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Fender Mexican 50's Classic P basses

J

jn_93

Jun 22, 2011
56
1
#1
Hi,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Fender 1950's classic Mexican P-Basses and the Standard Mexican P-basses?

I'm looking into trying one out, but some people told me that they sound as bad as the standard Mexicans, and others tell me they're even better than the USA Standards. Do they have different pickups/electronics than the Mexican Standards? I really wouldn't want to waste my money on one if they're just a polished Mex standard underneath it all. :confused:

Also, is there any difference at all between the Road Worn series and the Non-road worn series other than the appearance?

Any comments/facts/opinions would be much appreciated!

Thanks! :bassist:
 
#2
jn_93 said:
Hi,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Fender 1950's classic Mexican P-Basses and the Standard Mexican P-basses?

I'm looking into trying one out, but some people told me that they sound as bad as the standard Mexicans, and others tell me they're even better than the USA Standards. Do they have different pickups/electronics than the Mexican Standards? I really wouldn't want to waste my money on one if they're just a polished Mex standard underneath it all. :confused:

Also, is there any difference at all between the Road Worn series and the Non-road worn series other than the appearance?

Any comments/facts/opinions would be much appreciated!

Thanks! :bassist:
Click to expand...

Really???? MIM's sound bad??? I love both of my MIM P's....
 
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#4
jn_93 said:
Hi,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Fender 1950's classic Mexican P-Basses and the Standard Mexican P-basses?

I'm looking into trying one out, but some people told me that they sound as bad as the standard Mexicans, and others tell me they're even better than the USA Standards. Do they have different pickups/electronics than the Mexican Standards? I really wouldn't want to waste my money on one if they're just a polished Mex standard underneath it all. :confused:

Also, is there any difference at all between the Road Worn series and the Non-road worn series other than the appearance?

Any comments/facts/opinions would be much appreciated!

Thanks! :bassist:
Click to expand...

The 50's and Roadworn P basses have a 7.25" radius, 1.75" nut neck with vintage frets, with maple fretboard, as compared to the current 9.5" raduis & 1.625" nut. Road Worns have rolled frets, a nitro finish, and supposively have the lighter bodies chosen specifically for them. The American equivalent is the AVRI 57 P, which usually goes for around $1500 new.

Personally, I've played a few 50's and a few Road Worn P-Basses... I've loved every one of them, both feel and sound-wise. When it came down to it, I purchaed a FAS, but it was a really tough choice. Once I get through my next two planned purchases (another Jazz & a bass for my son), I'm 99% positive I'll end up with a Road Worn. I'm just hoping they offer more colors by then... :P
 
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#6
Tmw2011 said:
Personally, I've played a few 50's and a few Road Worn P-Basses... I've loved every one of them, both feel and sound-wise. When it came down to it, I purchaed a FAS, but it was a really tough choice.


I have tried out a few FAS p's and they sound great... the demos of the 50's MIM's seem to have the REAL depth of a Precision, as they are supposedly made to the exact specs the 57's had, I think.

Will have to have a thorough play on each, as I will either buy a FAS or a MIM bass, and an Ashdown bass rig, as I have just over £1000 to spend.
Click to expand...
 
#7
My Classic '50s P sounds as good as all the American P's I've owned. Before I bought mine (used), I played about 5 new ones and couldn't find a dog in the bunch. They all sounded very impressive.

The only thing is if you don't like the 1.75" width at the nut, you won't like it. Personally, I prefer a 1.625" width, but don't have a problem with the 1.75". Purely personal preference...
 
#9
I'm not too fussy when it comes to how wide the neck is- I can either handle it straight away or not... depends how uncomfortable it is, but so far I've never had a bass I can't master- But I started with a P bass then went on to a reissue Epiphone/Gibson Ripper, which have really long and thick necks, so I've become quite versatile since getting a Fender Jazz too.

As I said, these basses seem to have more depth than the American Standards; some people have commented they thought the neck was more comfortable than the FAS too.
 
#11
I've bought a new 50's P in the last month, and it's one great bass.

Neck is quite big, but very, very easy to play. Don't let that put you off.

Precisions should have a big neck and a big sound for me - and the 50's P has both.

Great bass, you'll love it!
 
#12
The pickup in mine was a MIA P-Bass Standard pickup. Anyway, a point could be that with the wide neck on the 50's, if you own a 5 string bass too, the switching between them will be less of a "problem", as you already have a wide 4, and getting used to wide necks.
 
#16
I have a classic 50's P and they are amazing. the neck is wide but not thick so it is nice to play. i never use wide necks but something about this one is really comfortable and almost easier than a jazz neck. the stock pickup is alnico magnet and is really quite good. they are a great bass right out of the box! the mim standard Ps have ceramic magnet pickups which are actually pretty good but they have to be your cup of tea. i would call them more aggressive and cutting. another great thing about the 50's and road worns is they have small vintage frets.
I'd say drop whatever you are doing and get the classic 50's P.
 
#17
I owned a Classic 50s P-bass last year (had to sell to raise cash quick, sadly) and it was one of the best P-basses I'd played to date. I preferred the wider neck on it and didn't find the sound in any way lacking - changing the electronics/pickup was not something I felt necessary.

Fit and finish - I'd say mine was comparable to my old 1998 American '62 Reissue Jazz, it was that good. There are a few threads on here about this bass - do a search for 'classic 50s'.
 
#19
The 50's (my main player) is hands down, IMO, the best bang for buck P bass on the market. Buy one before Fender does something stupid and discontinues them. I wasn't aware that the pups differ from the MIM Standards. Almost want to throw the old set back in (currently sporting Fralins). Though the Fralins were still an improvement, the stock tone was awesome. Throw some TI's on this bass and you'll never look back.
 
#20
I have played several of these over the years. There's one at a local shop right now that I want very, very much. Still out of my financial reach, though, even though it's a more than fair and decent price.

The necks feel like they were made for me. I'd love to own one someday.
 

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