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Fender American Original 50's P Bass

BassJuju

BassJuju

Jul 9, 2016
2,860
7,985
Texas
#1
I recently got the 60's in Lake Placid Blue and love the look, but the tone is like none other. Just amazing. I also like the way the 50's P looks in the White Blonde with gold P/G. There are a few videos and other reviews, but not a lot of real info outside of marketing. I have seen here were one of us has gotten one of each, swapped some necks around, and is pleased best I can tell.

I've read the specs for both and I can see that there are a few differences. I suppose my big question is this. Am I just getting a different color or is there a tonal difference too? I was able to play the 60s before I bought it and knew the tone was killer. I also played a Pro P locally and while nice, it was not the same tone. There is something to the vintage PUP. I will have to order the 50's and will not be able to play one first. Also, does anyone know if the ashtrays etc... are included like with the 60s. I didn't see it on the specs page, but perhaps I overlooked that.

I am certain very few here will try to talk me out of this, and they probably wouldn't be successful anyway, but I am hoping to get that cool Fender vibe with a slightly different tone.
 
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#4
I do like the color, but I’ve never played a 50’s. I own the 60’s P and love that tone. I’ve tried numerous other P basses and there is clearly something about the 60’s version— pups Most likely. I’m curious if anyone has been able to compare the 2 or if they’ve played the 50s version. If so, the general overview would be great. There are very few articles about the 50s P and virtually all of those are marketing.
 
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#5
They are pretty similar to me. I have not been able to run the 50’s through a studio chain to really hear the differences but I did play one a while back (CS version) and i liked it, but went with the ‘63. I will say that I have had the AVRI 63 four 2 years now and it is easily one of the best basses I have ever owned. I love it as much as the day I got it. The only other bass that gives me this much pleasure is the new Sadowsky NYC I bought and I think that speaks for itself.

It sounds like you are already sold on buying the bass. I will add that if I was to buy another classic Pbass, I would probably get something different, like a used Moollon P, just because it’s nice to have a little variety, but thats just me.
 
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#6
AngelCrusher said:
They are pretty similar to me. I have not been able to run the 50’s through a studio chain to really hear the differences but I did play one a while back (CS version) and i liked it, but went with the ‘63. I will say that I have had the AVRI 63 four 2 years now and it is easily one of the best basses I have ever owned. I love it as much as the day I got it. The only other bass that gives me this much pleasure is the new Sadowsky NYC I bought and I think that speaks for itself.

It sounds like you are already sold on buying the bass. I will add that if I was to buy another classic Pbass, I would probably get something different, like a used Moollon P, just because it’s nice to have a little variety, but thats just me.
Click to expand...

Thanks!! That’s sort of what I am trying figure. I like a lot about the 50s package, but I’m not really stoked about simply buying a different color; I’m hoping for a different tone. Killer tone, but different than the 60s.

Maybe the real answer that I’m fighting is that I’ve found the “one” and should just be content there.
 
#7
I have had both (the previous AVRI models, not the AO) and the 50’s had a more aggressive sound to me. I could dial in a more grinding tone than the 60’s. I sold my avri 57 but still have the avri 63. Not sure how close the new AO’s are to the AVRI tone-wise so this may or may not apply for you.

On another note I recently purchased an AO 60’s Jazz in CAR and love it - perfect mate to the 63 P.
 
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#8
Not sure if you’re asking about the ‘51 style p with the single coil pup or the Classic 50s with split coil pup. By mentioning the white blonde I’m guessing the ‘51. Many differences here beside pup-body shape, control plate and knob placement, headstock, etc. Love them both but sound is different. Hum might be an issue with the former or maybe not. Definitely enough differences between these 2 to justify owning both, IMO.

You have a 60s p and ask do they include the covers ? Assuming you bought your’s preowned, but none of the non American versions include covers.
 
#9
TN WOODMAN said:
Not sure if you’re asking about the ‘51 style p with the single coil pup or the Classic 50s with split coil pup. Love them both but sound is different. Hum might be an issue with the former or maybe not.

You have a 60s p and ask do they include the covers ? Assuming you bought your’s preowned, but none of the non American versions include covers.
Click to expand...

