · #15 11-20-2012, 08:54 PM

I'm not sure if someone's made the point already, but you can pick up a 2012 American Standard anytime. They're not going anywhere. However, the '76 will come and go, and you won't have another chance.

wilfredes · #16 11-20-2012, 08:56 PM

You can always sell the 76 later and you won't lose any money on it, and snatch yourself up a 2012 P at ANY time.

adamlunt · #17 11-21-2012, 08:58 AM

I think I'm gonna get the new one.I'm digging the new Jade finish. And tort would look classy on it.

Thanks guys.

Musicman20 · #18 11-21-2012, 10:12 AM

Get the 2012....excellent upgrades, and (usually) well made.

mmoore1 · #19 11-21-2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamlunt

I think I'm gonna get the new one.I'm digging the new Jade finish. And tort would look classy on it.

Thanks guys.

I have a 2012 Jade Pearl Metallic and I get compliments on it constantly.

mp40smg · #20 11-21-2012, 10:36 AM

Ok..
I would opt for the one that YOU think plays and sounds better.

That being said..

If it were me, I would most likely go for the new Fender. Having grown up with 70s fenders, I just don't see magic there. And IMO the now fenders are substantially better in all aspects from the 70s (especially mid 70s) Fenders.