Just received my first P Bass...

[ynot12]

It's a 2011 Fender American Deluxe Precision and, man, I now understand all the love for these basses. This bass is killer. I only had 30 minutes with it tonight, but I'm already in love.

I have a few questions for those of you who have experience with new Fenders. First, the sticky clear cover on the pick guard, should I remove the screws as I take that film off so it doesn't leave the little plasticky edges around the screws? Also, what are the typical choice of strings for this bass? I play rock and metal mostly and some RHCP type stuff as well. Any thoughts on strings?

Thanks!

[calypsocoral302]

The P-bass is like the Occam's Razor of the bass guitar world-- the truth often lies in the simplest solution.

Of the several basses I've owned, none bring a smile to my face like my Blake P-bass clone. I just plug in and grin!

[Kwesi]

Already doing it wrong...

[ObeyGiant]

I am a newbie to this board, but it really depends on what you want to sound like. You never specified what this little P Bass will be used for.

I have noticed a trend of TB's love affair with flats and I although I have never used flats I installed a set of GHS "Pressurewound Flats", as recommended by this board, for a P/J I use for acoustic/singer-songerwriter/folk type stuff and I love them!

They don't quite have the "twangy" "clanky" sound of rounds but have a lot of sustain (something as I understand it, flats are not known for)

Oh and of course... post pics or it didn't happen!

Edit: So you did specify what you will be playing... my reading comprehension is a little off tonight sorry. I still stick with Pressurewounds! They are awesome!

[PWRL]

Congratulations!
I've heard good things about GHS Pressurewounds, as well. I myself mostly used D'Addarios but it's worth it to try lots of different things.
I always just tore the plastic stuff right off, but you can always just back the screws out a little way and then pull it off if it bothers you. Never did me.

[Gord_oh]

no pics no bass.

[klejst]

Originally Posted by ynot12

It's a 2011 Fender American Deluxe Precision and, man, I now understand all the love for these basses. This bass is killer. I only had 30 minutes with it tonight, but I'm already in love.

I have a few questions for those of you who have experience with new Fenders. First, the sticky clear cover on the pick guard, should I remove the screws as I take that film off so it doesn't leave the little plasticky edges around the screws? Also, what are the typical choice of strings for this bass? I play rock and metal mostly and some RHCP type stuff as well. Any thoughts on strings?

Thanks!

Congrats on the new P bass. I love P basses and have been playing them exclusively for years. It's up to you what you want to do as far as the plastic on the pick guard goes, I don't see any problems leaving it on other than it looking kind of funny especially if it starts to rip. As for strings, I like using D'Addario regular light gauge (45-100) on all my P basses, but that's just me. I usually play rock and really play the strings hard.

[ynot12]

Here's the picture taken immediately upon opening the case for the first time.... Oh the joy!

"The P-bass is like the Occam's Razor of the bass guitar world-- the truth often lies in the simplest solution.". Hadn't heard that before, but so true. My Warwick's are going to be up for sale soon.

[ShirazBop]

Originally Posted by ynot12

Here's the picture taken immediately upon opening the case for the first time.... Oh the joy!

"The P-bass is like the Occam's Razor of the bass guitar world-- the truth often lies in the simplest solution.". Hadn't heard that before, but so true. My Warwick's are going to be up for sale soon.

(Cheech and Chong's Blind Melon Chitlin),... Ahh,...Yeeeahooowww.....

Black and Maple Goodness!!!

[ynot12]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Appreciate it. I'll look into the GHS Pressurewounds and D'addarios. I also just remembered I have a new set of DR Hi Beams for my Spector 5 string stashed. Has anyone used Hi Beams on a P Bass?

[tdelamont]

The plastic film will come off around the screws but you'll have to remove the knobs and the screw and washer around the input jack. It's a stupid way of putting the plastic on, really. You shouldn't have to take your brand-new bass apart just to pull off the plastic. Also, peel it all the way off up to the edge of the input jack, then FLIP IT OVER to unscrew the jack and pull the end off. Then replace the washer and re-thread the jack before flipping it back face up. Otherwise the jack assembly will fall down into the body and you'll have to take the whole pickguard off. 13 little, easily losable screws.
If all this sounds like a pain in the a**, that's because it is. I don't why the don't make the holes on the plastic bigger than the knobs and the jack.
On the other hand, that plastic will last a good month or three right where it is.

[klejst]

Yes yes, a great looking bass indeed! Black with maple neck is always a slick combination.

[tdelamont]

Oops, just saw the pic. With the chrome down there my little rant is pointless. There are holes where the little screws are, so it'll just peel right off. BTW, that's a gorgeous axe.

[ynot12]

Originally Posted by tdelamont

The plastic film will come off around the screws but you'll have to remove the knobs and the screw and washer around the input jack. It's a stupid way of putting the plastic on, really. You shouldn't have to take your brand-new bass apart just to pull off the plastic. Also, peel it all the way off up to the edge of the input jack, then FLIP IT OVER to unscrew the jack and pull the end off. Then replace the washer and re-thread the jack before flipping it back face up. Otherwise the jack assembly will fall down into the body and you'll have to take the whole pickguard off. 13 little, easily losable screws.
If all this sounds like a pain in the a**, that's because it is. I don't why the don't make the holes on the plastic bigger than the knobs and the jack.
On the other hand, that plastic will last a good month or three right where it is.

Yeah, I was thinking about the pain in the a@@ factor. Your post helps, thanks for the sharing your thoughts.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Flats. Labella or Fender. Round wounds will be too clanky and too muddy with the tone knob rolled back. Flats with the tone about mid or higher. My 0.02

[tdelamont]

As for strings, if you go with rounds, Ernie Ball Slinkys (pick your favorite guage) sound great and seem to last longer than most. GHS strings IMHO sound great but die in a week.

[tdelamont]

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

Flats. Labella or Fender. Round wounds will be too clanky and too muddy with the tone knob rolled back. Flats with the tone about mid or higher. My 0.02

PlaysFor Dogs, anywhere I can hear a good quality sound file of the LaBellas? Been wanting to try them but I'd hate pony up real money for strings I might possibly hate. Don't mean to sound cheap, but the economy sucks and every little bit helps, y'know?

[Eliguitar]

Wow...I just got the same bass in the same color a few days ago! Im using round D'addarios 45-105 for now but I might put some flats on it one of these days.
I have flats on a jazz bass that sounds great and rounds on my '75 P Bass. I know it sounds reversed but I really like it like that!
Enjoy it!

[bassplayer20000]

Get rotosound Steve Harris custom flat wounds bass strings awesome as I've got these on my p bass 110 - 95 - 75 - 50

[ynot12]

Originally Posted by bassplayer20000

Get rotosound Steve Harris custom flat wounds bass strings awesome as I've got these on my p bass 110 - 95 - 75 - 50

I thought about these as i know Fender puts them on the Steve Harris P. But would there be issues with the standard nut accommodating the larger gauge strings?