Best current Fender Precision Bass series?

[micguy]

Everyone here will tell you what they bought - their perception of cost/benefit drove them to that decision. As they see their choice as the logical one, what you'll get are people telling you what they bought. If you collect enough replies, what you'll get is a poll of sales percentage. If you ask me, the answer is a custom Warmoth build, made by the guy who builds basses in my basement. He really knows exactly what I like.

Play some of them. Buy the one that speaks to you, even if it's bit more than you wanted to spend. The cheapest instrument in the long run (by far) is the one you buy and never trade up from.

 

[D.M.N.]

I think AO is essentially custom shop but without buying the relic finish. The only difference from the American Vintage that it replaced is the fret size. The AO has medium tall I think and my AV has vintage small. They have a nice warm tone and a nitro finish.

They also changed the radius from 7.25" to 9.5".

That is a very personal preference. To some, it makes little-to-no difference. For me and folks like @Nedmundo, we have specific tastes, only he and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum. He likes them flat and I like them curvy. Why, exactly...who knows? But there is no "right" or "wrong" there. One must figure out which works for their fretting hand on their own.

One thing about the American Original Series...while they claim to be accurate reproductions of their classic counterparts, one detail they skipped was the fretboard radius. For some reason, they decided to go with the modern 9.5" radius instead of the period-correct 7.25". Despite this notable omission, the website still shamelessly brags about how they've faithfully reproduced every aspect of the originals they're built upon.

And this is the reason the AOs are a non-starter for me. After years of playing the AVRI, when they brought the AOs out it was a major disappointment. My favorite part of the old series was that the neck had the old radius and the tiny little frets. What on Earth compelled them to eliminate the most unique features that made the AVRIs different from the rest of their line I'll never know, though my guess is ease of manufacturing. Personally I can tell a difference between the 7.25" and others, and while I can play 9.5" perfectly well, the 7.25" feels a lot better for whatever reason. I still say the AVRI '62 Precision was the best precision bass to leave the Fender factory since the 60s. I miss mine dearly, and if I ever catch the **s***d who stole it...

 

[TheCouchBassist]

My opinion? I think they do it to sell more basses to hobbyists and people who don't play out. Mid scoops do come off as a pretty sound by itself, and they do have a pretty sound in stores, and I think that sells to the major amount of players who buy them, who are mostly hobbyists and folks who don't play out very often. And I suppose they figure that people who don't like them can change them out.

Yeah, that would make the most sense. I had the much maligned 2008-2011 stock P-Bass pickup in an older American Standard. It did sound pretty nice by itself (i.e. playing at home), but didn’t exactly punch through when playing with others).

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I have an American Vintage 63 and I will never need another bass. I also regret all of the changes from AV to AO. I love the radius and small frets on my AV. Because I like to play up and down the neck, I love small frets on bass. Less train tracky. I like medium jumbo frets on guitar though.

 

[bassbourne]

To the OP:
Are you sure that the width at the nut is not a deciding factor for you?
To me, its the biggest difference in the Fender P bass line.
I would suggest playing an example of each.
The "C" neck is really wide at 1 3/4"; the standard or"B" neck is 1 5/8" at the nut, and the "A" or J bass neck is 1 1 1/2". IME, the majority of necks no matter what the configuration is 1 1/2"

My cheapest Fender is a 2018 MIM Fender Standard P.
I've gigged and recorded with it and it sounds great.
OTOH, I find most Fenders at twice the price do play better.
Could just be a matter of fret dressing but sometimes the fret board / neck is just not as straight.

I only say this because I finally fixed the pre amp issue in my Sandberg and forgot how easy it is to play as the neck is near perfect on that bass.
Also, you can play 3 identical, machine made basses, and one will just feel that much better to a particular player

I can make any of the Fender Pups work very well for live or recording; I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor since they can be changed easily and without much cost.
Good luck!

Thanks for the comment.

The width at the nut definitely makes a difference to me, but I like lots of different widths for different reasons. I like that the chunkier neck changes my playing and makes me simplify what Im doing. Helps focus on groove and space more. At least that's what I noticed when trying an American Original.

On the other hand, I'm used to a Jazz bass, so that feels quite natural to me.

But then again...I already have a Jazz bass (Player series), so I'd like something totally different for different purposes, and the 50s stuff ticks that box.

Will have to try and get my hands on a bunch of different basses once the world is back to normal.

 

[bassbourne]

Thanks for all the comments!

Great suggestions. Lots of models I hadn't thought of.

