Fender American Original Precision 50s vs 60s - Sound differencies

[x.gr]

Recently I managed to borrow these two babies from a local store to test them for a couple of days before I choose which one to keep. These two models even though they look alike they have significant differencies in my opinion.

The 50s model (to the right of the picture with the maple fretboard) carries a pure vintage 58 pickup, which offers a more metallic (kind of aggresive) sound with more high-end, while the C type neck is considerably thicker than its counterpart. The body has a 2 tone sunburst which is quite brighter than the 60s model and the combination maple/anodized pickguard is killer for me.
The 60s model (to the left) has the perfect mellow P-bass sound that you can listen in so many classic records (from Motown to blues to rock...) because of its pure vintage 63 pup. The neck in this one feels slimmer (they call it 1963-C) and allows a more fluent playing (for me). Aesthetically it cannot be more classic, with a kind of red-ish 3 tone sunburst, tortoise pickguard and rosewood fretboard. I think there are a few less significant differencies which I will not refer here.

My dilemma starts because I like the appearnce of the 50s (with the anodized pickguard+maple= <3), but soundwise I am all in for the 60s. Big problem! I dont say that I dont like the 50s' model sound, but when I have the p-bass sound in mind is the 60s.

To conclude, I would really like to keep the 50s model (appearence wins), but without losing my favourite sound (60s). Does anyone of you believes that if I keep the 50s model with the maple fretboard and change the pickup from the stock pure vintage 58 to the pure vintage 63, the sound will be similar to the 60s model? Or you believe that the metallic/brighter sound in the 50s comes mainly from the maple wood in the fretboard?

Please hit me with question if you have any!
Also you can comment on which one you would keep in my position..
PS: both is not an option!!

 

[JRA]

looks are for kids. go with the feel! good luck!

 

[Corto14]

Both are beautiful looking basses, the 60's is a lifer so you should go with the one that sounds and feels better for you IMHO. So if you find that the 60's is easier to play and sounds right for you than that should be the choice IMHO.

 

[Playbyear]

I believe the sound is mostly the pups and strings. However, there is no guarantee that the 50's is ever going to sound the same as that 60's. Two basses of the same model can sound different.

If that 60's has the sound and playability that you've always wanted, grab it.... you may not find it again.

I usually prefer the look of a maple neck, but that 60's bass is just gorgeous!

 

[_Obra_]

Keep the 50's and put the 62 or 63 pickup in it. You will have what You like 100%

 

[rlsuarezv]

Get the 60's . The rosewood neck has a lot to do with the better sound. I figure that by this time you have already seen this:

 

[nivagues]

Go for the 60s Bass..

 

[Paul New]

I have a 68 and it's my favorite bass, but I want that 50's bass so bad! You know the fingerboard material has about zilch to do with the sound. You could probably change out the cap in the 50s model for a higher value and go from clang with a lot of grain to as smooth and mellow as you want.

 

[Yahboy]

Keep the 50p, and get the Fender PV63 pup then put it in. .

 

[Bassist30]

Now I want to get a American 60's P bass. Have the Jazz version and love it.

 

[Scot]

Which did you end up keeping?

 

[x.gr]

Which did you end up keeping?

I kept the 60s and I am very happy about it! It doesnt mean that I havent regreted it for let the 50s go, but I believe I made the right choice for now

 

[Whackjack]

Recently I managed to borrow these two babies from a local store to test them for a couple of days before I choose which one to keep. These two models even though they look alike they have significant differencies in my opinion.

The 50s model (to the right of the picture with the maple fretboard) carries a pure vintage 58 pickup, which offers a more metallic (kind of aggresive) sound with more high-end, while the C type neck is considerably thicker than its counterpart. The body has a 2 tone sunburst which is quite brighter than the 60s model and the combination maple/anodized pickguard is killer for me.
The 60s model (to the left) has the perfect mellow P-bass sound that you can listen in so many classic records (from Motown to blues to rock...) because of its pure vintage 63 pup. The neck in this one feels slimmer (they call it 1963-C) and allows a more fluent playing (for me). Aesthetically it cannot be more classic, with a kind of red-ish 3 tone sunburst, tortoise pickguard and rosewood fretboard. I think there are a few less significant differencies which I will not refer here.

My dilemma starts because I like the appearnce of the 50s (with the anodized pickguard+maple= <3), but soundwise I am all in for the 60s. Big problem! I dont say that I dont like the 50s' model sound, but when I have the p-bass sound in mind is the 60s.

To conclude, I would really like to keep the 50s model (appearence wins), but without losing my favourite sound (60s). Does anyone of you believes that if I keep the 50s model with the maple fretboard and change the pickup from the stock pure vintage 58 to the pure vintage 63, the sound will be similar to the 60s model? Or you believe that the metallic/brighter sound in the 50s comes mainly from the maple wood in the fretboard?

Please hit me with question if you have any!
Also you can comment on which one you would keep in my position..
PS: both is not an option!!
View attachment 3756955

Now THAT's a perfect couple!

 

[thedovewarlord]

Too late, but I would've suggested putting flatwounds on the 50's and then seeing if it toned it down for you with the stock pickups. Im sure you would've made a good decision either way. What style strings are on your new bass. And congrats and enjoy it tons.

 

[Panych]

Get the 60's . The rosewood neck has a lot to do with the better sound. I figure that by this time you have already seen this:

Great comparison. Honestly, I did not notice any big differences in tone b/w two. In the mix such difference will be even more negligible.
Both are stunning basses.

 

[x.gr]

Too late, but I would've suggested putting flatwounds on the 50's and then seeing if it toned it down for you with the stock pickups. Im sure you would've made a good decision either way. What style strings are on your new bass. And congrats and enjoy it tons.

I kept the stock strings for a couple of months but now I have changed to La Bella flatwounds 760FS.
I liked quite a lot the stock strings but I am playing in a Rolling Stones tribute band at the moment with a lot of songs from the early days, so I switched to the more mellow sounding flats for now.

 

[thedovewarlord]

Glad youre enjoying your new bass, the flats wouldve mellowed out that maple neck too the same way, and rolling down the tone knob a drop is also what makes any P great, simple and versatile

 

[buldog5151bass]

You can always get an anodized pickguard. Seems like you made the right choice for you.

 

[x.gr]

You can always get an anodized pickguard. Seems like you made the right choice for you.

I am working on it mate

 

[jamro217]

ALWAYS choose comfort over sound. Components can be tweaked or swapped out to achieve almost any tone, but you won't be able to play your best on an instrument you aren't comfortable with. Depending on your flinch point, that can include one instrument of very specific tolerances or just about anything that'll stay in tune. I'm partial to the '60's style. Hope this helps.