Fender American performer vs deluxe active precision bass

[Ambrose1769]

I’ve been looking into picking up a p bass lately, and these two fit best in my budget and I’m wondering which bass I should go for, the deluxe active looks better on paper with active/passive electronics, a high mass bridge and a noises bridge p-up, I am aware it is lower in the range though and made in mexico.

What do you think I should but and why? Any advice would be very much appreciated

 

[TrevorG]

You’ve got to try them. I like both though I think I prefer the sound of the American but that’s only because the Deluxe doesn’t sound nearly as good a as my ultra despite being almost the same bass on paper. That said, I like the few fender active circuits I’ve tried though I know there are some that aren’t popular.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I have learned on TB or Bass Chat it might not be a good Idea to ask "What should I buy" it is like going on Twitter and asking 'Who should I vote for and Why'

That said there are a few like Trevor above who will give you their experience in which from them you may find/glean a tiny bit of help in making your decision.

As to your question"]What do you think I should but and why? Any advice would be very much appreciated[/QUOTE]

The one that feel's best playing if all else is more or less equal [sound, build quality etc.]
Why? If you are like me and many here; The Bass will be in your hands for thousands of hours Practicing, Rehearsing and Gigging.

Basic American Fenders have served me well since 1975 and when I had a itch for something more evolved [so to speak] I had to be willing to pay for it; lots of great sounding basses to compare all sounded great and felt good but Fender American Ultra Precision's playability was best I experienced hence my choice

 

[eccles77]

I would go for the US model. Nothing against MIM Fenders by the way, my favourite bass is a Nate Mendel P. For me a passive P is what a Fender P bass should be, I have never played a Fender with an active circuit that I have liked. They should leave active basses to the likes of MM and Spector etc.

And a P bass with 4 knobs on it doesn`t look right. But you should really get your hands on the 2 of them and find out for yourself. It`s an often heard statement but it is said for a reason.