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Break angle. Given how close to the saddles the holes for thru are, it makes for a very steep break across the saddles. It'll also be string dependant, but it could make things feel/sound just a hair different.
Some might actually prefer one or the other, or some might not be able to tell the difference.
Regardless it has nothing to do with the string actually passing through the body, and thru also holds in the ferrules, so there's that.
All I'm saying is that it should be a non-zero difference. Much like other construction variables that shall not be named. How much non-zero, or how much an individual cares are certainly up for debate.
IMO it's the correct answer though. I will say that for mine, my decision to use thru was purely based on me liking where the silks landed better.
One of these may work for you...
Yes these look gorgeous.
I opened a thread about these basses here:
Fender 75th Anniversary Basses
I am a bit confused because the demo in the Fender promo video is great but I have the impression the MIA Precision is too bright, though that might be solved with a proper set of flatwound strings.
Moreover, the MIA P-bass has the seventies tuners which might be heavy and cause neck-dive.
Also, ash (not swamp-ash) could be heavier than alder and too bright, though I know that tone is mainly shaped by pickups and strings.
Gold plated hardware apparently wears sooner than nickel/chrome.
No tort pickguard which for me is a must.
Still, this 75th MIA Precision looks sweet and gets me GASing.
I could wait until Summer NAMM but then this limited edition will be gone and who knows what Fender will bring, maybe a 70th Anniversary P better than this or maybe one which I will not care for.
Tough decision
I think the new V Mod pickups sound great. It's got a lot of bottom end and has those trebly highs that you hear on the Player series. I ended up returning that one I had but plan on getting another here soon. Fender hit a home run with these in my opinion.
I actually love my 2019 Am Pro P as well. I ordered right from Fender direct and got a great 1-piece body, 3TSB, love the neck feel. Added a tort PG and Threw in an SD SBP-1 pu and it sounds and looks fantastic.
Like others, I grew to not like the original vmods, the humble spb-1 is way better all around. I bought it as a workhorse...the bass I take to campground gigs and such.
Do you guys feel that the improvements on the AM Pro 2 are worth it over an American Standard? I'm looking at the 5 string so the standard wouldn't have the CS pickups.
Only you can decide whether it is worth it to you, but IMO a lot depends on what you find on the used market and where it is priced. Since American Standards are no longer available new (maybe NOS though), you're really comparing used to new, in which case there will be a huge price delta.
A couple of points I think are relevant:
- I'm about even in opinion between the CS62's and the V-Mod I's - I have zero experience with the V-Mod II's. My favourite is the SPB-1.
- both neck profiles are great, I love both, with an edge to the Pro
- I love the tall narrow frets on the Pro
- fluted shaft tuners are for me "meh" - I haven't had a problem with the previous generation, but this is technically an improvement, so I give a slight edge to the Pro
- bone nut: meh, don't care
- same bridge, same pots, same finish (except for colours), same tuners aside from the fluted shafts, same knobs, same jack, same truss rod, same pickguards (except for colours)
So for me, it boils down to the neck, and the price comparison. I think anyone would be happy with an American Standard. I think those same people would be *somewhat* happier with an American Pro I or II. Is that incremental happiness worth $1000? $200? It's your money, and your happiness.
If I had an old MIM or Squier and needed a pro gigging instrument, I could justify all day long spending $1500-2000 on a NOS or new American Pro, but I'd also be cool with keeping the change and spending $800-1000 on a used American Standard. If instead I already had an American Standard, I don't think I could justify spending an extra grand or whatever in your currency to go for a new Pro II. As it is, with COVID, I am not gigging or even rehearsing with the band, so really can't justify spending *any* money on gear using the gigging rationale.I'm glad I have both and intend to keep both. I bought my Pro I as it was black and maple, and replaces my beloved 2008 American Standard black and maple that was stolen in 2010. It was worth spending the $1500 CAD to buy it from my local store as "used" stock, with not even a scratch on it or on the case, and all the case candy still intact. I'm also keeping my flawless 2014 American Standard Olympic White with Rosewood. I may swap pickups in one or both to Pure Vintage 63's or SPB-1's.
I agree on the SPB-1....what are they like $60-$70, and are great all around pickups. The number of options can be overwhelming, they are a great place to start.
I own the brand new am pro 2 p from playing it non stop since I got it it’s totally worth it just the feel of the neck alone is worth it it plays and feels amazing. From working with different pickups I can say if you like more modern rock this does it well if you roll off the tone a bit it can do classic also. I’m a fan of these pickups now since I learn how to eq them in the mix. Less treble more mids and your good to go.
So expensive tho and then to change the pickups... what was wrong with them?
I just got my Am Pro II the other day and compared it to the Player. Other then the obvious body and neck differences, the pickups on the Am Pro II had a warmer bottom end where as the Player was more growly. This is most noticeable on the E string.
I have the Pure Vintage 63 pickups that I thought about putting in the Player and returning the Am Pro II but I just like the Olympic white and rosewood more over the Artic white. Not to mention the superior bridge and tuners. The neck on the Player is actually slightly thicker than the Am Pro II which uses a 63 shape.
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I was getting a different tone out of my D and G strings, I am presuming because of the different magnets. Also, it was getting muddy on some of the lower notes. My band was doing some recording and I had to use my backup with a DiMarzio Area P pickup.
Wasn't too worried about the cost because the Am Pro II was a 50th birthday present. I love the bass, just wanted to make it 'perfect'. With the new PU and TI Flats, this is a great bass for me.
I agree...but also know that p-up's are very subjective, one mans trash is another mans treasure
But thankfully there are many affordable options....the humble SPB-1 is like $70.00 and IMO a LOT more even and all around "better" sounding to me than the original vmods. Not sure what Fender is thinking with the mix magnet material, maybe trying to have a stand out design?
