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Fender Classic 50s Precision Bass

#2
I tried out 50's bass a while ago at a store and it sounded awesome, pretty much similar to am std. I would take a close look at a quality of electronics though.
There was an incident where we were opening for a major italian rock band and their bassist had a new fiesta red classic 50's. The thing was they did a soundcheck alright, but when we finished our set and it was time for guys to come up and rock it, the volume knob died eventually so I borrowed them my japanese Jazz Special.
 
#3
Overall: They are awesome. The electronics on that one guy's bass might have been one of those rare occurrences. Seriously, the QA for the Classic 50s Precisions are top-notch. They rival MIA Standards but it really comes down to preference at that point. The MIA Standards have satin neck finish and a high mass bridge with American electronics. These Classic 50s come only with tinted glossed maple 'boards and vintage-style frets and a standard vintage style bridge. Also, different neck profiles. Classic 50s also use an American Standard pickups, so no worries there, regardless of whether you planned on swapping it out or not. Chip in $20-35 and you can get vintage, MIA, or better spec electronics. So, for the price, they are simply fantastic.

But to answer your question in a nut-shell: Yes, I have tried both. I prefer the Classic 50s over the MIA. Tone is similar. Quality differs slightly. I give the edge to the MIA for the body build and electronics but I also give the edge to the Classic 50s for the neck build. Can't go wrong with either, but if you had to buy one, you can save the cash from buying the Classic 50s without sacrificing ANY quality that you would have received with an MIA standard.
 
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#6
I've owned a Classic '50s P for several years. I think I found it used in '09. In '08 I bought an American Standard P. The Am. Std. was very good, but I actually preferred the tone on my Classic '50s, and ended up selling the Am. Std.. I think tonally, you'll be happy with either.

From a COMFORT factor, I preferred the neck on the Am. Std. over the '50s Classic. That's mainly because the width at the nut on the Am. Std. P is 1.625", whereas on the Classic, it's 1.75". A lot of people actually prefer the wider width, but I don't. Not a huge difference, just a slight preference. Plus, the back of the neck on the Am. Std. is satiny, while the Classic '50s is glossy. But tonally, I love the Classic '50s.

Although I don't own one, I have also played the Road Worn P's (and J's), and they have probably the most comfortable necks of all. Plus, they sound awesome as well. If the roadworn look isn't a turnoff for you, you might want to check them out as well.
 
#7
Interesting topic for me as I spent a portion of my daying trying out 4 string P's.

I played the following today back to back:

Fender MIA Special Precision
Fender MIM P
Fender Classic 50's P
Fender Classic 50's Roadworn P
Squier Classic Vibe 60's P

I like the tone of the Classic 50's the best and based on the neck differences, I give the edge to the Roadworn followed closely by the Classic 50's

After that would come the MIA, then the MIM and finally the Squier.
 
#10
I still have mine after 2 yrs..it gets as much love as my 08' Am Std Jazz...two different animals...The construction is good and sounds great, especially with Flats...

Keep in mind as stated before, the neck is like a log compared to the broom stick of a Jazz..It takes a little to get used to, BUT now I feel comfy with it.

I did have a Squire CV 60's P...and that was a well made Bass and a very comfy neck...just saying :0p
 
#11
I also play guitar (sorry) and the bassist in that band has a '72 P bass with far and away THE best tone I've ever heard. No question.

He did a gig last week with my stock 50's Classic and loved it. From across the stage, I couldn't hear or tell a difference in his tone at all. Now he wants to buy it off me.

Just sayin'.
 
#13
slobake said:
I did a head to head on the Classic 50's and the MIA. I was using a GK MB1500. To my ears the MIA pickups are hotter but the Classic 50's have a sweeter toner. I bought the Classic 50's and have been happy with it for the last 6 months. The Classic 50's also has a fatter neck and smaller vintage style frets.
Click to expand...

Good morning :)
Exactly my experience and compared to the Am stnd P's we have at our school the feel and quality is IMHO even better.
Then of course it's a matter if you like the wider nut, vintage frets, 7,25' radius and the vintage bridge. I do, so for me it's a no brainer.
 

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