I'm in a position to get a Fender American Deluxe or Standard Precision. These are the two I've narrowed it down to. Which one should I get and why? Thanks!
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American Deluxe or Standard P-Bass?
- Thread starter ScarletKnight71
- Start date
Ask yourself if the music you play or your desires require a bridge pickup and the flexibility of a preamp. If not, get the Am. Std. P and save some coin. If the answer's yes, get the Deluxe.
Both great basses.
It boils down to a decent traditional bass versus a decent traditional-like more modern bass.
Deluxe is active, has an awesome humbucker, 2 more frets.
Some P purists will say it's not a real precision bass.
That's for everyone to decide for themself what's "real".
I'm a precision bass lover... I prefer fretless "real (passive, 20 frets... that are not there, only one P-pickup)" precision basses.
But given the choice to have a 4-string fretted bass as a workhorse I choose the Precision Deluxe without a doubt.
But I would not mind owning both.
It boils down to a decent traditional bass versus a decent traditional-like more modern bass.
Deluxe is active, has an awesome humbucker, 2 more frets.
Some P purists will say it's not a real precision bass.
That's for everyone to decide for themself what's "real".
I'm a precision bass lover... I prefer fretless "real (passive, 20 frets... that are not there, only one P-pickup)" precision basses.
But given the choice to have a 4-string fretted bass as a workhorse I choose the Precision Deluxe without a doubt.
But I would not mind owning both.
no problem
A little addendum why I personally would go for the Deluxe:
Yes, I love my Tony Franklin fretless precision bass, it's more traditional in a way.
That is the kind of bass that fits me like a glove.
It's the instrument that can provide "my sound" for my "original music". Fretless is my main thing.
But I love playing bass in any situation. I would like to form a rock cover band just for fun and to be gigging.
In that situation audiences wouldn't care if you have a "real" precision bass or a "faux bells&whistles" precision bass, or any bass for that matter.
In that situation I would like the Deluxe for it's versatility.
So, what do you want to achieve?
Have any experiences with precision basses so far?
I'm really just a beginner to intermediate player. I generally like Classic Rock, 80's and 90's Rock, and Alternative.
I've really owned only Fenders. I bought an American Standard in Aqua Marine Metallic in 2001 and I didn't really use it so I sold it. I really wish I hadn't done that now. I've also owned a MIM Standard and the Squier Classic Vibe P-Bass.
Thanks again!
I've really owned only Fenders. I bought an American Standard in Aqua Marine Metallic in 2001 and I didn't really use it so I sold it. I really wish I hadn't done that now. I've also owned a MIM Standard and the Squier Classic Vibe P-Bass.
Thanks again!
I was in the same boat when I got my MIA Jazz. I went with the standard because you can't beat that vintage passive tone. The deluxe being active will have a little more modern sound to it.
I play the Am. Deluxe and I believe it is the best sounding P-Bass I've ever played. I've been playing for 43 years.. and I've had many different P-Basses, Plus Deluxe, Elite, P-Js active and passive. The Am. Deluxe sounds great on stage and in the studio, I only wish I could find and afford a 5 string one.
Why didn't you like the American standard back in the day? Could that be telling?
I don't think you can go wrong with a good ol' American standard, but I have a feeling that the Deluxe may be better for you in that it may stand out more.
I don't think you can go wrong with a good ol' American standard, but I have a feeling that the Deluxe may be better for you in that it may stand out more.
American Deluxe. When you solo the P pickup, especially when the band is playing on top, it's indistinguishable from a "normal" P bass.
See thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=605740
See thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=605740
Another opportunity for me to exclaim: The Fender American Deluxe Precision is the best bass Fender ever produced. That humbucker is an amazing tonal monster, and the P pup ain't bad either. The fit and finish on the Deluxe models are on par with the Custom Shop models, top notch. I liked the Am Dlx P so much, I traded my '77 Ric 4001 for one. And glad I did, too. I've got 2 more Ric's, but that Fender is my #1, most of the time.
I had the American Deluxe for awhile, which had amazing playability and was beautifully built and finished. I simply didn't like the active electronics, and found it didn't deliver classic P-bass tone to my ears. I didn't use the bridge pickup much either, which to me didn't sound as beefy as it looks. So I sold it, and bought an American Series Precision, which has been in regular rotation since. IMO, if you're after classic P-bass tone, which will work for the stuff you play, get the American Standard. But if you want a more modern take on a vintage theme with lots of sonic options, get the Deluxe. (Actually, in that case I'd suggest a G&L L-2000, but that's not on the table. 
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Standard. While I think the bucker is cool and probably quite useful a preamp in a good P is like an aftermarket exhaust on a lamborghini. Might sound fine, but it was perfect from the git. To me the draw of the P is that its a simple bass that sounds awesome to just "plug and play" with one little knob to fine tune it if ya need to.
Then again, I am a jazz guy
Then again, I am a jazz guy
