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AUDIO SHOOTOUT - 79 Fender P vs 07 SX P

Which of these P basses sounds better

  • Bass01.mp3

    Votes: 111 30.7%

  • Bass02.mp3

    Votes: 250 69.3%
  • Total voters
    361
JimmyM

JimmyM

Apr 11, 2005
127,256
125,178
Plymouth NC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
#1
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One of these audio samples is a 1979 Fender Precision, the other a 2007 SX 57 P copy, both with alder bodies and maple necks, both with the same type of strings. I played basically the same things on both, a walking bass line, "I Was Made To Love Her," and a slap line in E I just made up on the spot. So please vote and leave your comments about which bass you think is which. At the end of a 24 hour period, I'll fess up.
 
#6
I voted for bass 2, but the difference wasn't glaring.

I think it says a lot when a "budget" bass can almost hang with an vintage-ish Fender.

The difference in price(more than $1,000), makes me realize just how much of a steal SX basses are.

For most people on here, an SX would more than cover our needs.

That said, I still want a 79' P Bass!
 
#10
Rik, good question. Yes, both basses had their volume and tone controls dimed. And both were recorded through the DI in my SWR SM-500 direct into my computer with the Audiophile 2496 sound card.

BTW, I recorded every single one of my basses doing these same parts. It's kind of funny to hear a slap line on my P bass copy with 7 year old flats. I'm too tired to do anything else tonight but I'll post them later today.
 
#12
You know what? I may have to call shenanigans on this test. After listening to them again, I think the difference in age of the strings is making 2 sound a little richer. Both basses have new strings, but 2 sounds like they've been played in a little bit more than 1. So you might want to factor that into your decision. I'm too cheap to change the strings on 2, but when 1's strings are broken in a little more I can record another sample.

In any event, isn't it amazing that a $100 bass even comes close to the sound of a genuine Fender? If you can get past the SX's blocky feel, it really sounds good. I think this test confirms what I've felt all along...a lot of what we think we hear in different basses is perception based on how good it makes you feel to play it. I will admit that there's nothing about the SX that screams out and makes me want to play it. Boy that Fender does, though! What a player!

BTW, I'll be happy to perform this SX shootout with any of your other brand P's like Lakland and Sadowsky and Valenti and Lull. Just send them to me.
 
#17
I'm guessing 1 is Fender, 2 is SX but I have very little faith in that guess. But this is all moot as the golden ears will be in here shortly to tell us which it really is ;)

Speaking of golden ears, ever notice the most vocal of the golden ears will never enter these threads until the answer has been given? :ninja:
 
#20
People often sneer when I tell them I don't see what the big deal is with vintage instruments. Sure some of them are real nice and yes there is a vibe to an old instrument but paying and extra couple grand for 'vintage' is crazy unless you have a good day job and money to burn. When I see fellow working musicians paying several grand for an old beat up fender I almost feel sorry for them (I said almost- I'd love to have an old jazz bass;) )

That being said I have heard better sounding P-basses and some of the old ones sound really sweet (better than yours, no offense)
 

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