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Best current Fender Precision Bass series?

#22
Thanks for the responses!

I was originally planning to save for an American Pro to have a really durable life-long bass (hi-mass bridge, graphite rods etc etc), however I have a soft spot for the more vintage style p-basses with the chunkier necks. I also like how they make me play. I tried an American Original and had to simplify my playing slightly due to the thickness of the neck which made me focus more on groove and space. Also I suppose the chunkier neck on the vintage stuff is thick enough that you don't really need graphite rods to keep things from shifting.

Having said that, I was slightly put off by the stickiness of the nitro finish on the AO as I sweat a lot. I like the idea of the bass ageing over time (although I heard the modern nitro finishes are different and don't age the way that they used to...), however that's not enough reason or me to spend hundreds extra on a bass.

I suppose if I was going to save up enough to afford an American bass, I'd go for a Pro rather than an Original and get all the extra modern touches it comes with and go for a Mexican made bass if I want a vintage style bass.

What I mean is, I find it easier to justify the price difference between say a Player and a Pro than a Vintera and an Original (although I could be wrong).
 
#23
Everyone interprets these variables differently, which is precisely why Fender has such a range of offerings.

When I was shopping for my P, the Pro and Ultra series didn't yet exist. The upper end of the spectrum was the American Standard and CS models. But having already owned two MIM basses, I focused in on the '50s Classic, and that's ultimately what I went with.

As for a "really life-long bass," my MIM Standard Jazz turned 20 years old this year, and my Ibanez Roadstar II turned 35. They will definitely both outlive me. I already have enough No.2 pencils to satisfy my graphite jones. :smug:

Best wishes with whatever you decide upon.
 
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#26
garp said:
Everyone interprets these variables differently, which is precisely why Fender has such a range of offerings.

When I was shopping for my P, the Pro and Ultra series didn't yet exist. The upper end of the spectrum was the American Standard and CS models. But having already owned two MIM basses, I focused in on the '50s Classic, and that's ultimately what I went with.

As for a "really life-long bass," my MIM Standard Jazz turned 20 years old this year, and my Ibanez Roadstar II turned 35. They will definitely both outlive me. I already have enough No.2 pencils to satisfy my graphite jones. :smug:

Best wishes with whatever you decide upon.
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Thanks!

That's true, Mexican basses are generally so well made these days.

Haha perhaps I'll go with a Mexican-made and a couple of pencils then. ;)
 
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#29
alembicguy said:
Can’t really say. It’s not a one size fits all. Some models are gold to some and some models are garbage to others. You will just have to find a way to try a few out and see what your taste is.
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I mean in terms of overall quality between the two lines (Classic and Vintera)? Is the Vintera pretty much just the new version of the Classic or is there a reason the Classic costs 100 more?

But yeah, you're right. Will definitely be looking to try first before I buy (if possible).
 
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#30
JimmyM said:
Throw a good pickup on them, maybe get a better fret dressing for the cheaper ones if you like lower action, and they'll all do just fine. But to me, while I have a quibble with their current pickups (not a fan), I think the American Pro is the best out of those you named. There's just something about them that feels more high end to me. That isn't to say that you couldn't make a cheaper one feel about as good to play, but IMHO it takes more work and may run you into a few bucks if you have to hire the work out. Plus I've found the AmPros are consistently lighter than most, and that's a big plus for me.
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100% agree.
I had an AO which was fantastic and now have an American Pro which is pretty amazing. The nut is 1.625, but it’s their more recent 63 reissue P-Bass neck so it’s got a bit more chunk to it (which I like).

JimmyM - I know you view Fender’s stock pickups as their weak point. What is your impression of the V- Mod pickup?
 
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#33
TheCouchBassist said:
100% agree.
I had an AO which was fantastic and now have an American Pro which is pretty amazing. The nut is 1.625, but it’s their more recent 63 reissue P-Bass neck so it’s got a bit more chunk to it (which I like).

JimmyM - I know you view Fender’s stock pickups as their weak point. What is your impression of the V- Mod pickup?
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I’m not Jimmy but I will weigh in. Leo designed the best pickup. I don’t want a Tim Shaw pickup. They are bland sounding to me. I heard his Shawbuckers are okay but I don’t like humbuckers in general.
 
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#34
bassbourne said:
Hello,

Another gear related question.

I'm currently saving up for a precision bass (got a way to go yet, but with this "stay at home" situation I've had some time to research) and was wondering what the best series available is. By series I mean line, so Vintera, Classic 50s, American Original etc etc.

I am interested in pure Ps rather than PJs and passive rather than active. I'm also mostly looking at new as you don't get much choice in the way of second-hand basses where I live (although I will of course keep an eye out just in case). And finally, I quite like the 50s style chunky maple necks, so those I'd give those a slight edge.

I only want to spend the extra on an American bass if it's really worth it. If I can get an equally great sounding and durable Mexican P-Bass, I'd gladly save the money.

I'm considering the following:

- Vintera 50s
- Classic 50s
- Roadworn 50s
- Player
- American Original
- American Professional

I believe some of those aren't being produced anymore, but there are a few online shops which still sell them here.

Are the Vintera basses as good as the Classic 50s and Roadworn 50s basses in terms of sound and build? They are easier to come by and slightly cheaper which is a plus.
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This one, the Matt Freeman signature, has everything you are looking for.
Nice build quality, chunky neck, good pick-ups and big punchy P-tone.

Discontinued, so you’ll need to find a used one.

This is mine.
362EFB8B-EE9E-4854-8695-6A81F11EE0B3.jpeg

916AA823-01CF-474F-80E4-0C47477C12EF.jpeg
 
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#35
I love my 50’s classic P bass. it has a phat neck but it is thin front to back and nice to play. Also have a 90's ash American P bass that is a joy to play too. If someone was looking for a new P bass i would suggest used. You get more bang for the buck used IMHO. a used American CS or something in that line. And any usa fender has a good re sell value. I have been looking for a good used jazz bass for a while now. I tell you it is lots of fun looking and playing new and used basses.
 
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#36
bassbourne said:
I mean in terms of overall quality between the two lines (Classic and Vintera)? Is the Vintera pretty much just the new version of the Classic or is there a reason the Classic costs 100 more?

But yeah, you're right. Will definitely be looking to try first before I buy (if possible).
Click to expand...
The feel of quality is different also from person to person. Only you can decide what’s best for you. Figure your budget out. If it boils down to a small difference of $100 don’t let that detour you from a decision. Get out and play as many as you can and one will pick you.
 
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#39
I owned a Pro for a few months, I really loved it. It was a very high quality instrument, and the neck was to die for. The pickup was the weak spot for me. A lot of people don’t mind it, or like it, so don’t take this as gospel, but I didn’t like it. I swapped it for a Dimarzio I had around (probably a 50 dollar pickup) and it changed the sound significantly.

The problem with the pickup is that it uses two different magnet materials, so to me, it felt like the EA side compressed more and didn’t respond as much to digging in as the DG side did. So if you had a really consistent touch all the time, it might not be a big deal. But if you play with more dynamic contrast, then it might feel anemic at times.

That being said, I still highly recommend the Pro. I only sold it because I had to fund a short scale.
 
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#40
bassbourne said:
Thanks!

That's true, Mexican basses are generally so well made these days.

Haha perhaps I'll go with a Mexican-made and a couple of pencils then. ;)
Click to expand...

I love mine. Light, looks great ('17 MIM, CAR), sounds great with the stock pickups... nothing wrong with the stock neck, but my preference is a Jazz spec'd neck, so I installed a Precision Bass Special on it...

... voila! Perfection, for me and a select few others.

Good luck, in your search!
 
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