Currently thinking Vintera or Player or saving up a bunch more and going for a Pro (or even a used Custom Shop). Less keen on the Original series as I'd only want to spent that much on a bass if it has the upgraded modern features a bass like the Pro has. For a vintage style bass the Vintera seems perfect.

Saw a Road Worn 50s in Fiesta Red which looks great, but it's almost 300 (EUR) more than the Vintera. Not sure if it's worth the difference.

Sadly not many stores left around here for trying things out first and the ones that are still around usually only have one or two Fenders in stock, but will see if I can get my hands on a few in the near future.

Stay inside!

 

[PotsdamBass8]

It’s really a shame that used isn’t a viable option around you. The Pro that I had, when I needed to sell it, I had to drop the price down to 800 (1500 new) and it still took some time. 1000 would be very reasonable to pay for one used around here.

 

[Malak the Mad]

And this is the reason the AOs are a non-starter for me. After years of playing the AVRI, when they brought the AOs out it was a major disappointment. My favorite part of the old series was that the neck had the old radius and the tiny little frets. What on Earth compelled them to eliminate the most unique features that made the AVRIs different from the rest of their line I'll never know, though my guess is ease of manufacturing. Personally I can tell a difference between the 7.25" and others, and while I can play 9.5" perfectly well, the 7.25" feels a lot better for whatever reason. I still say the AVRI '62 Precision was the best precision bass to leave the Fender factory since the 60s. I miss mine dearly, and if I ever catch the **s***d who stole it...

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat when it comes to our fretboard preferences, although I'm still not sure which frets I prefer (medium-jumbo, vintage, etc…).

It's hard for me to say what bothers me more…that Fender modernized the necks on the "Vintage-In-Name-Only" reissues or that their website and press releases still claims they've faithfully reproduced those vintage specs. The more I think about it, I think it's the latter. It doesn't bother me when Vintage Modifieds and Classic Vibes boast modern spins on vintage designs. That's being way more truthful and if you're one of the informed, you know what you're getting. I guess it's being lied to in such a bold, bald-faced manner that tweaks me.

 

[707GK]

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.

While I don’t own an Am Pro P, I do have an Am Pro J and I completely agree with the “feeling higher end.” The fit and finish is really nice. It does feel like a higher end, more “boutique” Jazz bass.

The V Mod pickups get mixed reviews and I haven’t had much time with the V Mod Precision pickups. The Jazz pickups are very nice, I think. They have a classic Jazz bass tone with a slight modern crispness, clarity and smoothness to them. V Mod is an accurate name for them IMO.

 

[bassbourne]

It’s really a shame that used isn’t a viable option around you. The Pro that I had, when I needed to sell it, I had to drop the price down to 800 (1500 new) and it still took some time. 1000 would be very reasonable to pay for one used around here.

The problem is that it's real slim pickings where I am. For example a left-handed fretless American Pro and a 2000 dollar Vintage Reissue one month and a '92 Longhorn (boner bass) the next month .
Occasionally you'll get a sudden burst of awesome basses though, so will definitely keep an eye out.

 

[Rnr..........4]

I like nitro and maple boards. So I own a RW Precision and a Classic 50s lacquer precision.

Both are discontinued now, so not really helping in the matter. I guess brand new and available, I would go for either the AO, or Vintera series.

Is the neck/nut width on the Roadworn series the same as the Vintera and Classic series?

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Is the neck/nut width on the Roadworn series the same as the Vintera and Classic series?

Yes. They are all 7.25” radius with a 1.75” nut width.

 

[bobyoung53]

I don't think the radius makes a big difference. My AO has a 9.5 and my Yamaha bb 10 or so, but I cannot perceive any difference.
I think the real differences are between a glossy and a satin neck and their thickness.
Speaking of P-basses, I bought a few days ago an American Original and I really like how it (or she) sounds.
It's lightweight but it has a little neck dive due to the heavy tuners I suppose; the neck, although it's thick but I love it.
Tbh I think that it's a little overpriced but if you need that sound, it could be the best bass Fender has to offer (custom shop asides)

The difference between a 9.5 and a 10 is so slight no one would notice the difference, have you ever tried a 7.25 or a 12? You can definitely tell the difference with those from a normal 9.5.

 

[Rnr..........4]

This pertains to the Fender Precision.

If you're going to buy an $800-900 Vintera than you might as well save up to $1499 for the American professional. Better tuners and a string through body option. V-mod pickups plus a hard case with certification. My two cents.

