• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best P-Bass for $1500ish

O

onemanandhisbas

Jun 26, 2008
4
0
New York City / Birmingham UK
#1
I have about $1500 to spend on a new bass and I love precisions. The sound, the neck, the look, it's alway P for me. I was all set to buy a 62RI from Rudy's in Manhatten but Will Lee got their first! The new 62RI they have in is ok but not setup right as yet. I would buy second hand but transport is an issue and I would never buy bass without having played it first. The 57RI is cool but I didn't like the raised A pole pieces (why are they even there?) which were distortion prone and I would rather have a rosewood board. Am I foolish to spend $1539 on a new 62RI?
 
#7
I am absolutely in love with my 04' 62ri P-bass. IMHO, it is worth the extra money over an MIA standard. Just playing it unplugged shows you how big of a difference the nitro finish makes, i will never buy a poly-finished bass again. It has sustain for about 3 presidential terms, due in part to its super-chunk thin but wide neck.
 
#8
used Wilkins or Lakland

I recommend these two brands because Fender Basses in comparison, are very hit and miss when it comes to quality, otherwise you might find an early 80’s or older Fender P, but then you’d have to spend 500-600 dollars trying to get it sounding as good as Wilkins or Lakland too...
 
#10
I have the 57 RI, the 2008 American standard, and I had the 62 RI issue. I honestly liked the 57 a lot more, and it sounds a lot meatier to me.

IMG_3013.gif
 
#11
I currently have a 62 RI American Vintage. It has by far my favorite neck on any Fender I've played. It's very wide and thin. I have large hands so this one fit me just right. I've never had the pleasure of playing a Lakland but there are a ton of rave reviews here. I'd like to find one just to see what all the fuss is about. If you're in NYC I'm sure you can find tons of basses to try and I say if you've got that opportuinity take advantage of it. Play every one you can get your hands on. Keep us posted on your choice.

Later R.
 
#12
I just picked up (4 months ago) a 1975 Precision with a maple neck and sunburst finish. It's funny, I wouldn't had ordered that combo if I had the option, but now I love it. I'm not sure if it's the black guard that makes me fall for the sunburst, but as far as the board goes, I always liked rosewood boards over maple boards. Or so I thought, or didn't think depending on how you look at it. I played a killer 1976 Creme P at a local shop and they wanted $2000.00 which is fair market, I just couldn't justify it at the time. By the time I could, it was gone and I was bummed. About a month later, my electrician friend got stiffed on a job, but the guy said "take one of these guitars as payment". Luckily, he already owns 3 early-mid 70s P's and offered to sell me that one. I played it and it was every bit the magic as that creme one. So, point being, it came to me, and don't shy away from seeing if maple is right for you. I paid about what you are looking to spend on a P. Just keep looking.
 
#13
RickenBoogie said:
Save yourself around $400 and get an '08 Am Standard. That's a mighty good P bass, and you could use the extra cash for something else.
Click to expand...

+1

New American Standard P-bass or '62 RI are both great.
Biggest difference is the neck. Either one you can't go wrong. :cool:
 
#19
RickenBoogie said:
Save yourself around $400 and get an '08 Am Standard. That's a mighty good P bass, and you could use the extra cash for something else.
Click to expand...

Another +1 on the '08 Am Std P Bass.

I have played 5 so far in different stores (including GC...OMG!!! :p) and not a stinker yet.

If you are looking for a genuine P Bass sound, these are great and are reasonably priced.

I believe The Perfect Bass has a couple with excellent pricing for TBers.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back