American Standard P or Squier CV and amp?

[DaddyFatBass32]

Hey guys, just want to get some opinions before I drop some hard earned dough.

Been playing a Squier Affinity P-Bass for over 10 years through an Ampeg BA-115 (for about 6 years). I gigged and rehearsed HARD with them for 4 1/2 - 5 years (1-2 shows a week, 3-4 rehearsals a week) and they still get played all the time.

I'm finishing up my undergrad and wanted to get myself a gift. I'm considering a 2013/2014 Fender American Standard Precision OR a Squier CV 70's Precision and a new amp (possibly a small head and cab). Since both options come out to about the same, should I continue playing through the BA-115 and get an American Standard (which I understand last a lifetime) or get the new rig but worry about possibly getting another bass down the line?

Any thoughts from people who have had basses for a long time would be awesome. Thanks guys!

 

[darrenmt]

It's always nice to get a pro level instrument after a decade of dedicating your time an attention to honing your skills on a good student instrument. The CV 70 is nice but not heaps better than the Affinity. You will want a Am Std eventually anyway. If the amp is still ok for rehearsal and gigs than upgrade that later. But for now, treat yourself to a Fender Am Std P bass. Congrats!!

 

[BazzTard]

I bought a lot of crap basses in my early days. This year I bought a 2013 MIA P , I'm NEVER selling it. Turn the tone knob one way and it's James Jamerson (playing badly hehe), turn it the other way and it's Geddy (playing even worse ). OK I have some pedals in between but you get my point. Versatile. I love my MIM Jazz too, but I haven't needed to touch it since I got the P

 

[rujulian]

I haven't tried the Squier 70's P, but if it's anything like the Matt Freeman sig P, I'd say go with that. Spend more money on a quality amp setup. Just my opinion. I'm sure much of the TB collective will disagree. Don't care.

 

[hopsbb]

I'd go CV and amp.I have a general distain for Amstd p basses.So many better options imho than that especially for the price.Those CVs are great basses and I know alot of ppl who prefer them over other p basses( mim,amstd ex.)Plus its always funnier when you have two toys instead of one lol.

 

[Funkmabassup]

Get a proper bass that will last and you will grow with it. You can always upgrade the amp later.

I agree a squier will sound better through a nice amp than an american jazzbass will through a 30 watt roland cube, but still go for the bass if you feel your amp is good enough for the moment. Its not like its the amp which is heard during gigging situations anyway, its usually a DI signal which means what the audience hear is your BASS GUITAR!

 

[inate_hex]

American standard p bass.

 

[static0verdrive]

If your amp is keeping up with your needs for now, get the bass. Otherwise I'd get a new amp (do your research! I'd recommend head + cab, in fact an 8ohm cab that you can then later add to with a second 8ohm, so much easier than one big 4ohm and you can leave one at home for smaller gigs and/or rehearsal) but I would skip a new bass until you're ready to pull the trigger on the AmStd.

 

[truebenjaman]

Go to a store, play some Basses and pick the one you like. If you have money left, look at some amps but don't buy right away - one gift at a time!

 

[awilkie84]

Play whichever one makes you happy. Squier or American. Doesn't matter. I do highly recommend checking out the Fender Classic series, though. They're Mexican made and amazing basses for the money.

 

[west al]

I've never regretted going with an Am. Std. Precision, or Jazz. I'd go with the new Am. Std. now, then replace the amp later if it's still playing ok.

 

[OldCityBassman]

Go with the american P. You won't regret it. There's nothing like the real thing.

 

[drummer5359]

Myself? I'd buy the American Standard Precision. The current (2008 and up) versions are really great basses. Some people might suggest that this may be looked at as a golden age for these instruments, I am one of them.

Your Ampeg is still doing it's job, some day you'll want to upgrade. For now I'd get the Am Std.

 

[joebar]

Myself? I'd buy the American Standard Precision. The current (2008 and up) versions are really great basses. Some people might suggest that this may be looked at as a golden age for these instruments, I am one of them.

Your Ampeg is still doing it's job, some day you'll want to upgrade. For now I'd get the Am Std.

this

 

[paparoof]

I would urge you to play both basses, side-by-side if at all possible. I think the Squier CV series actually stands up well against the "real" Fenders that I've played, including some MIAs. And at a 1/4 of the cost, the math does itself. But you have to make that choice for yourself.

I would also rather play a mid-quality bass (setup well) through a high quality amp, than the other way around. An amp that has the clarity, output and headroom to do whatever you need it to do is incredibly freeing.

 

[Matthew C]

I would get the American P Bass. As was said earlier, after busting your hump with your playing for a decade, a nice bass makes a nice present for yourself. The American Standard Fenders are really nice basses and will last a lifetime.

 

[fettbass]

Get the American Pbass. A better instrument will inspire you to become a better player. You can always save up for a while and sell your Squier and old amp for some cash towards a new amp setup later. Plus, you probably won't ever want a "better" bass if you go with an American P. If you get the Squier I guarantee you'll be eyeing an upgrade pretty soon.

 

[TheArchitect]

Get the AmStd P bass. Getting a quality instrument is never a bad investment. You will be fed direct to the PA on most gigs and your amp will just be a monitor for yourself

 

[Doctor Hugocat]

I'd go with the MIA. As you say, that's something to last a lifetime and an investment which marks the achievement of graduating.

 

[Doctor Hugocat]

I'd go with the MIA. As you say, that's something to last a lifetime and an investment which marks the achievement of graduating.