Fender P buying advice

[asdfasd]

Hi guys,

I'm a guitarist that's looking to buy a bass. Basically I'm looking at recording at home myself, programming drum sounds, tracking guitars and vocals etc. This obviously requires a bass. I've got great quality guitar (Gibson Les Paul Custom), so I want a bass that's also of good quality.

I play almost entirely metal, and after doing some research found that the Fender P is very good for this genre, and that a lot of my favourite bass tones seem to come from the Fender P. I also wanted the bass to be versatile enough that I could record other genres if need be, and have found that the Fender P can be used for a range of different styles. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this).

Anyway, the aim is to have a bass that I can use for years and not have to upgrade, so I thought I'd go for an American made Standard P, as opposed to Mexican made. I've heard that the Mexican models are also good, but I figure it's better to save up a bit more and get the best from the start.

I've also heard from a few sources that in both the American and Mexican made models there is widespread inconsistency in the quality of the instrument - (one place I read this was here: Link Removed) and that the only way to know if a Fender bass is any good is to play it yourself, otherwise you could end up with a dud.

My dilemma is that I'm a left handed guitarist, meaning I can't just walk into a store and try out a bass. Usually stores will only have one or two left handed basses, and they are usually complete pieces of crap that sell for about $200. Unfortunately my best chance of getting a good left-handed bass is to buy online.

So, a couple of questions:

1. Am I safe to buy an American Fender P Standard online, or is there a big risk I'll end up with something that isn't of great quality? This is the one I'm looking at: Invalid Link Removed

2. Does the American Standard Fender P sound like the right choice as described above? Or is there a better option I should be looking at for my purposes?

3. Should I be looking at a Rosewood or a Maple fretboard? I've heard that Rosewood has a warmer sound, whereas the Maple has a bit more growl to it. Probably not an issue anyway, as I doubt I'd find a left handed bass with a maple fretboard. I can't even find a bass in the colour I want.

Thanks for any advice you have guys. I appreciate it.

 

[BigMarc]

I love my American Fender p-bass! I have many basses (as most guys and gals on here) but my two favorites that I record with and gig with are my American P Bass and my Ibanez, I play rock, classic rock and hip hop.... Don't forget the amp is a very important part as well, as I'm sure you already know from playing your Les Paul. I run a TC electronics RH 450 through 212 cab and 115 cab, with a line 6 g90 wireless... Sometimes using a b3 pedal, and sysnth pedal. But back to your original question, I would highly recommend a Fender p-bass. Good luck! Rock on! Big Marc

 

[darrenmt]

The Fender P is pretty much an industry standard along with the J and MM Stingray. Depending on what you like, I find that any of the 3 are able to sit in the mix and sound great in a band context for just about any style of music. Comparatively, all 3 are different from each other and seeing that you have decided on the P(my personal preference too), I'd gather you have a good idea of what you are tonally after.

Buying sight unseen always carries an element of risk. MIM Fenders are great instruments which have their fair share of gems and dogs(excluding Roadworns and the likes which are mostly bloody amazing). Apparently, there is better QC and more consistent manufacturing with the US made ones, hence, lower chances of getting a dog but the risk is still there since there are many determining factors. Tone, feel, weight all vary from one bass to another and you will only know which one really feels right to you from trying in person. I would go with a US Fender P if buying sight unseen just to reduce the risk of getting something disappointing.

Whether you choose one with a maple or rosewood fretboard is totally down to personal preference. They will sound similar in the mix with perhaps a bit more bite coming from the maple one due to the lacquer finish. I personally prefer rosewood as IMO it's easier to maintain/revitalize and doesn't end up looking cruddy like maple after some wear and tear. The LH Fender P with rosewood board you are looking at should provide the enjoyment you seek.

 

[Linnin]

Hello there fellow lefty! I have complete confidence in Fender's American Standard basses. I bought an Am. Std. Jazz in 2012 from Sweetwater, and it was and still is perfect.

Contrast that to 1975 when I ordered a lefty Fender Precision (all Fenders were American made at that time) from my friendly authorized Fender dealer. Fender made leftys once a year and I got mine about 10 months later in 1976. It was pretty good/OK and the quality was what I expected from CBS Fender. The stock pickup died in '85 and just never sounded as good as my friend's '57 P.