What it comes down to after that is whether you want a thick old school neck (Vintera) or the modern neck of the Pro/Player series. Nitro finishes.. if you can find the Road Worn than good otherwise the next in line for Nitro finishes is the American Original 60s line which are expensive. More than the Pro. As for the 699.99 Player series. They are good for sure but I found something lacking in the pickup department when I played them at Guitar Center. The Vintera sounded better. (Forget the active Elite option.. passive is what makes a Fender great in my opinion)

Buying used basses (over 10 years old). Don't bother. Unless you have serious coin for the vintage Fenders. If it's a store that knows what they're doing than sure but after a bad online buy and never knowing what you're going to actually get without physically being there to look... not worth the headache. Doing upgrades starts adding up then you might as well buy new. Talk down a new bass at dealers. Some dealers will do that to get the sale. Forget Guitar Center. Bunch of clowns. Go there for strings or trying basses out.

In the beginning of getting back into bass.. I started off buying cheap basses and then one day I tried an expensive bass (700 and up) and you start to notice the difference in sound and even your playing. That right there is worth the extra hundred dollars or more.

 

[mellow yellow]

Last year I've bought an Am Pro, everything was fine except for the poly finish (really a plastic thing sensation, maybe because I have 3 Jazz CS in nitro finish, that I prefer) and the new V-Mod pu, too much mellow on the bass side to me. I sold it to buy an American Original. Besides the larger fretboard (Am Pro was somewhat mid sized between P and J) this bass is very good. It seems slightly lighter than Am Pro. The neck dive is acceptable, maybe a high mass bridge could help to balance the bass. Sound is a true P, not a "modern" P. If I want modern I'll upgrade it with an onboard pre.
To me a CS killer, for sure.
I'm a Jazz bass fan, so I'm in the exploring the P world mood, therefore my opinions are somewhat biased.
my 0,02
ciao

 

[TrevorG]

Fender series quality ranking: Fender Series Quality Ranking

I am pretty settled with my Ultra Precision.

Couldn't agree more. Oh! And who else says that the Ultra is best? Ummmm.... Oh yeah! FENDER DO!!

 

[jfh2424]

Of all of those you listed, the RW is the one that feels the most different. You may like or not like that. But if you don’t check it out, you won’t know. This applies especially to the neck.

I’m including this here, because if you aren’t crazy about the tone of whatever you buy, it is changeable through a pickup swap. But feel is much harder to change.

Enjoy the chase!

 

[obieito]

So let me jump in to comment... I'm on this exact search now, I'm going to get myself as birthday present a PB.
Since I own a Candy red 1998 Am Dlx JB I am now searching for a passive, classic style PB.
In my local store I tried a beautiful Pacific Blue AOL, it is a wonderful bass! My only worry is the price tag and it has rosewood fretboard, and I'd like a maple one since my JB is rosewood...
They have a couple another standard PBasses and then I think some Japan or MIM, I'll be back this week since the other day it was closing time while I was delighted grooving on the AOL.
I'll let you know my experience... For now the AOL neck felt swollen lol but then I think it was the first precision I played ever!
The sound was awesome through a GK 112. I did feel the frets were a bit weirdly big! Now I know why.
They have it with some discount, about 1700€, which is still steep, but then it seems the other standard Americans are priced around 1500... But they have maple fretboard... So it won't be an easy decision!

 

[Rnr..........4]

Of all of those you listed, the RW is the one that feels the most different. You may like or not like that. But if you don’t check it out, you won’t know. This applies especially to the neck.

I’m including this here, because if you aren’t crazy about the tone of whatever you buy, it is changeable through a pickup swap. But feel is much harder to change.

Enjoy the chase!

I tried one of those road worn Jazz basses at Guitar Center and didn't care for it. The P-basses tho look better with the Road Worn look. Personally tho I don't really get it. I prefer new instruments to be pristine and do my own road worn look. Would be nice tho if Fender did nitro finishes without the road worn feature.

 

[obieito]

Today I tested a Player, a Vintera, a Professional and AO 60s, that were the ones available at the shop.
And I walked out with my anticipated birthday present, the Pacific Blue AO, I just couldn't resist, I think I even dreamed of it these days since my first test run last week.

I liked the Pro neck, finish, woods and all, and the string through bridge, great sustain, but I didnt really dig the tone... I felt it lacked punch!

I checked the truss rod location, since I read the thread about some units having it out of position... and this one is not one of them, at least noticeably not.

It had a better price than online shops, my local town council offers 60€ flat discount in these kind of shops for helping with the COVID thing so I jumped in!