Fender early 50's re-ish bass help/opinions...

loendmaestro · #1 02-21-2011, 06:21 PM

First off, let me apologize. I generally shy away from the "talk me in/out of this bass purchase" or "which one is better" posts. But I'm in a conundrum.

I am dying for a Fender early 50's P-bass re-ish. Examples like the Sting or the new Squier Classic Vibe...you know, slab body, tele headstock, single coil goodness?

I have 8 basses already - I need another like I need a hole in the head, but the wife says I can get one with the tax return.

So, here's the deal. The Fender custom shop $2500.00 ones are not a reality for me unfortunately.
I had almost settled on the recent Classic Vibe Squier...I love Lake Placid Blue, & boy is that an attractive price point. But man, (and you can go ahead & flame me) I can't get past the "Squier" on the headstock and Chinese build. I really don't try to be a gear snob, but something is just holding me back there.
I've played one locally & was pretty impressed, but I just dunno...

Then there are the MIJ ones. Either the butterscotch/black ones or the venerable old Sting model. I'm leaning toward the Sting model there, simply because of the contoured body. The inlay doesn't really bother me. My concern is the two saddle bridge -- how much of a pain is that gonna be? I realize the Squier has the hi mass vintage one, but are these worth the extra $3-400? Am I simply too obsessed with having F-E-N-D-E-R on my headstock?
I've never had the opportunity to play one of these.

So flame me, pile on, do your worst, but I need some guidance here between the models I've listed above.

Real world experience? Honest opinions in relation to the electronics/fit & finish/etc., thoughts on the bridges?

I'm certainly not a lemming, but I know my bass brethren have strong opinions & I'm ready for 'em.

Not often do you get clear spouse approval for a bass purchase, especially in these dire economic times, so I wanna make it count!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Marton · #2 02-21-2011, 06:35 PM

I've been really impressed with the Squier CV 50s Precision too. Get it, and sand the logo off if you care about the name. Or put some electrical tape on the logo.

rybass309 · #3 02-22-2011, 06:20 AM

I just picked up my 50s CV P this weekend and I am happy to share my feelings about it. I have played the other Squires in the CV series and I felt that the 50s re-issue to have the best overall feel, sound and proverbial bang for the buck. I haven't played the Fender MIJ 50's model to compare which you can find used around $600 but I can't imagine it playing $300 better.
I was looking for a bass that I could throw a set of flats on, stuff some foam in the bridge and really rock that old school sound as a contrast to my Ken Smith BSR J 5. So far I am REALLY impressed with the sound and can't wait for the XL Chromes to dull down a bit. I found this comparison to be very helpful and it was the only one that I could find with a really good sound comparison between the fender's and the squiers. I thought out of the 3 that are compared, the 50s squier was the closest in sound to it's fender big brother. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Cd98DH__U

mongo2 · #4 02-22-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loendmaestro

I am dying for a Fender early 50's P-bass re-ish. Examples like the Sting or the new Squier Classic Vibe...you know, slab body, tele headstock, single coil goodness?

Just so you know, the Sting and Squier CV have contoured bodies, not slabs. Only the MIJ/CIJ '51 RI P has the slab body.

**StrangerDanger** · #5 02-22-2011, 06:37 AM

You could always go the Warmoth route on the body and find exactly what you want then buy the Fender neck of your choice off eBay. There is a seller (reliablefender) who always seems to have a lot of necks in stock.

Peace and good luck!

Orpheus55 · #6 02-22-2011, 07:50 AM

I have had the Sting model for ten years and it remains my go-to bass. The bridge is not a big problem, and replacement bridges have their own issues. The Sting has surprising range, though I found flats tended to limit it's signature sound. The stock taper-wounds work best with it. It is very comfortable and balanced though not a lightweight bass. I replaced the pickup with an SD, but detected only a minimum difference. I did have to replace the pots after seven years. The frets are small but have held up great over a decade in. Excellent bass, really.

loendmaestro · #7 02-22-2011, 08:51 AM

Thanks, I appreciate the input so far.

Caca de Kick · #8 02-22-2011, 12:16 PM

The 2-saddle bridge really isn't too big of a deal. I've had two of the MIJ 51RI, and still love my custom shop 55. While the bridge isn't perfect, it's good enough for gov't work.

loendmaestro · #9 02-22-2011, 01:30 PM

Hey Caca de Kick, I don't even want to know about that '55 CS do I?

mongo2 · #10 02-22-2011, 01:36 PM

RE: two saddle bridge.

If the 2 saddle bridge becomes an issue the MIA Deluxe and American Standard 4 saddle bridges are direct replacements.

loendmaestro · #11 02-22-2011, 01:40 PM

Thanks Mongo2,
But I thought there was a thread somewhere detailing somebody's really bad luck modifying a Sting bass. Specifically the bridge....something about the placement of the original 2 saddle that made the installation of a 4 saddle a nightmare.

Of course I may be wrong...it certainly seems like it's be easy enough.

iamthebassman · #12 02-22-2011, 02:04 PM

If you're a gear snob, OWN IT. What do you care? Don't ask permission, get the bass you want. If it's gotta be a FENDER, so be it. Start saving up!

loendmaestro · #13 02-22-2011, 02:50 PM

Nobody asked anyone's permission, but thanks.

LawDaddy · #14 02-22-2011, 03:03 PM

A respected local pro around my area (Sacramento) just picked up one of the blue Squiers on the used market that had a SD QP single coil pup installed. Sounds great for blues etc. Been his go-to bass since he got it.

loendmaestro · #15 02-22-2011, 03:04 PM

Thanks LawDaddy!

A-Step-Towards · #16 02-22-2011, 03:10 PM

I would just get the squier , sell the neck for around 150$ and get a fender neck or just do a logo change , i gig'd my 50s squier P, no one talked crap about it or my other squiers i gig , its how you play not what you play.

billiam5billion · #17 02-22-2011, 03:26 PM

I'm a Frankenbass junkie, so my best advice is to build your own with scraps.

billiam5billion · #18 02-22-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rybass309

I just picked up my 50s CV P this weekend and I am happy to share my feelings about it. I have played the other Squires in the CV series and I felt that the 50s re-issue to have the best overall feel, sound and proverbial bang for the buck. I haven't played the Fender MIJ 50's model to compare which you can find used around $600 but I can't imagine it playing $300 better.
I was looking for a bass that I could throw a set of flats on, stuff some foam in the bridge and really rock that old school sound as a contrast to my Ken Smith BSR J 5. So far I am REALLY impressed with the sound and can't wait for the XL Chromes to dull down a bit. I found this comparison to be very helpful and it was the only one that I could find with a really good sound comparison between the fender's and the squiers. I thought out of the 3 that are compared, the 50s squier was the closest in sound to it's fender big brother. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Cd98DH__U

That custom shop Jazz is amazing.

lpdeluxe · #19 02-22-2011, 04:43 PM

I have the '51 RI in butterscotch, with the four-saddle American Deluxe bridge, a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound single-coil and an Electrosocket, each of which improved a really good bass into a great one.

I feel the same way about Fender, even though I have owned and gigged with Squiers. The '51P is a hell of a guitar.

Caca de Kick · #20 02-22-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loendmaestro

I don't even want to know about that '55 CS do I?

I dunno....its been posted a few times....

I will say, these do show up used and would be better value than buying new. Highly recommended.