The build quality of my 2012 is leaps & bounds better than my '76. The hardware is a lot better especially the bridge. The paint job is much much better. The Custom Shop p'ups are tons better. Even the stock strings are better.

I wouldn't hesitate to order.

 

[buldog5151bass]

You will find almost an equal number here who who say go MIA v those who swear by their less expensive cousins. I agree there is less risk of a canine with the MIA.

Two thoughts

1 although I also don't likebuying on line, Sweetwater let's you see your exact bass.
2 GC may havenumerous stores in your area, and might be willing to ship it in, with an agreement it will be bought minus QC issues.

 

[hover]

I'd pick one with the split pickup, or the single coil, and frets in the neck.

And tuners. Don't forget those.



BUT, since we're talking about one of the oldest electric bass designs to settle on, and what with your other opinions informed by talked to death topics here like MIM vs. MIA, and your talking points about maple vs. rosewood and especially the color option issue (sad face? ), might I suggest a Dan Lakin P-bass? It's only singlehandedly redefined even the greatest ever redefinition of the classic, venerable Fender bass, only made more betterer by the skilled artisans of that place that makes them. The colors are unlimited so I'm sure you'll find the one you want. Consult your Pantone wheel and place your order today.

 

[phodg]

Personally, I'd buy a MIM Precision AND a MIM Jazz. The MIM basses are virtually as good as the MIA ones these days in my opinion, and you can get two for the price of one. But that's just me.

 

[Robus]

I bought my 2013 Am St P bass through Sweetwater and would not hesitate to do it again.

 

[mikew31]

Judging by the link the OP provided, he's probably in Australia. I think that limits his options for ordering online.

 

[tjh]

.. if funds are not an issue, just get a new AmStand P from Sweetwater, as mentioned you will see your exact bass, and it has return potential should it be nescessary (although unlikely) ...

.. with all due respect to all that will post about 'duds' .. I certainly have had Fenders that were better than others (some much better), but I have yet to play/own a Fender that would not 'do the job' ... that includes early generations of MIM Standards (even some Squiers) all the way to the 3 eras of 'modern' USA Fenders, as well as some from the 60's and 70's ... lots of folks will not even be aware of any issue, until someone on a place like TB starts telling people about them ... strings, set-up, mods, etc can fix pretty much anything to be just fine, except an exceptionally heavy bass, or one with neck issues ...

.. order what hits your switch and don't look back .. JMHO

 

[DigitalMan]

Another +1 for Sweetwater. I actually noticed a flaw on a pic while the bass was in transit and was able to arrange recall and cross ship of another before I ever received the first bass.

 

[Moley13]

Hi fellow Aussie!

Sweetwater = not ideal for us, unfortunately. Also, I personally would never deal with Bava's again. Had a really bad experience. That's just me though.

Where are you from? I'm from Canberra, and we have three (ish) major music shops. I'm very well acquainted with the reps at two of them, and the bass guy at the third is a close personal friend. If they know you're legit, they're usually pretty happy to get stuff in for you to try. On top of that, and Am. Standard P bass is not exactly a super unusual piece that they'd never sell if you didn't buy it (even a lefty). In fact, it's probably the number one lefty they'd be most willing to get in (I've always found there are more lefty P players than Jazz, for example, even factoring in their relative popularities with rightys).

If you need some recommendations for shops, let me know. I have dealt with quite a few Sydney stores, and one or two in Melbourne. If you're in Perth/Hobart I can't help ya

That said - if ordering online, don't forget New Zealand. Often you can get some amazing deals shipped over!

 

[joebar]

get a 2012 or newer American Standard P
with being a lefty, I think you are limited to a RW FB unless you go custom.

 

[asdfasd]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Sorry, should have made it clearer in my post, yes I'm from Australia, which resticts my online options somewhat. Funds are a bit of an issue - as I'm trying to improve my home recording setup I need to upgrade my studio monitors, buy a good vocal mic, and I'm also looking at buying an Axe Fx unit, which will allow me to record better guitar and bass tones at home. If I can buy a bass online for $1,500 rather than $2,200 instore, then it's worthwhile for me. That $700 can go towards a vocal mic.

