Fender Precision Bass questions

KahiroBass · #1 04-17-2011, 05:30 PM

Hi guys, I wanna ask a question to P bass players. I just sold my Ibanez 5 string because I wanna make room for another bass. Since I have G&L 5 string Im thinking of getting a 4 string specifically a Fender precision. The thing is I was thinking of getting a Highway One because of it being MIA. But is it really worth it? Im gonna change the pups to Lindy Fralin anyway so isnt it better to get a Standard P bass and save me some money? Im aware that it also has a Badass II but I can get a Gotoh and still save some money.

What do you guys think?

lowbassgroove · #2 04-17-2011, 05:37 PM

HWY 1 still has benes: Lacquer finish. That's worth it IMO.

erock0138 · #3 04-17-2011, 05:38 PM

I always go for american, I've heard so many people say that there isn't much of a difference, but I really don't see where they're coming from. The main thing is the neck, and fretboard, if you're changing the pups anyways, that doesn't matter. Plus, (from my experience) it makes you look more professional. There's been countless times i've played to bass players in a crowd, and they know, and compliment me on the fact I only play american. just my 2 cents worth.

faulknersj · #4 04-17-2011, 05:41 PM

Play some P's if they are in abundant supply in your area. I bought a 2000 MIA Fender P that killed for $450 about a year ago. Look for deals in the TB classifieds and on Craigslist. You can find great deals on P's.

tonymcbony · #5 04-17-2011, 05:42 PM

The Highway One P-Basses I've tried have felt great and sounded good right off the shelf. After trying it a couple of times, I think the upgrade route rarely delivers, as you can't change the wood, which is really what stops the bass being a great instrument.

Standards are very hit and miss for me (I assume we're talking MIM?); you can find a gem if you look hard enough, but more often than not there are flaws in the wood, especially in the neck, that make it a bit ho-hum.

I guess my mantra is always get the best instrument you can afford; you can always upgrade a great bass later to add value, but no matter how much you polish a turd, it's still a turd.

**StrangerDanger** · #6 04-17-2011, 05:44 PM

Two Words:

American. Standard.

You will have yourself a lifelong companion.

KahiroBass · #7 04-17-2011, 05:44 PM

thanks for the responses guys

tonymcbony · #8 04-17-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Two Words:

American. Standard.

You will have yourself a lifelong companion.

Agreed.

P. Aaron · #9 04-17-2011, 05:51 PM

I was at a get-together today where 2 bands were sharing a rehearsal spot. The 2nd band's bassist has a MIM Precision. I was using my 2002 MIA-P.

This fellow showed me his MIM and while it was a good looking instrument, it just didn't feel as nice in my hands. The neck's edges were sharp, and the neck was thinner and the finish just lacked a certain something.

I like my American Standard, YMMV.

vivifiction · #10 04-17-2011, 05:56 PM

I've always felt like the Hwy 1's were just MiM parts assembled in america... if you can go American Standard, do it!

Aspidites · #11 04-17-2011, 06:02 PM

I generally prefer MIJ over MIA or MIM but everyone has a preference.

Pet Sounds · #12 04-17-2011, 06:03 PM

American Standard. Find one used if you can't afford a new one.

Pilgrim · #13 04-17-2011, 06:15 PM

WHY on earth would you buy a Highway One with the intention of ditching the pickups??? I've never understood this.

Buy a standard (MIM) Fender and save yourself a ton of money - put any pickups you want in it.

MiniMoose234 · #14 04-17-2011, 06:16 PM

I love my Highway 1, a lot. Find one in the store you like, and sounds good. Find one that just feels right, within your criteria. That's what I did. Couldn't be happier.

Valerus · #15 04-17-2011, 06:23 PM

Or do like I did and buy a Squier Classic Vibe for like $350

this thing plays like butter. I guess that's a good thing?

MiniMoose234 · #16 04-17-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

Or do like I did and buy a Squier Classic Vibe for like $350

this thing plays like butter. I guess that's a good thing?

I was really close to doing this, but I was a sucker for red. This was before they had the fiesta red CV

Rocky McD · #17 04-17-2011, 06:33 PM

The money you would spend on a pickup change would go a long way towards buying a really nice used American Standard. The Highway One is a Mexican bass assembled in the US but not much time is spent on making the neck as nice as an American Standard.
Rocky

Nedmundo · #18 04-17-2011, 06:51 PM

In general, I'd say Highway One or American Standard, but if you can test a bunch of MIM Standards and find a great one, why not? I was never impressed with them until about two years ago, when the quality seemed to jump up a couple of notches. I suppose Fender had to justify the Standards' prices, what with all the Classic Vibes crowding in from below.

BTW, I'm a big fan of the Gotoh 201 bridge and Lindy Fralin pickup, so IMO you're right on track with the mods. A good MIM Standard with those would be a great working axe.

**Matthew_84** · #19 04-17-2011, 07:13 PM

One thing that turns me off of the HWY 1 is the greasebucket circuit, but that can be replaced.

waleross · #20 04-17-2011, 07:16 PM

I have a P Bass deluxe Amer. that I bought new (Montego Black ) . It was worth it ($1100 on sale at SamAsh) and its a pleasure to play and needs no mod. which is the way it should be. maybe you don't want to spend this much $$$ but if you try one out( if you havn't already ) , you won't look back .