So I guess I need a P-Bass style guitar, whose makes a decent one?

[straightblues]

I started another thread that I had a Jazz bass and I play blues and classic rock. Everyone suggested that I should get a P-Bass for my next bass. Ok, I guess I will focus on getting a P-Bass.

I would like to spend between $300 and $700 on the used market.

What makes a P-Bass a P-bass? Is it a certain body wood, neck type or just the certain pickup?

Who else makes a P style bass besides Fender that would be nice and fit in my price range?

[WallyN]

I will highly HIGHLY recommend looking for a fender classic 50's, I just picked up a used one...really solid P bass

[FourtyOneHz]

If it says "Precision Bass" on the headstock then you're good to go.

[hamerhed111]

I'm a big fan of the Squier Classic Vibe 50's p-bass. Sonic blue or butterscotch. Quarter sawn maple neck. Simple single coil with sweet tone. Under $400 brand new and you don't feel bad modding it because it wasn't expensive...

[NYCbassist]

No reason you can't use your Jazz bass! I'd put my money toward something like a Sansamp.

[NightTripper]

Any particular reason you don't want a Fender? Fender makes THE P-bass IMHO. An MIM or MIJ will work just fine. Alder body plus maple neck is the usual combination and that's what you can get from Fender at any price point, with choice between maple and rosewood fretboards. Plus you can always upgrade the pickups later on if you want and it should sound as good as any.

And don't just go by what we suggest online, you should go out to stores and try some P-basses to see if you like them.

[droo46]

I like the Squire Classic Vibe Precision. What does it sound like you ask?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlCH_...hdDJKw&index=2

[awilkie84]

If you need to ask this question, you shouldn't be playing bass. lol

In all seriousness, Fender makes a decent one. If you look hard enough, you can find a used Highway One or American Special in that range...or a new/used Mexican...or a new Squier Classic Vibe. They're all good choices. Hell, you may even be able to find a used Peavey Fury! There's one in Victoria right now for like $400. lol

[FourBanger]

Really, why not start by looking at Fenders? Last I checked they were still considered at least decent.

[gregmon79]

Fender/squire gets. Vote from me too. You can't go wrong. IMO.

[garmenteros]

Get a vintage greco or ibanez. In that price range and will put basses 3 times or more their price to shame. Also lots of love to japanese fender ps if you decide on fender.

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by NightTripper

Any particular reason you don't want a Fender?m.

No, no particular reason not a Fender. I have been a guitar player for a long time and I know from experience that several makers make Fender type guitars without the Fender name at a lower price point. Some are very high quality for the price. I know which ones those are in the guitar world but not in the bass world. No objection to Fender just want the best bass for the cash I am going to spend.

[FourBanger]

In the bass world it seems that role is currently best filled by Squier.

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by awilkie84

If you need to ask this question, you shouldn't be playing bass. lol

In all seriousness, Fender makes a decent one. If you look hard enough, you can find a used Highway One or American Special in that range...or a new/used Mexican...or a new Squier Classic Vibe. They're all good choices. Hell, you may even be able to find a used Peavey Fury! There's one in Victoria right now for like $400. lol

I probably shouldn't be playing bass since I am a long time guitar player, but I keep struggling to find bass players for my gigs so I switched over. I am enjoying it.

See you gave me one, now I can go research the Fury. Thanks.

[SBsoundguy]

Originally Posted by straightblues

No, no particular reason not a Fender. I have been a guitar player for a long time and I know from experience that several makers make Fender type guitars without the Fender name at a lower price point. Some are very high quality for the price. I know which ones those are in the guitar world but not in the bass world. No objection to Fender just want the best bass for the cash I am going to spend.

A used Japanese Fender would be in your price range, also a used USA G&L.

[fourstringdrums]

Spend a little more (about $800-$850) and get a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub. I have a Fender American Standard that I bought used for about $750 which is fantastic too, though if I was to buy another I'd get one either around 1996-1997 or from 2008-Present. Those seem to be the good years in recent memory. The one I have is a 97.

[gregmon79]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

Spend a little more (about $800-$850) and get a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub. I have a Fender American Standard that I bought used for about $750 which is fantastic too, though if I was to buy another I'd get one either around 1996-1997 or from 2008-Present. Those seem to be the good years in recent memory. The one I have is a 97.

+1 on the lakland. I didn't think you'd wanna spend as much but they are pretty killer basses. Awesome tone machines in my opinion.

[CLMSHQ]

I have played and owned a few P Basses.
Highway Ones are nice as well as MIJ's. In your price range you could get a new MIM P which are nice, Squire CV 60's is built even better, or as a previous post: 50's MIM Classic P...which I currently own...if you like a big neck.
I like the look of Lakeland P's..but never tried one...I always wanted to but none in my area.
Hope that helps.

[fcoda]

Used Fender or Lakland

[AMJBASS]

Originally Posted by WallyN

I will highly HIGHLY recommend looking for a fender classic 50's, I just picked up a used one...really solid P bass

Totally agreed. The 50's Classic Precision(made in Mexico) is one of the the best basses for the money you can get right now IMO. They nail the classic P-Bass tone, and have exceptionally good build quality.