Fender P 63 reissue or Fender 1977 P

[ptensioned]

If you'd asked me this a month ago, I'd have said AVRI based purely on reputation. Late 70's Fenders have an awful rep, AVRI's have a great one.

But I recently got myself a '76 P, and boy, it's sure nice. Weighs 8.6 lbs, balances perfectly, neck is one of the best I own, neck pocket is tight, and I really dig the tone from the stock pups (though some might find it a bit light on bottom end). It's easily one of the nicest basses I've played. The neck was made by Xavier Armenta, who was with Fender long before the CBS buyout, so that may explain the quality. Regardless, despite being known as an awful era for Fender, there are clearly plenty of great instruments from that time out there...

For me, if the '77 is an equal player and equal price, I'd get that one just because the history is cool, and resale will be better. Also, maple on black/black is a great combo.

 

[9mmMike]

If you'd asked me this a month ago, I'd have said AVRI based purely on reputation. Late 70's Fenders have an awful rep, AVRI's have a great one.

But I recently got myself a '76 P, and boy, it's sure nice. Weighs 8.6 lbs, balances perfectly, neck is one of the best I own, neck pocket is tight, and I really dig the tone from the stock pups (though some might find it a bit light on bottom end). It's easily one of the nicest basses I've played. The neck was made by Xavier Armenta, who was with Fender long before the CBS buyout, so that may explain the quality. Regardless, despite being known as an awful era for Fender, there are clearly plenty of great instruments from that time out there...

For me, if the '77 is an equal player and equal price, I'd get that one just because the history is cool, and resale will be better. Also, maple on black/black is a great combo.

Yup. They are out there. And Xavier is my favorite neck finisher. I must have a dozen necks with his stamp and they are all fantastic.

 

[9mmMike]

Sorry for the hijack but with two guys mentioning walnut and maple, I am compelled... )

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

two VERY different basses. You have to decide for yourself.

I voted for the 63.

 

[9mmMike]

....and I voted '77 because, if it is a gem, you can always find another '63 AVRI. Pretty sure they are not making '77's any more!

 

[trueno87]

Bass in question... $1700

 

[9mmMike]

Can't see that neck pocket but it sure looks like a sweet bass for well under 2K.

 

[Jeff Haislip]

I have a '77 that looks just like the one in the picture. It was my first "real" bass and I still love it to this day. If it were me I would have to side with the '77.

 

[39-Bassist]

Sorry for the hijack but with two guys mentioning walnut and maple, I am compelled... )
View attachment 986396

Me want......can I be in your will?....lol
Beautiful Bass....congrats!

 

[coreyfyfe]

Hey that looks familiar! Mine's a 78 with an A neck. Got it here on TB. No issues with the neck pocket, great player. Total boat anchor but with a thick/padded strap it's no issue for me.

 

[DirkP]

I am / was in a similar situation considering Jazz basses. I have a '78 Jazz and 2 years later I bought an AVS '64 Jazz. I always liked the look of 70s Fenders and mine looks very cool. It is a fantastic instrument. But the '64 is my favourite. Whenever I chose a bass for a gig, the '64 is the one. It sounds incredible good. It is lightweight. My '78 is about 10 lbd., not the heaviest '70s Fender, but heavy.
Even if you think you don't care, if your arm has to choose between grabbing this lightweight comfortable one or the ash-beast...
Still lusting for an AVR '63 P in faded sonic blue to go along with my Daphne '64...

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

Go the 77! It's got more mojo than a brand new bass!

 

[DirkP]

Go the 77! It's got more mojo than a brand new bass!

Just like my 20 years old refrigerator and my tube-tv. Get the one that sounds and feels better, if you're a musician. Go for mojo only if you are a collector or want to hang it on a wall.

 

[gjohnson441496]

Bass in question... $1700

View attachment 986409

If this is the 77 you should have posted a NBD 3 days ago.

 

[buldog5151bass]

'63 had a great neck. Mike Lull used his original '63 as the model for his P4. I love how the neck feels.

 

[pbassnut]

I think the pickup on that AVRI '63 P is the closest to pre-CBS sounding that I've heard yet (IMHO, of course!) ... and it's got a high output just like the old ones ... just one more thing to factor into your decision.

 

[shadven]

I have a '75 P and it is light and the neck is a baseball bat (which I love), great bass. I have a 1965 P, that is light and the neck is as fat as any C neck I've ever played. Both, great basses with very similar necks. My number one is a 1968 Telecaster bass, and it's neck feels just like the '75's neck.

 

[elgranluis]

If both Play great , feel great, great weight etc... And if they are both the same price, get the 77. If there is more than 500 bucks difference between them (the ri being 1200 or less) then get the ri and put the 500 bucks in the kids college fund)

 

[Blackjac97]

Come on TB, you're losing your edge!

OP, get both!!

There! Now the thread is complete.

 

[InnerBass]

I just acquired an all original Olympic White '75 P from a fellow TalkBasser (traded a Lull TC4 for her).

She was under a bed for most of her life and, after a small bit of TLC from Mr Lull himself, she's now a real gem.

Came with the original case and some candy.

She is being recorded regularly now - LOVE her....and her '67 older BadAss sister

If you can find the right older Fender P ? - no brainer in my opinion.