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Fender P Dilemna

Wallygator

Wallygator

Mar 16, 2007
196
23
Toronto, Canada
www.decibelgeek.com
#1
Ok, here's the story. I currently own three bass guitars. An MIM Fender P, a MIA standard P (2012) and recently I picked up a Blacktop Jazz.

I "thought" that the MIA Standard P was my dream bass. It feels wonderful to play, the neck is a dream. BUT,

The Blacktop Jazz has bumped it because of the tone. It certainly doesn't feel as luxurious to play but the tone I get is incredible. Also I have really got comfortable with the thinner jazz neck because I have small hands.

So now I find myself questioning if the MIA P truly is my dream bass. I am considering a number of options. Someone suggested trying out some different pickups, which Initially thought was ridiculous. Shouldn't a 1400 bass already have quality pups? But if that would make me fall in love again, I would consider it, although I question the resale value if it doesn't work out.

The other option is to sell it or trade it for a new bass altogether. If that's the direction I am leaning towards some type of jazz bass and am open to some suggestions and why.

I am heading to the music store on my day off to play a bunch of stuff.

Suggestions, advice or prescriptions welcome :)
 
#4
Often there are "P" guys and "J" guys. I am a P and other guy, and I have never really liked any JJ basses I've played/owned. Neither is better - it is what speaks to you and what sounds you're trying to chase. People often ignore how much technique impacts tone, so there is no universal solution.
 
#5
If it's a matter of neck width at nut, you may check Lakland Duck Dunn or G&L LB-100, which, I think, are 1.5" at nut. They may be uneasy to find at your local dealer. If it's a matter of sound, you may, why not, check the PJ combination (Fender Aerodyne, G&L SB-1 or SB-2, American Deluxe P Bass, etc...)
 
#6
StevieMac said:
Are we talking about tone when playing solo or tone when played with a band?
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That's what it's all about. When I bought a Status bass it was my "dream bass". Light, beautiful, great playing neck, fabulous tone. But for both bands I play with now the P bass is what I use: different other instruments in each of them but each needs the P sound to work with them. The Status will come into its own again I'm sure, but not till I play in bands with different requirements
 
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#8
Thanks for the feedback, I have indeed used both basses with a couple of different bands. Both basses have the same strings, running through the same rigs and the blacktop gets more compliments from the band from a tone perspective. It seems to have more presence in the mix with both bands.

Both basses sound fine in my living room solo'd.
 
#10
Wallygator said:
Thanks for the feedback, I have indeed used both basses with a couple of different bands. Both basses have the same strings, running through the same rigs and the blacktop gets more compliments from the band from a tone perspective. It seems to have more presence in the mix with both bands.

Both basses sound fine in my living room solo'd.
Click to expand...

OK, good to know. Go try out some jazz basses if that's of interest but I'd think carefully before moving a bass you describe as having a neck that's a dream.

Wallygator said:
It feels wonderful to play, the neck is a dream. BUT,
Click to expand...
 
#13
So many times I have come to a conclusion about a bass...sound, feel, sexiness...then put it away for awhile. When I come back, especially if I tweak the setup, it's remarkable how my conclusions prove wrong! So I would counsel that you not make a snap decision.

I was going to change the pup in my 2012 Am Std P. Put it away, got it out, plugged in, and realized there is little room for improvement. Sweet aftermarket pups I've tried include Fralin and Delano. Gonna try a D. Allen and Lollar next. Good luck.
 

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