Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special (Mex) opinions

[Craig Williams]

Hello all. Been on the scout for a Fender Japanese RI Pbass and most of them around the $600US mark where I live (Thailand). I cam across this NOS Fender Deluxe Active precision today and seem to be an awful lot for the money and this one reduced to $600. The normal price here in Thailand $960US which I imagine with shipping, tax etc at least 20% more than in the US normally. Anyway a significant discount and about the same price as a made in Japan Pbass

Firstly I am predominantly interested in a passive P bass. Will this give me that sound? I have heard there is no tone control in passive mode and only the middle (pbass) coil is available. Is that correct?

The Jazz bridge pick up is noiseless. Are they both US pickups or Mex or is he noiseless US?

Are the tuners US made or Mex?

What is the general opinion on these basses? I am firstly a guitar player but want a nice bass for recording, general mucking about. Bit hard to find non biased opinions or facts re hardware, tone circuit etc. the obvious answer would be just get a standard precision but if this one can do a pbass and a lot more so much the better.

Any advice appreciated

 

[TrevorG]

Just tried one of these today and did a search on TB only to find this! Did you ever get it? As an Ultra Precision owner I thought the Deluxe was disturbingly good. If I had to compare them I'd say the differences were similar to that between a really expensive handbag and one of those impressive knockoffs. You might see a difference in the stitching or quality of the leather, lining and zips but as a good looking bag to put things in, you can't separate the two very much. Of course the Deluxe is not a knock off so win win! Great bass!