Tried a 2012 American Standard P...mixed feelings

[pocketgroove]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Ok, just figured Motown would be a better source than where I live. Surprising to me but I don't live there. Thanks for taking my post lightly as it was intended. I appreciate your feeling intimidated by the jerks at the music shops. They're probably guitarists. Plus I see you are female and totally get that they might be condescending to you, unfortunate. Good luck with your search. Btw, the road worn p I tried was awesome like everybody says. I'm not a fan of the fake relic but man, it felt so nice I could easily get over my dislike if I was in the market to buy. I'm sure within days I would would be totally in love with it if I brought it home. It's been there a year, hmmm maybe it will be on clearance soon!

Thanks! The roadworn Ps I haven't tried either; the relic thing was kind of a turn off for me too, though I've heard great things. I'll keep looking for a Lakland...they're beautiful instruments.

[sigmafloyd]

Originally Posted by pocketgroove

Thanks! The roadworn Ps I haven't tried either; the relic thing was kind of a turn off for me too, though I've heard great things. I'll keep looking for a Lakland...they're beautiful instruments.

Keep in mind that lakland isn't a silver bullet, the skylines especially have just as many qc horror stories as fenders.

Net net, try before you buy regardless of brand

[Richbass101]

I love my 83 fender p bass and I own 2 mia jazz as well, remember fenders are like cars you have drive a couple to find the one that feels like the one, at least to me anyways

[pocketgroove]

Thanks so far for the input, everybody! I'm keeping all options open, but Joey from Gamma Bass Guitars contacted me and I'm very, very excited about the possibilities at the moment.

[matti777]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

Two words: Shop used!

Especially for an item as ubiquitous as a Fender P-Bass.

+1 I bought a couple of used basses last year for $800-$900 ea. They were in new condition. They retailed for $1500-1800 around here. Used instruments depreciate (unless they are vintage ) and if you don't keep them you will loose very little if any $$$. It can be a bit more of a hassle finding one over plucking a new one off of the rack though.

[audioglenn]

It's good that you know what you want to spend, but that doesn't mean that you have to spend that much. My best advice is, "You'll know it when you play it." Once you have played one that speaks to you, use that as your comparison point for anything you might play after that one. Just try not to let the "one" slip through your hands by waiting too long. ...and DON"T shy away from used basses! Every bass I have, except one, is used.

....just one more thing....enjoy yourself while on your search! Don't let it become a chore. Happy hunting!

[lewink]

I know not everyone likes American Specials, but i like them a lot. Perhaps you should try one and see how it feels. I played a P last year at GC, loved it. Felt great, thin neck.

[sigmafloyd]

Originally Posted by lewink

I know not everyone likes American Specials, but i like them a lot. Perhaps you should try one and see how it feels. I played a P last year at GC, loved it. Felt great, thin neck.

There is a red special at my GC that is really really nice. With some love it would be great

[Bassbubble11]

I had been gassing for a P. I too went to Guitar Center
only to be totally unimpressed by the Standard American
P. I ended up with a CV Squier 60's believe it or not.

[P. Aaron]

FWIW: My 2002 Precision is just now starting to develope a vibe that my 2010 Precision V has right outta the box.

I bought both new; the 2002 was off the rack & superior to every other Fender I ran the rack on.

After running the rack of MM's, Laklands, etc., for the better part of a year, I could not believe the Fender V had the most vibe...I ended up ordering one because I didn't want the floor model's dings.

The one I got was even nicer.

SKUNK STRIPE THOUGHTS: the 2002 has a RW board thus, the rod was laid in & the RW glued over. The 2010 is maple but laminated board too so, no skunk stripe.

I also have a '74 Precision, refinished with 'parts' thrown on. It's got decent vibe but it's not as balanced tone-wise as my new store-bought basses. The 2010 I liked right away. The 2002 has grown on me.

FINAL THOUGHT: DR Low Rider Nickels...thanks to K. Jung for that suggestion.

[dedpool1052]

not mentioned yet, but dont overlook the US peaveys. the fury is their p-bass and get pretty good praise around here. the necks may put you off a tad as they're incredibly thin. i was looking for a jazz bass a few months ago and ended up with a peavey foundation. great bass for under $300.

