Please help me decide on first bass - narrowed down to 2 Precisions

[boristhespider9]

A setup usually includes changing strings, adjusting the intonation and truss rod, conditioning the fingerboard, maybe filing a fret-end or two, and cleaning up the bass. The new Fenders have been coming set-up pretty well out of the box, but sometimes they need to be set-up at the beginning. I've never seen a $100 simple set-up. Even the more expensive places are $60 around here and sometimes charge less for a brand new bass.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

I've never seen a $100 simple set-up. Even the more expensive places are $60 around here and sometimes charge less for a brand new bass.

Depends on where you are. In NYC, $100 is about the going rate, and cheaper than a lot of places,

[spindoc]

Originally Posted by Mike Vee

I don't care what anyone thinks, I really do like that jade and tortoise...

Yeah, I like it too. Sounds like your best bet would be the AmStd.

[meatwad]

Jade and tort looks great!

I personally picked the AmStd over the '62RI after much research, because of the HMV bridge, graphite reinforced neck, string-through body, flatter fingerboard radius, larger frets, and it's satin neck w/glossy headstock. And, with all these "improvements", it still looks much like a '62 (in 3tsb/tort, of course).

[chuck3]

I'm sort of partial to Oly White and tort. These are actually both Oly White, but the fretless on the right is from 1978 and the color has mellowed with age. The one on the left is a 2011 '62 reissue.



But both your choices seem good to me.

[FunkRenegade]

Now they both come with same pickups, so do you want something slightly more modern or do you HAVE to have that vintage vibe? I personally prefer the hardware on AMstd by a longshot. Graphite reinforced neck is a plus too.

[boristhespider9]

So?

[ChuckTrucks]

I recently bought a Black and Maple P. I cant not have a P. Something about that thud.

I have a 2012 Am Std J in olympic white with a rosewood neck and a 2012 Am Std P in black with a maple neck.

I really like the new American Standards.

[mstrlowdown]

I can tell you that my '69 Precision is the bass I judge all others by. The reissues don't always feel like the actual old basses. With that said I agree that you should play them if you can and make your decision. The new basses do have some really nice upgrades and still sound and play amazing. Good luck and I 'm sure you will like which ever one you choose.

[Mike Vee]

An update.

I started with the 62 AVRI in sunburst. It looked beautiful, but somehow I just didn't connect with it. I returned it for a 2012 American Standard, Charcoal Frost / Maple which just arrived today.

WOW. SO. MUCH. BETTER.

For hundreds less you get a bass with many modern improvements and the bass feels MUCH better to me! I am really happy!!!

I have also learned I am definitely a maple neck guy. Something about the one piece.

My Labella Flats also came yesterday (760FS) so when it's all setup in a few days I will report back with pictures.

[Jeff K]

Mike, get a 3-ply (Black/White/Black) pickguard for that Charcoal Frost/maple and you'll be all set!

[Mike Vee]

why do you say that, to accent the black pups a bit?

i was also thinking white pearl.

[Jeff K]

No, I just think the 3-ply black pickguard is THE definitive look on the Charcoal Frost color. It looks classy and very attractive.

I do not have one, but I've seen a lot of pics posted on here from Charcoal Frost owners. Here's a low-quality pic of my '08 Am. Std. Jazz wearing one. It's Blizzard Pearl, but gives you an idea. I think it looks even better on the Charcoal Frost.



EDIT: Mike, heres's a link to an old thread. Check out Post #37 (on page 2 of the thread) and Post #53 (on page 3). Shows pics of Charcoal Frost/maple and Charcoal Frost/rosewood basses sporting the black pickguard.

NBD - Fender Am. Standard Precision Bass

[Mike Vee]

Ohhhhhh, i thought you meant a white one with the black line in the middle, which i was just going to say mine already has haha.

Now, I had absolutely no plans for a black guard...was considering white pearl or tortoise...but this, THIS looks amazing!!!




i like yours too, very metallic.

[lpdeluxe]

A happy ending! I just read this whole thread. Feel is so important, and I'm glad you found the one (it took me 9 basses and 28 years to find my ultimate keeper). Rock on.

[Mike Vee]

thanks!!