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Fender Classic Series 50's precision bass

#83
Hi, 50's P owners!

I've been in love with this bass since the first time I saw it and, finally, I got to try one at a local store. I knew the neck was going to be much bigger than my go-to jazz bass', but it felt even bigger than expected (it's the first P I've tried, that may have something to do ;)). Still, I managed to play on it any of the songs that came to my mind (I usually go blank when it comes to try a new instrument in the shop :confused:) and it looks like something I can get used to. The setup felt good to me: low action and not much fret buzzing. And it looks even better live than on the pictures. Plus, they sale it for nearly 200 euros less that what I've seen on the different webpages I've visited (which in Europe is around 800€)!!!

So, why is it that it's not at my home right now? Well, it had some "faults" that I'd like to comment here. First, the pickup sides of the A and D strings were risen so much that I kept hiting the pickup cover with my fingertips after plucking those strings. I know that split coils are usually setup like that, but that much? Has this ever happen to anybody else? Second, the E string sounded too muddy and undefined to my ears. I couldn't try it on my rig, so it might be a thing of the amp I used at the shop (Some small head+1x10 cabinet Eden combo. Don't know the model.) but this is something that really worries me. Is this just "the nature of the beast" or could it be this particular bass. It sounded tight and defined when played unpluged, so it doesn't look like an old string or too dark body thing. Could it be that the setup of the pickup, with a lot of distance between the pole and that E string, makes it sound that dark?

I'll apreciate any input, because I've searching for a P bass quite a lot of time and I'd really want it to be this :). If I knew that adjusting the pickup height I could get rid of this ploblems, the decision should be much easier.

Sorry for the long post!

:bassist:
 
#85
Wito said:
Hi, 50's P owners!
I've been in love with this bass since the first time I saw it and, finally, I got to try one at a local store. I knew the neck was going to be much bigger than my go-to jazz bass', but it felt even bigger than expected (it's the first P I've tried, that may have something to do ;)). Still, I managed to play on it any of the songs that came to my mind (I usually go blank when it comes to try a new instrument in the shop :confused:) and it looks like something I can get used to. The setup felt good to me: low action and not much fret buzzing. And it looks even better live than on the pictures. Plus, they sale it for nearly 200 euros less that what I've seen on the different webpages I've visited (which in Europe is around 800€)!!!

So, why is it that it's not at my home right now? Well, it had some "faults" that I'd like to comment here. First, the pickup sides of the A and D strings were risen so much that I kept hitting the pickup cover with my fingertips after plucking those strings. I know that split coils are usually setup like that, but that much? Has this ever happen to anybody else? Second, the E string sounded too muddy and undefined to my ears. I couldn't try it on my rig, so it might be a thing of the amp I used at the shop (Some small head+1x10 cabinet Eden combo. Don't know the model.) but this is something that really worries me. Is this just "the nature of the beast" or could it be this particular bass. It sounded tight and defined when played unpluged, so it doesn't look like an old string or too dark body thing. Could it be that the setup of the pickup, with a lot of distance between the pole and that E string, makes it sound that dark?

I'll apreciate any input, because I've searching for a P bass quite a lot of time and I'd really want it to be this :). If I knew that adjusting the pickup height I could get rid of this ploblems, the decision should be much easier.
Click to expand...

I own two P basses, one is a '75 P and the other is a 2012 American Standard Limited Edition. Both play and sound wonderful! However, I always setup my basses to my liking and playing style.

As to the A & D string pickup, that can be adjusted. My pickup on my '75 is pretty close and I do hit the pickup occasionally, but I mostly play directly over the pickups. But it doesn't happen often. I adjust my pickups for the best tone.

In reference to the E string, it could be several things:
The string itself.
The adjustment of the pickup height could be an issue (adjustable).
It could also be an intonation issue as well. I know that doesn't sound right, but one time I had a P Bass and the E string was like you explained. The pickup needed adjusting a little, but the intonation was way off and resulted in a terrible tone on the E string. Once the proper intonation was set, it sounded great!

All in all, unless there is something weird going on, I would bet a good setup would cure those problems.

Question: do you think that maybe your fingers hitting the pickups could be attributed to your playing style? I don't mean the question as a jab or anything, but when I was much younger, I had a very aggressive playing style, I have since changed my style considerably. It made a huge difference in my playing, tone and dynamics.

Good luck with the bass.
 
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#86
image.jpg
I have the lacquer one and it's awesome!
 
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#87
lpdeluxe said:
I've never had an issue with striking the pickup cover. I play with my fingers and have moderately low action (Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats). The pickup on mine is fairly low, also.
Click to expand...

dmrogers said:
I own two P basses, one is a '75 P and the other is a 2012 American Standard Limited Edition. Both play and sound wonderful! However, I always setup my basses to my liking and playing style.

As to the A & D string pickup, that can be adjusted. My pickup on my '75 is pretty close and I do hit the pickup occasionally, but I mostly play directly over the pickups. But it doesn't happen often. I adjust my pickups for the best tone.

In reference to the E string, it could be several things:
The string itself.
The adjustment of the pickup height could be an issue (adjustable).
It could also be an intonation issue as well. I know that doesn't sound right, but one time I had a P Bass and the E string was like you explained. The pickup needed adjusting a little, but the intonation was way off and resulted in a terrible tone on the E string. Once the proper intonation was set, it sounded great!

All in all, unless there is something weird going on, I would bet a good setup would cure those problems.

Question: do you think that maybe your fingers hitting the pickups could be attributed to your playing style? I don't mean the question as a jab or anything, but when I was much younger, I had a very aggressive playing style, I have since changed my style considerably. It made a huge difference in my playing, tone and dynamics.

Good luck with the bass.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the input, guys!

I guess that a good setup would fix these issues, then. Of course, my tecnique may have something to do, even if I was not playing particularly hard that day. I already had to adjust a bit when I moved from my Cort A4 (covered pickup poles) to my Lakland DJ4 (exposed pickup poles), because sometimes the strings were hitting the poles and producing an annoying noise (mostly when slapping). I think that I will also be able to adapt myself to this bass ;). Anyway, I would definetly lower the pickup height, which will also be of some help.

I think that this beauty will be with me soon :)
 
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#88
I have a 50s MIM P myself and had no issues with it. But I am a beginner, so I don't have any real reference point when it comes to bass guitars.

I don't know if it's been covered already, but why do the 50s P Basses come with .45-.100 strings when the rest of the P Basses come with .45-105 strings? Could it be for less stress on the neck so there's less chance of having to take the neck off to adjust the truss rod?
 
#92
According to the Fender site it looks like all the 50s spec P-Basses have the thinner strings. The Classics, Road Worn and the American AV58 too. Must be a vintage thing.

nathanmiller said:
I don't know if it's been covered already, but why do the 50s P Basses come with .45-.100 strings when the rest of the P Basses come with .45-105 strings? Could it be for less stress on the neck so there's less chance of having to take the neck off to adjust the truss rod?
Click to expand...
 

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