[pocketgroove]

Originally Posted by dedpool1052

not mentioned yet, but dont overlook the US peaveys. the fury is their p-bass and get pretty good praise around here. the necks may put you off a tad as they're incredibly thin. i was looking for a jazz bass a few months ago and ended up with a peavey foundation. great bass for under $300.

Well, that's definitely outside my original realm of thought, but if all works out to plan, I would have enough left for a T-40, and I don't have any dual humbucker instruments...

Thanks again everyone...I'm very bad at making decisions, and having recently found out about Gamma basses as well, it's going to be very difficult. I'd hate to buy something on expectations alone, only to run into a bass that really speaks to me down the road...

[Musicman20]

I have a 2009 version of the P bass, and a 2011 version of the J bass in this series. Both stunning.

Ive played about 10 'dogs' since then...still trying to find another P bass.

Played a Charcoal Frost one today, 2012 pups. AWFUL bass. Heavy, poor paintwork, felt awkward.

[Catbuster]

I've played quite a few and they do vary. I think the 2008-2010 ones had the best workmanship, although the late '12s got a whole lot better.

It seems to me that at some point in 2010 Fender changed the neck shape to a thicker "C" shape vs a thinner, flatter profile. I have an '09 that seems strangely more thin than others.

[Musicman20]

Also, the 12's neck coating is weird compared to the 08-11. Is it different? The 12's seem to 'stick' more.

[boristhespider9]

Originally Posted by Musicman20

Also, the 12's neck coating is weird compared to the 08-11. Is it different? The 12's seem to 'stick' more.

They are actually supposed to be less sticky...a lighter satin. Some of the 2008-2011 were heavy on the gloss.

The 2012 Am Std P is a very nice bass. However, GC has a way of ruining nice basses with poor maintenance in every regard.

If you like the sound and feel, consider ordering a fresh new one from MF or Sam Ash. Call and ask for 15%-20% off. You'll get it. I just got a new 2012 Am Std. Jazz for $999 delivered from Musician's Friend. That's 20% off. The sale was 15% but they messed up an order and went to 20%.

Of course, you could get a dud from them, but just exchange until you get one that's flawless.

[boristhespider9]

Originally Posted by sigmafloyd

Keep in mind that lakland isn't a silver bullet, the skylines especially have just as many qc horror stories as fenders.

Net net, try before you buy regardless of brand

Well, actually, Laklands USA's ARE a silver bullet. If OP wants a perfect P-Bass, consider a Lakland USA Bob Glaub - available with 1.5", 1.625", or 1.75" nut widths. The necks are the most luxurious I've played. This one has East Indian Rosewood and Birdseye Maple position dots. QC perfection. And, you can request lightweight. Of course, a USA Glaub will require another $1000 for your the budget (but probably no regrets). This one has a 1.5" Joe Osborn neck. It looks cooler, of course, with the chrome pickup cover, which is off in this photo.



Back to the 2012 Am. Std. -- As I said, you may feel a lot better about it when you pay less than $999 for a new one, which is very realistic.

[Musicman20]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

They are actually supposed to be less sticky...a lighter satin. Some of the 2008-2011 were heavy on the gloss.

The 2012 Am Std P is a very nice bass. However, GC has a way of ruining nice basses with poor maintenance in every regard.

If you like the sound and feel, consider ordering a fresh new one from MF or Sam Ash. Call and ask for 15%-20% off. You'll get it. I just got a new 2012 Am Std. Jazz for $999 delivered from Musician's Friend. That's 20% off. The sale was 15% but they messed up an order and went to 20%.

Of course, you could get a dud from them, but just exchange until you get one that's flawless.

Weirdly it felt very sticky and the wood used on the neck was SO ugly! Couldn't believe it.

[boristhespider9]

Fender hit or miss.

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by Musicman20

Weirdly it felt very sticky and the wood used on the neck was SO ugly! Couldn't believe it.

Yikes! Sticky! I hope you used hand sanitizer after! I like the satin finish, feels silky but after you get some miles on it it gets glossy.