MIM Standard P or Classic 50's P

[WallyN]

Ok I am getting ready to buy my first real P. I pretty much had decided that a standard MIM P was going to be the one. BUT while at the music store I spied a classic 50's P that I kinda dug.

Since then I have come across 2 used ones that I am interested. Thoughts? Advice?

[blues_bassist]

I have a MIM P and I love it. It's quality is great and I love the feel and sound I get out of it.

[tekdiver500ft]

The Classic '50s is a much better instrument. The paint is a little sticky, IME/IMO, but if you take a little #0000 steel wool to it, it will smooth it right down. The neck is rounder and wider than the standard P, but that works for me. Build quality is much better.

[uOpt]

No comparison, really. The 50s is much better in every respect. In 2 years or so you will probably regret having the regular standard.

(unless it randomly comes out exceptionally good)

[hsech]

Aren't they both MIM basses?

[WallyN]

Originally Posted by hsech

Aren't they both MIM basses?

Yeah but from what I have been reading the classic 50 has superior pickups. I think?

[Pet Sounds]

Get the '50s.

[pudgychef]

+ 1 to the 50s - nice basses - imho a legit step up from a Standard MIM

[DudeLeap]

I would choose the 50's every time over the mim. The 50's neck is an 1/8th of an inch wider at the nut if I remember correctly which is something to consider if that matters to you.

[uOpt]

Originally Posted by WallyN

Yeah but from what I have been reading the classic 50 has superior pickups. I think?

It has superior everything including a real neck finish, a less than bulletproof body finish, vintage style tuners (still small), the rosewood board version doesn't have a skunk stripe etc etc etc

[lonote]

Originally Posted by pudgychef

+ 1 to the 50s - nice basses - imho a legit step up from a Standard MIM

I love mine.

[hsech]

I had a Classic 50's Stratocaster when I was playing guitar. It was a step up from the standard MIM Strat. I haven't tried the Classic 50's PBass, but I would like to.

[bassbully]

Owned both the Classic P hands down is better.

[lpdeluxe]

I gigged heavily with the Classic '50s and it's the real deal. I love mine as much as I love my AV '57. I thought the '57 would be a massive step up, but most of the time the Classic '50s goes out the door to the gig with me.

[letsrumble]

For $200 more, I would hope the 50s P is better.

[Jeff K]

Originally Posted by uOpt

It has superior everything including a real neck finish, a less than bulletproof body finish, vintage style tuners (still small), the rosewood board version doesn't have a skunk stripe etc etc etc

Unless something changed that I'm not aware of, the Classic '50s P has never been offered with a rosewood board. Just maple. And the tuners are "taller" than the ones on the Am. Stds. I love mine. The tone rivals any P I've ever owned.

[DavePlaysBass]

My 50's P changed my perception of P basses. I used to call myself a J guy but now I have to give the edge to the P. I have only played MIM standards in the stores, but never one that is as good as my 50's P. The one that makes me think there could be better are the Road Worn Ps.

[Jim Carr]

A close friend bought an MIM basic P-bass in 2006. I have ever since been amazed by how terrific the basic MIM Fender P-basses are. Great value, sound, and basic quality. The '50s P is a gem, but a lot brighter in tone and more specific in tone-style. The basic MIM P is much closer to the essential P-bass ala the motown era, than the more Duck Dunn—like '50s P.

My advice is to skip all of this a get a used Road Worn P-bass, LOL!!!

[ShowLow]

I've owned both. Go with the '50s P. I just sold mine to make room for a '57 AVRI, yet must say that I'm missing it already! At least it went to a loving home.

[petrus61]

Get the 50's. Fenders best bang for the buck hands down. Better than the standard in every way.