American/Standard P Bass

[Luigi203]

Some guy is selling a P Bass for around $750. I played around with it and I really like the way it plays and feels. At first I thought it was an American Precision Bass because of the price, but then he told me it was a Standard Precision Bass. What I'm curious about is the difference between a Standard and American P-Bass. Are there any real tonal differences, or features? Can they be visibly distinguished? If it is a Standard P-Bass, why would it cost so much used when a new one only runs about $430? And, the Squier P-Bass, thats made by Fender, yet it costs a significant amount less than the "Fender P-Bass". Whats up with that?

Thanks..

 

[MacDaddyBass]

Ya you've posted on the wrong forum. I would post this is in Bass Guitar. I have no idea what a p bass runs for, but whatever it is it's too much (I hate the sound of any bass guitar, even if it's an alembic and costs $20,000).

 

[Luigi203]

Oh, sorry about that.. I really wasnt paying attention where I put it.. sorry. Can a mod move it please?

 

[Mr.Phil]

Thats way too much if just a standard made in Mexico. If its an American, its not a bad deal, but I've seen them used cheaper. Good luck.

 

[rjny36]

Nowadays there's the "American" models, and the "Standard" (Made in Mexico) models.... however, in the not too distant past, there was the "American Standard" model, which were made in America... Confusing, I know, but that's how it is.

My best guess is that he means he has an American Standard. I can't imagine a scenario where it'd be a good idea to spend $750 on a Mexican-made "Standard" model, so do make sure you confirm with him exactly what he has.

 

[Luigi203]

So then, you can't tell them apart by looking at them? And what are the differences if any?

 

[purfektstranger]

Do a search in the forums for MIM vs. USA Fenders to see what the differences are between the two. A used mim p bass sells for anywhere from around 200 to 300 used whereas a used US P Bass will sell from around 550 - 800.

Good luck

 

[DeliriumTremens]

if it's an American Standard it'll say made in USA on the headstock

 

[Philbiker]

if it's an American Standard it'll say made in USA on the headstock

Yup. My Jazz was an "American Standard" Jazz bass. "Standard" does not necessarily mean MIM.

 

[lonote]

Fender's basic USA made basses, which now called "American Series" basses, were previously called "American Standard."

 

[YCBass]

The past couple posts are right on... They used to be called American Standard and now they're referred to as American Series. Nonetheless, they should say Made in USA on the headstock... Also, if you can get a hold of the serial number you can look it up on the Fender site.

An Am. Std. would be older, so assuming it's in good condition I would say $750 is just an ok deal for it.

 

[GreyBeard]

In the late 90's Fender made the USA standard (passive) and the USA deluxe (active) series P and J. I have a USA standard and it's a P bass with with somewhat closed tuners and a string through bridge and a cream pick guard.

 

[Luigi203]

It turns out it is an "American Standard" P Bass. Thanks for all the replies everyone!