Fender Classic 50's or 70's Precision?

**awilkie84** · #1 03-21-2013, 11:53 AM

I'm in the market for a new P-bass, as finding a decent replacement body for my 96 MIM is turning up fruitless.
I tried the 70's yesterday at my local L&M and LOVE it.
I haven't had a chance to try the 50's but it gets good reviews. It's also about $100 cheaper (after tax).

What's everyone's thoughts on these 2? Which would you go with?

johnbegone · #2 03-21-2013, 11:59 AM

I have two of the 50's p's. I really like them. I actually never tried out the 70's. If you tried one and loved it - buy that one. As with anything, there will always be discrepancies between basses, so buy what you try when you can!

I think the thing people will not like about the 50's is the neck. It's a huge flat baseball bat style. One of the largest nut widths you can get. I'm 6'4 and have large hands so I really like it. I don't like jazz necks at all. In fact, I'm thinking of buying a 50's neck to put on a jazz bass I have as well.

The only thing I don't like is the gold pickguard (the metal has a weird feel to me) but that's a $30 part to replace.

mp40smg · #3 03-21-2013, 12:10 PM

IMO, the 50s (from an aestetic perspective) does absolutely nothing for me.

at least the 70s has somewhat of a retro vibe to it.

miles'tone · #4 03-21-2013, 12:25 PM

If you've found one you love, buy it before someone else does.

SpectorDetector · #5 03-21-2013, 12:50 PM

I've owned both and I think I liked the 70's better, it's got much more of a Jazz type neck on it, the 50's is super wide at the nut. I also like the block inlays which was an acquired taste for me, I'd get a white 70's if is was doing it again...

lpdeluxe · #6 03-21-2013, 02:04 PM

The Classic '50s is one of the best Fender basses made. I've had one for 7 years, and it is my go-to-bass for gigs, beating out my AV '57 P. The nitro finish on the '57 is nicer, but the poly '50s will last forever in a bar band environment.

**awilkie84** · #7 03-21-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbegone

I have two of the 50's p's. I really like them. I actually never tried out the 70's. If you tried one and loved it - buy that one. As with anything, there will always be discrepancies between basses, so buy what you try when you can!

I think the thing people will not like about the 50's is the neck. It's a huge flat baseball bat style. One of the largest nut widths you can get. I'm 6'4 and have large hands so I really like it. I don't like jazz necks at all. In fact, I'm thinking of buying a 50's neck to put on a jazz bass I have as well.

The only thing I don't like is the gold pickguard (the metal has a weird feel to me) but that's a $30 part to replace.

Well, I can have a 50's brought into the store for a $50 refundable deposit. So, there's no risk in buying something I won't like.

As for the neck, I'm not a Jazz fan, but I don't like baseball bats. I like a moderately wide board, but a slim back.

The gold pickguard doesn't seem to bother me. lol Although, I'd definitely a black body & not a fiesta or burst.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpectorDetector

I've owned both and I think I liked the 70's better, it's got much more of a Jazz type neck on it, the 50's is super wide at the nut. I also like the block inlays which was an acquired taste for me, I'd get a white 70's if is was doing it again...

I like the block inlays, but for $100 difference in the cost of the bass, I can live without it.

SpectorDetector · #8 03-21-2013, 02:34 PM

Is the 70's a MIM or the Made in Japan? Also to be clear, when i said the neck on the 70's is more like a Jazz neck, I just meant it is a little thinner at the nut, not overly so though...

ShowLow · #9 03-21-2013, 02:55 PM

I recently sold my '50s to make room for a '57 AVRI. Both recent models, both great, and I do miss the '50s. I still have an MIJ '70s. Also great.

The necks on the Classic Series basses are very different and each is nice in its own way. Wide/flat and fairly thin front-to-back on the '50s; narrower with 1-5/8" nut and even tighter jazz-like string spacing on the '70s. The '70s BnB neck has a very glossy poly finish.

The pup in the '50s, according to a reliable TB'er who checked with Fender Customer Service, is the same as the pre-2012 American Standard. The '70s also sounds excellent and I really dig the vibe of that era. So I would give a slight edge to the '70s.

**awilkie84** · #10 03-21-2013, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpectorDetector

Is the 70's a MIM or the Made in Japan? Also to be clear, when i said the neck on the 70's is more like a Jazz neck, I just meant it is a little thinner at the nut, not overly so though...

This particular one is an MIJ. Although, the MIMs that I've played were equally as nice.

Twocan · #11 03-21-2013, 06:49 PM

I loved my 50's P with the exception of the truss rod access. GREAT BASS for the money.

Brockerboy · #12 03-21-2013, 07:57 PM

70s bro

4andnomore · #13 03-22-2013, 12:37 AM

I voted 50s cuz I don't care for the blox on P. But if you love it, buy it!

Any P is a good P in my book

**WoodyJ** · #14 03-22-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awilkie84

As for the neck, I'm not a Jazz fan, but I don't like baseball bats. I like a moderately wide board, but a slim back.

You might want to check out an American Special. These have a killer slim (front-to back) neck profile and a 1.625" nut.

I generally go for the Vintage series ones but this one played and sounded so good that I bought one on sale ($699) and modded it slightly with a rosewood board neck,a tort guard and vintage reverse tall tuners. These also have the pre-2012 Am Standard pickup and are a great buy for a USA P-Bass.

**awilkie84** · #15 03-22-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodyJ

You might want to check out an American Special. These have a killer slim (front-to back) neck profile and a 1.625" nut.

I generally go for the Vintage series ones but this one played and sounded so good that I bought one on sale ($699) and modded it slightly with a rosewood board neck,a tort guard and vintage reverse tall tuners. These also have the pre-2012 Am Standard pickup and are a great buy for a USA P-Bass.

I owned an American Special for awhile and it was a great bass. I sold it to get my Spector ReBop 5DLX.
To me, the 70s P plays better for the money. It's about $150 cheaper & feels/weighs about the same.
I like the look of the 50s P, though. So, if it plays well & has good reviews here, I may spring for that one.

Dragan · #16 03-22-2013, 12:23 PM

you talk about classic series '70 P bass?

I didn't had chance to try it yet,but for me it does'nt fit. blocks and binding on 70 P bass?
I'd pass...(especially since I have the REAL thang!haha!!)

BTW. '50 classic P is lovely instrument!

RyanJD · #17 03-22-2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbegone

I have two of the 50's p's. I really like them. I actually never tried out the 70's. If you tried one and loved it - buy that one. As with anything, there will always be discrepancies between basses, so buy what you try when you can!

Basically word for word what I was going to say.
Except I only have one 50's P and I love it.

I like the maple on it. I have rosewood on my Fender Jazz. They balance each other nicely.
Some people have changed the pickup on the 50's P. I have no idea why. It sounds fantastic to my ears.

lonote · #18 03-22-2013, 01:55 PM

I have a Classic 50's P-Bass and I love it. They are professional quality instruments and need no "upgrades" to make them playable.

RyanJD · #19 03-22-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twocan

I loved my 50's P with the exception of the truss rod access. GREAT BASS for the money.

Yeah true. That truss rod...

**awilkie84** · #20 03-26-2013, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the info, guys.

For those of you with Classic 50s. What's the weight like?