Fender California Series Precision?

[theroan]

It finally came yesterday. All I can say it WOW!

 

[two fingers]

Looks sweet! And from the comments here it should be awesome. Enjoy!

 

[kramerj]

I love my California Precision (see avatar)--enjoy yours! It sounds good with D'Addario Chromes (flatwounds). Your can hear the bass with those strings on "Don't Renege on Our Love" or "Walkin' on a Wire" at Link Removed
John

 

[theroan]

Cool! I'll take a listen. I really like how the jazz pickups acts to tame the P pickups almosts tightens it up. But man it has that nice P sound in spades!

 

[kramerj]

It can be tricky to change pickup balance in the middle of a gig because the overall volume can drop or increase as a result. I find it best to "set and forget" before the performance. Another solution is to primarily use one pickup and roll the second pickup in or out just a bit for a particular song---these small changes won't affect the volume as much.

 

[theroan]

Ya, I noticed that too. I typically have the P full on and add the jazz as needed.

 

[kramerj]

One other useful setting is both pickups full on or close to it.

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

I also though the PUPS in these were a tad hotter.

 

[theroan]

I feel with both all the way up it kind makes the sound less aggressive. Which is why I wanted a P to begin with. But with just the P on, its a monster.

 

[DHowardAir]

Hello,

I also have a 1997 California Series Precision Special Bass in what I believe is 'Vintage White' finish. It actually looks like a Cream colored body. I read where these series had the paint and finish work done in Mexico, then final assembly in USA.

Just curious, would this be a nitro or a poly finish? I believe it to be polyurethane but can't tell for sure.

Thanks!

 

[ishouldbeking]

almost positive it's a poly finish.

 

[lowend1]

NOT a Cali-P... and one of the nicest Fenders I've ever played.

 

[timmus]

almost positive it's a poly finish.

yuppers...poly paint....sure wish it were nitro...I've often thought about stripping mine and repainting w/nitro

 

[pathdoc2]

Just got one of these in a trade. It's had lots of parts changed out. Plays pretty good.
I'd like to know, did all of these late 90's Precision Bass Specials in the California series have an anodized pickguard?

 

[kramerj]

To my knowledge, yes.

 

[pathdoc2]

Appreciate that info, that's what I thought.

The original owner of my California series bass is currently looking for the original pickguard. He just moved and its in a box somewhere in his house. I will go back to the original for sure.
Pic of bass now.
Link Removed
I did replace the badass with an actual Fender bridge last night after pic was taken.

 

[kramerj]

Your bass looks great! I love mine (see avatar). It sounds really nice with flats. You can hear it on Link Removed. Most of the sound clips use the California Precision.

 

[pathdoc2]

Excellent, your bass looks really nice.
I usually use d'addario chrome flats and will change over to them soon.

Unfortunately the headstock doesn't look as nice as the body. Cig burn near E tuner and the original E tuner was replaced by a gold schaller detuner. Hopefully the original can be found.Link Removed

 

[timmus]

Just got one of these in a trade. It's had lots of parts changed out. Plays pretty good.
I'd like to know, did all of these late 90's Precision Bass Specials in the California series have an anodized pickguard?

When I bought mine a few years back (used), it had a white guard on it...maybe the owner didn't like the ano guard. I'm not sure it would look good on mine anyway...the color being Shoreline Gold.

 

[pathdoc2]

The original owner told me it was white but I haven't seen it in person yet.


I have to agree, white on gold is better than anodized on gold.