2014 Fender Proto P bass. Your thoughts?

[RandomBox]

Invalid Link Removed



I think its nice to see Fender doing something a bit different.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

It's cool, but it ain't cheap.

 

[RandomBox]

It's cool, but it ain't cheap.

Yeah its got a pretty hefty price tag. I sure can't afford it, but its nice to see Fender making something new with the P bass

 

[Kael]

Move tug bar to above the strings so that it can be used as a thumb rest.

 

[Chef]

Buy a Cabronita; change the pickguard, add a control plate, save $2500.

 

[Fender32]

Hmm! To me, it's pretty much just a combination of the worst of all of the P Bass design details over the last 62 years (although it doesn't have a slab body) :-( .

By '59, Fender had made all of the required upgrades (comfy body, slimmer neck profile, rosewood board, split-coil pickup, vintage four saddle bridge and better ergonomics/cosmetics) to create the 'ultimate' (working man's) bass guitar - everything that they've done to it since has just been a pointless marketing exercise (IMO).

This latest model ... is no exception! Not impressed :-( .

 

[Chef]

Hey now:
I like the 1 3/4" shallow C neck myownself...

And for sure I prefer a maple fingerboard.

On the third hand, I do agree that the latest spate of "signature" P-bass models really hasn't done anything significant. Probably not even for their sales.

 

[Lownote38]

Not a fan of the way the pickup looks. It gives it a cheap look, and yet it is pricey. Go Fender!

 

[Classic69]

My .02, adjusted for inflation:

That's a great bass. Until one has owned/played the FCS versions,one should tread lightly, first impressions aside.

The pup is a TV Jones and they are rich and toneful, superb presence.
And the woods- When FCS says "hand-selected" ash that statement has girth! The ash body on my FCS 2013 Proto P is feather light and resonant. That's where it starts.

With all due respects, the less-expensive Cabronita very nice for what it is, but it is not in the realm of the build and feel of the Custom shop output.

Price. WHY does a 3-4K FCS bass get beat-down, when Lakland/Lull/Sadowsky/ Alleva-Copolla products go unscathed?? (Sticking to Fender-style basses here.) And come to think of it, those brands get their share of "too high $$; not worth it!" nay-sayers too.

I assure you- Having owned a NYC, currently owning a Lull NRT and my beloved PrecPro from FCS. and a A/C, The instrument you get from the FCS is on the same level as those or anything else. IMO;YMMV and so on.

The line-up of that model at Winter NAMM was stunning, I'm partial to the arctic white shown.
Plug that bass in, and I'm betting it would please many player's ears.

So stated.

 

[lpdeluxe]

It's an attractive bass, but I already have three Precisions.

 

[RandomBox]

Quick note here: I'm not interested in buying one, I just wanted to know the general opinion on it.

 

[Classic69]

Quick note here: I'm not interested in buying one, I just wanted to know the general opinion on it.

I gave mine, mah brutha!

 

[rashbeep]

My wrist always hurts when I watch their test bassist play some samples.

 

[Junior Shark]

My wrist always hurts when I watch their test bassist play some samples.

Ditto!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Meh. I think that the toaster pickup thing is a fad - but that just my opinion... man.

 

[duderus]

Yeah its got a pretty hefty price tag. I sure can't afford it, but its nice to see Fender making something new with the P bass

Well I had mine for a week now and thought I would comment.

I love my vintage fender p and jazz basses. However I will tell you... This bass in unreal for a passive instrument and real fun to play. I kept the fender flats on her and she sounds great... Looking forward to slapping some other flats on this baby to see where else I can go.

Tag was high, but worked out a great deal to own one. The fender custom shop service is one of the best service departments I have ever worked with as well.

I would agree it is sexy in its own way.. Yet doesn't do a lot for me in the looks factor and the same time. ( mine is lake placid blue )

Hands down my favorite and best player of all my basses. And let's just say I have a lot of gear from many different walks of bass life. I know since she is new and different is why I probably like this one, but I compared all my passive basses and its tone AND feel actually killed my other p style and humbucker basses.

 

[marchone]

What is the nut width?

 

[tortburst]

It has that new fender bridge made from a big solid piece of brass.

I do not like the amstd bridge, it's actually two pieces, a base plate and a kick plate SCREWED on. Crazy in my opinion if you string top load.

This solid piece has to be an improvement. Though I actually prefer the vintage threaded saddle bridge.

Anyways that's my contribution since nobody commented on the bridge yet.

I think the bass looks awesome and hope to be rich some day so I can afford such nice toys!

 

[JimHouchin]

I found one for $2500.... Is it worth it? (I have a the squire version and the Sting version)

Thanks!

 

[ScarfFace]

I found one for $2500.... Is it worth it? (I have a the squire version and the Sting version)

Thanks!

I both bought and sold mine for less than that. It was a great bass though that I wish I could have back!