The AO 60s P is new, has the covers, and I installed all of it. I was curious if the 50s P included the covers as there isn’t any mention of it on Fenders site that I’ve read.
75C7BA79-24A9-4548-A46F-516F20E67649.jpeg
 
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#13
BassJuju said:
The AO 60s P is new, has the covers, and I installed all of it. I was curious if the 50s P included the covers as there isn’t any mention of it on Fenders site that I’ve read.
View attachment 3081025
Click to expand...
Looks awesome! Just got the 50’s P in Aztec Gold and it has the covers as well. Neck takes some getting used to, way thicker than my Road Worn P, but this is my Golden Bass of Doom!
 
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#14
I love it, so many posts about these Fender AVRI's. I love them too. Not sure why but after the 57's all the maple necks Fender made on subsequent models like the 58 or 50's they gave up on the tint. Was there negative feedback on it or what.

Also been curious what other differences between the pickup or anything between the 57 and 58 or 50's


Whackjack said:
Looks awesome! Just got the 50’s P in Aztec Gold and it has the covers as well. Neck takes some getting used to, way thicker than my Road Worn P, but this is my Golden Bass of Doom!
Click to expand...
Wow Aztec gold, please post pics!!!
moon-dog said:
As i have only played the 50s, how is the neck of the 60s? The 50s neck is a bit too much for my hands...
Click to expand...
The 57 necks is wider and flatter than the 60's in my experience
 
#15
BassJuju said:
I recently got the 60's in Lake Placid Blue and love the look, but the tone is like none other. Just amazing. I also like the way the 50's P looks in the White Blonde with gold P/G. There are a few videos and other reviews, but not a lot of real info outside of marketing. I have seen here were one of us has gotten one of each, swapped some necks around, and is pleased best I can tell.

I've read the specs for both and I can see that there are a few differences. I suppose my big question is this. Am I just getting a different color or is there a tonal difference too? I was able to play the 60s before I bought it and knew the tone was killer. I also played a Pro P locally and while nice, it was not the same tone. There is something to the vintage PUP. I will have to order the 50's and will not be able to play one first. Also, does anyone know if the ashtrays etc... are included like with the 60s. I didn't see it on the specs page, but perhaps I overlooked that.

I am certain very few here will try to talk me out of this, and they probably wouldn't be successful anyway, but I am hoping to get that cool Fender vibe with a slightly different tone.
Click to expand...

To me, two totally different basses, physically their necks are different shapes profiles, the material... maple with rolled edges versus maple with rosewood veneer. The fret wire is different and the pickups are different (eg the 57 has raised A pole pieces).
 
#16
Your asking a good question about the pickup. Is the pickup different in the 50s compared to the 60s? I don't know the answer.

But, I do have a 2014 AVRI '58 P Bass, blond and gold guard and it has the pickup with the raised magnet poles for the A string. Which is the way they were back in the day of 1958.

In addition to the raised magnet poles, the ohms for the my '58 is a bit less than on the '63 reissue pickup. As a result, the AVRI '58 has somewhat of a sweeter sound with a bit more clarity. I like it!

As for the Am Org '50s P Bass and it's pickup that is made today..............I don't know the specs. Dig on Google.
 
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#17
BassJuju said:
I recently got the 60's in Lake Placid Blue and love the look, but the tone is like none other. Just amazing. I also like the way the 50's P looks in the White Blonde with gold P/G. There are a few videos and other reviews, but not a lot of real info outside of marketing. I have seen here were one of us has gotten one of each, swapped some necks around, and is pleased best I can tell.

I've read the specs for both and I can see that there are a few differences. I suppose my big question is this. Am I just getting a different color or is there a tonal difference too? I was able to play the 60s before I bought it and knew the tone was killer. I also played a Pro P locally and while nice, it was not the same tone. There is something to the vintage PUP. I will have to order the 50's and will not be able to play one first. Also, does anyone know if the ashtrays etc... are included like with the 60s. I didn't see it on the specs page, but perhaps I overlooked that.

I am certain very few here will try to talk me out of this, and they probably wouldn't be successful anyway, but I am hoping to get that cool Fender vibe with a slightly different tone.
Click to expand...

Hi BassJuju,
I have the 50’s Am. Original and it’s is a monster too, you won’t be disappointed!
 
#18
I have the 50's Am original 2CSB and I'm lovin it. Only thing which is a pretty minor issue is that the pole pieces for the A string are raised (like they were for that period p basses) and thus making it louder compared to other strings. It's a great vibe for sure. Especially in rock and heavier music, but been thinking of taking it to a luthier and having the pole pieces lowered
 

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