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Fender Classic 50s Precision neck profile

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by sideFX, Jul 21, 2013.

  1. Jul 21, 2013 #1
    sideFX

    sideFX

    Feb 14, 2013
    38.05 N , 23.54 E
    I'm gassing for this bass and since there's no option of trying it myself, I could use some help.

    My main bass at the moment is an SbMM Ray 34 which has a satin neck with a 12 inch radius and 43mm(=1.69 inch) nut width.

    Has anyone had the chance of having/having played both of them, how do the necks compare side by side in play and feel?

    I'm more interested on the thickness of the neck front to back compared to my Ray, and whether the Fender 50s is easier or harder to play with the 7.25 radius, coming from my Ray's 12".
     
  2. Jul 21, 2013 #2
    uOpt

    uOpt

    Jul 21, 2008
    Boston, MA, USA
    I have a 2000 Stingray and one of those 50s necks. The main difference is the nut width, I don't recall anything else mattering much right now. I don't think the 50s neck is thick.
     
  3. Jul 21, 2013 #3
    Cyborg

    Cyborg

    Jul 7, 2007
    Lowcountry, SC
    This is really a personal preference and the two necks are different.

    I like the 7.25 radius over a flatter profile myself but it's not a deal breaker. It's usually not a big deal for many bassists compared to guitarists, unless you are a string bender or chorder.

    Also, the 50s P has a 1.75" width neck, which a lot of folks find undesirable, especially those who desire nothing but 1.5" wide necks. Again I don't have an issue with it but I have larger hands. My 50s P neck is thinnish from front to back. The width of the neck may be influencing my perception of the thickness.

    One final difference is that the Ray34 you have has a satin neck whereas the 50s P is a high gloss finish. I know gloss neck finishes are not in vogue these days but I really like it.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2013 #4
    BillyRay

    BillyRay

    Jan 20, 2008
    Quebec
    The nut width (and string spacing) coupled with the smaller radius can be a bit weird at first, but you'll manage fine. The neck is thick, but it still is a C shape (not U). It's a very comfortable neck to play on imho, but it doesn't have a satin feel: it is a very thick and glossy poly finish and can tend to stick a bit.
     
  5. Jul 21, 2013 #5
    uOpt

    uOpt

    Jul 21, 2008
    Boston, MA, USA
    FWIW, while the 50s finish certainly is some form of gloss finish it is less of a "real" high gloss finish compared to e.g. my MIJ RI Fender neck.
     
  6. Jul 21, 2013 #6
    sideFX

    sideFX

    Feb 14, 2013
    38.05 N , 23.54 E
    @ Cyborg: I'll probably won't be able to tell much (if any) difference between the 43mm neck of my Ray and the 44.5mm of the 50s P.
    My main concern with this string spacing is if it's gonna fell awkward/uncomfortable to play cause of the 7.25 radius and the thickness front to back.
     
  7. Jul 21, 2013 #7
    Cyborg

    Cyborg

    Jul 7, 2007
    Lowcountry, SC
    The 7.25 radius will have a different feel but it's not like it'll be something totally foreign, IMHO. The thickness of my 50s P is thinner to me. It's definitely a "C" shaped neck and not a "U" shaped baseball bat.
     
  8. Jul 21, 2013 #8
    slabboard

    slabboard

    Jan 4, 2011
    I agree with Cyborg and like the gloss finish...never bothers me at all and actually prefer it. The 50's Classic P is one of Fender's best deals imo and lacks for nothing as a great Precision at any price point.
     
  9. Jul 25, 2013 #9
    slobake

    slobake resident ... something

    Aug 6, 2011
    Somewhere to the left of "Whoopie"
    I don't know if it is a concern but the 50's P has the smaller size vintage style frets. I like them a lot but I imagine some people wouldn't. My 50's is a sweet bass
     
    mickebas likes this.