Sometimes I wish I was located in the US. More options for buying, better prices etc. Even the Axe Fx unit is an extra $600+ to buy in Australia. Will have to continue looking for the best price on a Fender P. Cheers!

 

[asdfasd]

Hi fellow Aussie!

Sweetwater = not ideal for us, unfortunately. Also, I personally would never deal with Bava's again. Had a really bad experience. That's just me though.

Where are you from? I'm from Canberra, and we have three (ish) major music shops. I'm very well acquainted with the reps at two of them, and the bass guy at the third is a close personal friend. If they know you're legit, they're usually pretty happy to get stuff in for you to try. On top of that, and Am. Standard P bass is not exactly a super unusual piece that they'd never sell if you didn't buy it (even a lefty). In fact, it's probably the number one lefty they'd be most willing to get in (I've always found there are more lefty P players than Jazz, for example, even factoring in their relative popularities with rightys).

If you need some recommendations for shops, let me know. I have dealt with quite a few Sydney stores, and one or two in Melbourne. If you're in Perth/Hobart I can't help ya

That said - if ordering online, don't forget New Zealand. Often you can get some amazing deals shipped over!

Hey mate, I'm from Melbourne. Thanks for the heads up about Bavas. Was the issue with them regarding the quality of the instrument or more of a customer service issue? The names of any stores you recommend (online too) would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[asdfasd]

View attachment 442677

I'm drooling over that bass. Looks amazing!

 

[Moley13]

Hey mate, I'm from Melbourne. Thanks for the heads up about Bavas. Was the issue with them regarding the quality of the instrument or more of a customer service issue? The names of any stores you recommend (online too) would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Bad customer service on dodgy recording gear (a big struggle to get a return/refund).

Bass Centre is awesome in Melbourne! Definitely worth a look. I'm sure they could cut you a deal, too, if you went in and had a chat.

Some options:
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Maybe give them a call and see what they can do you for

 

[Moley13]

Oooh, you probably already realised, but I find it so easy to forget, esp. when reading TB.

Not only are these things a little cheaper over there, so it's not fair to compare "street prices", their dollars are worth more than ours! So when a TBer says "oh, yeah, those run around $1000 off the shelf", it's actually quite a bit more here.

...Well, as it happens, today it's only $1070 AUD, but we're doing exeptionally well. A week ago it'd be more like $1100 - $1200. And then you have to add (even for off the shelf basses, cause the retailer still pays) shipping and import costs.

Good luck!

 

[asdfasd]

Bad customer service on dodgy recording gear (a big struggle to get a return/refund).

Bass Centre is awesome in Melbourne! Definitely worth a look. I'm sure they could cut you a deal, too, if you went in and had a chat.

Some options:
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Maybe give them a call and see what they can do you for

Some nice looking basses there! I guess I'd have to call and see which ones they can get in a left handed version. Judging by their website they have a couple of lefties, albeit at a bit of a higher price and with not as much variety (as you'd expect). At least I could go down and have a play of one and see if I like the feel etc.

Very true what you say about not being able to compare US prices directly with our prices due to the dollar difference. Unfortunately the $600+ Axe Fx price difference I was whinging about was after I'd done the conversions too. I guess shipping things all the way out here is expensive, as well as there being a pretty small population here etc. Ahh well.

Cheers again for the advice mate.

 

[asdfasd]

Just as an update - went into a music store today to see if they had any left handed basses. They only had one, which was a black 5 String Warwick Corvette. This is the bass here: Invalid Link Removed

The salesperson said he could get the price down to around $1,600 AUD. I've seen a 4 string American Fender Precision online (link earlier in the thread) for $1,540 AUD.

The guy at the store said that he loves Fenders, but thinks that the Warwick is better value for money. He thought the wood was better or 'more solid'. He also said that the Warwick is just as versatile as the Fender P. Is there any merit to what the guy is saying about the value and versatility? I thought the bass sounded great, and the 5th string made it even more fun to play. Made me wonder whether I should look for a 5 string. Obviously I didn't buy it as I'm still yet to play on a left handed American Fender P.

I've heard endless discussions about Mexican Fenders vs American Fenders, but not much about Korean Warwicks vs German Warwicks. Is there much of a difference? I figure if I was going to get a Warwick I'd pay extra and get a German made. That being said, the one I tried today was Korean and sounded great.

Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers.