Fender P bass 2012 US standard advice

[Relsom]

The Pros came out in 2017 (I have one).

Thanks for clarifying that. Fender has been releasing new lines faster than I can keep track of them.

 

[Shawn Luckman]

When I bought my Am.Std Precision "new" back in Jan 2015 sight unseen, I went off the pictures from the shop & the Fender spec sheet . Luckily it all worked out 8lb 4.2oz of great Fender bass it has quickly, become my main player & probably the last Precision I'll buy .

 

[pineweasel]

Shocking! Chromes must be incredibly flexible. I'd like to see how they look at the bridge saddle. That's a hell of a break angle.
And, FWIW, I have an '04 American Precision so I too am very familiar with string thru.
Personally, I really don't hear a difference but I sense additional string tension when strung thru the body.

I've had Chromes, Dunlop flats and TI Jazz Flats on mine, all through body with no problems. As far as I know the only flatwound strings with specific instructions to avoid through body are LaBellas, who produce a special set for that purpose

 

[Craig Williams]

I've had Chromes, Dunlop flats and TI Jazz Flats on mine, all through body with no problems. As far as I know the only flatwound strings with specific instructions to avoid through body are LaBellas, who produce a special set for that purpose

I wouldn't buy Labellas again. They break (unravel) super easy if anywhere near the wrong size and they put way too much tension on basses I have had before

 

[SJan3]

I've had Chromes, Dunlop flats and TI Jazz Flats on mine, all through body with no problems. As far as I know the only flatwound strings with specific instructions to avoid through body are LaBellas, who produce a special set for that purpose

Good to know. Thanks for enlightening me!

 

[Aussie Player]

Actually at one point in the '90s Fender American Standards were factory equipped with '62 pickups...per Fender catalog.
The '90s we're some of the best years for Fender American Standard Basses. The quality set back a little in the 2000s but reportedly was back up in 2012.

A couple of points based on the following;
Please note the attached advertisement from Fender in 1995. This relates to the comments about:
1. The bridge whereby it did not permit bridge attachment for the strings and was through the body only.
2. Standard strings are needed not extra length.
3. I Note the 2012 sample has 3 pieces of alder whereas the 1995 has 2 and a premium is added for that because of the lighter color exposing any warts.
4. The 1995 was the introduction of the graphite rods to stiffen the neck.
5. There was also a more shallow scalloping of the Fender Headstock making it thicker and more rigid.
6. Mention of a Vintage pick up.

I have owned mine for about a dozen years and it is the best Precision I have played in 50 years bar a single 1958 version I was teased with once. A very comfortable and balanced bass still in near mint condition that I paired with a Marshall VBA as P pickups never impressed me, though the Marshall makes it tolerable. (More of a Jazz Bass guy myself).

This is a good thread and these are good threads because they provide information and education for the many who either don't know, or guess. I have learned a lot here.

 

[MtManiac]

You may be right, but I had a late 2011 American Standard Jazz Bass in a 2012 color (Jade Green Metallic) that had the Custom Shop pickups already.

Often, the new model year models start coming out in Q3-Q4 of the previous year.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Often, the new model year models start coming out in Q3-Q4 of the previous year.

Yeah. My point is that the Custom Shop pickups seemed to be in place right out of the chute with the upgraded American Standard series.

 

[MtManiac]

Yeah. My point is that the Custom Shop pickups seemed to be in place right out of the chute with the upgraded American Standard series.

Yeah, that was in 2012. Yours was late 2011. We’re saying the same thing.

 

[Craig Williams]

Well the guy came to the party and I managed to buy this 2012 P bass at the price I wanted. Thankfully the same day I managed to sell my 89 Precision plus "boner bass". I swear I will never buy another Fender 80s Bass or guitar again. The P Plus neck I just couldn't get right. Truss tightened to the max and still bow in it. Would get the action as good as I could....set the saddles etc. Be ok for a week and then one day I would pick it up fretting out and buzzing all over the place. So adjust the saddles again until ok, be ok for a few days then the action would seem to be way too high. There were also 3 stripped threads out of the 4 neck joint screws which I needed to repair. It was a lovely old thing but just never felt like it was right knowing all these issues. I pointed out all these things to the buyer and he wasn't phased just wanted a vintage "ish" Fender US Bass so everyone happy. New 2012 P bass should be arriving today and hoping it's a lot better made