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AVRI 63 vs 62 P Bass

#41
I had a '62 AVRI that I bought new in '05. It was a great bass and I loved the "flat" neck. Sounded really awesome when I put TI flats on it. It recorded really well too....sat in the mix perfectly. I wound up including it on a trade deal back in '13 for a new Custom Shop Pino Palladino P. No comparision. I have to agree whole hardheartedly with what I've read over and over on TB that the Pino is simply the best P Fender currently makes....and I've played/owned plenty of P's over the years.
 
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#42
I'm seriously considering buying a 63 av P, but am a little hesitant about the thickness of the neck. I would appreciate a comparison to an Am. Std. P neck. In my area, I would have to order the bass to be able to handle it. Thanks for any info.
 
#43
dmn808 said:
I'm seriously considering buying a 63 av P (and) I would appreciate a comparison to an Am. Std. P neck..
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I have an '04 Am Std P, and an AVRI 63 P. I have played an AVRI 62 P.

These are three different animals. While I would characterize the '04 Am Std P neck as being closer to the AVRI 62 neck than the AVRI 63 neck (because they are both on the thin side while the AVRI 63 neck is decidedly thicker), I like the '04 Am Std P neck and I LOVE the AVRI 63 neck while I do not care for the AVRI 62 neck. BearCave loves the AVRI 62 neck, and perhaps you would too, but I do not. The wideness of the neck combined with the thin-ness conspire to create a fairly sharp edge between the round back part of the neck and the flat fretboard side.

I'm keeping my '04 AM Std P, but my AVRI 63 is going to be my #1 bass. I can report, as others have reported, that the wide, thick neck is remarkably comfortable. That said, the verdict is not unanimous. In a recent post (on Page 2) of this thread, someone reported feeling uncomfortable with the '63 neck and comfortable with the '62 neck. I prefer the '63. Viva La Difference.

Of course, I'm guessing you are aware that both the '62 and '63 necks are about 1.75" wide at the nut, Am Std Precisions are commonly 1.625" wide at the nut.

I can't help you decide. I can only report that I love everything about the AVRI 63. I love the feel of the neck, and I am STUNNED by the tone. Best tone of any bass I have ever played. I put the '62 pickup in my '04, and can report that its tone is also very good. Very unique. A bit more scooped than the '63. The '63 has a very fat low-mid tone. The '62 pickup has less fatness in the low mids.

Everyone is different. These are merely my personal preferences. For a fairly articulate and detailed description between these two basses, I would refer you to Sugar McGuinn's long post earlier in this thread.
 
#44
One thing that hasn't been asked or discussed is a comparison of the neck radius. As I only recently learned, the smaller the number, the more curvature to the fretboard. In the late 50s and into the 60s, my understanding is Fender used a 7.25 neck radius while the more modern standard radius is somewhere in the 10" range which results in a more flat fretboard. I also know guys have said that difference from 7" to 10" is subtle. Any additional thoughts on radius would be appreciated.
 
#48
dmn808 said:
I'm seriously considering buying a 63 av P, but am a little hesitant about the thickness of the neck. I would appreciate a comparison to an Am. Std. P neck. In my area, I would have to order the bass to be able to handle it. Thanks for any info.
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As much as I hate guitar center, if you are looking to buy a new or used guitar they usually will be willing to ship one from a store near by if you are a serious buyer. My dad had guitar center bring in 4 of the 100 of his custom shop strat so he could get the right one. So if you have one within a few hours driving distance it may be worth it to call ahead of time with cash in hand and see if you can get a few different used/new basses brought in to sample.
 
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#50
mrpackerguy said:
In the late 50s and into the 60s, my understanding is Fender used a 7.25 neck radius while the more modern standard radius is somewhere in the 10" range which results in a more flat fretboard. I also know guys have said that difference from 7" to 10" is subtle. Any additional thoughts on radius would be appreciated.
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IIRC, both the AV'62 and AV'63 have 7.25" radii.
 
#51
A few months back I bought a beautiful 1983 squier Japanese jv series 62 reissue p bass. The one everyone looks for. With the reversed tuners and grooved bridge saddles etc. Fiesta red with tort pick guard.
Mint condition. But then I played an avri 63 and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It feels like home. The neck on the 62 was just not comfortable. Ended up selling the squier jv and buying the avri and I've been really happy. I did love that fiesta red with the tort guard though.
Couldn't keep both.
 
#52
mjthrash said:
A few months back I bought a beautiful 1983 squier Japanese jv series 62 reissue p bass. The one everyone looks for. With the reversed tuners and grooved bridge saddles etc. Fiesta red with tort pick guard.
Mint condition. But then I played an avri 63 and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It feels like home. The neck on the 62 was just not comfortable. Ended up selling the squier jv and buying the avri and I've been really happy. I did love that fiesta red with the tort guard though.
Couldn't keep both.
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You just can't claim such things without some serious pics. :smug:
 
#53
Gbass75 said:
Funny... in the end, I sold the '63 and kept the '62...

The neck on the '63 was uncomfortable in my hands.
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Even MORE funny... '63 was sold, and now the '62 is up for sale, as well! (I'd have posted in the TB classifieds, but my membership just ran out; and these holiday times tighten up the ol' wallet! So, you might find it somewhere that rhymes with... err... "Scheme-verb.").

I loved my '62 and '63... but, realized in the last year that it may not be healthy for me to love any of my things.

So... I'm going to be a one-bass-guy. I can't play very much anymore, anyway; due to nerve damage in my hands... bummer.
 
#57
Thanks, man.

Here's the one that's on the block.

(Oh, and the tuning pegs are actually quite shiny... I just forgot to wipe 'em down before snapping the pic!)
image.jpeg
 
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#59
Son of Wobble said:
Agreed. Otherwise, Fender's blasé disregard for any period accuracy whatsoever not only results in a muddle for consumers, but it makes a mockery of the whole notion of "vintage reissue."

That being said, as the owner of both 57 and 62s, I'm not too worried about gassing for the latest offerings since the profile of the 62 neck is my 'goldilocks' sweet spot. And that sound! Nothing beats it for recording, least not from my collection.

Great thread, by the way. More, please! :hyper:
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Yes i agree.. when i first played my AVRI62 the string spacings bothered me .. as i was playing a `73 Pbass for a long time.. but now i actually pick up the 62 first when playing .. its very accurate with its feel and tone , and very nice to play...
 

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#60
Mastermold said:
Actually the new AV '63 seems less accurate to me, feels like a 50's neck like they used the same cut as the new '58. The prior '62 AV neck feels much more like my '64, it's flatter front to back. More comfy for me.
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Nah Bro ,I have the "real all original May '63 Vintage and da neck is Spot on,
nice and thick, like da real thing ,almost Perfect….the real 50's neck is more V like '58 & they are totally different necks ….'62 is thinner necks and less tone (due to the pickups and thick finish) just like the Jazz AVRI 62 ….AVRI '64 got more tone!
 

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