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Disagree. If your old Fender's not a great kisser, all it takes is some patience and hand holding, some sweet talk, and she's ready for prom night.
This is one of those questions that aren't subject to any easy answer. If you have unlimited funds and can appreciate the subtle nuances that come from an instrument that has aged for forty or fifty years, vintage is probably the way to go. If you have limited funds and need a reliable instrument for gigging, modern makes more sense. For what it's worth, I'm fortunate to have two vintage instruments (a 63 Precision and 74 Jazz) which I bought in the days when vintage instruments were relatively cheap, but I wouldn't pay today's prices for them.
IMO the new American Standard P's are some of the best ever made. I have played many of them and they seem to be very consistent in quality. That being said, I also have a Road Worn P from the first year they were produced and it is incredible in every way. It's also one of the lightest basses I have ever played.
Play as many as you can and pick the one you can't put down. If you have to purchase sight unseen I say go for a new one and return it if necessary.
Good luck!
Play as many as you can and pick the one you can't put down. If you have to purchase sight unseen I say go for a new one and return it if necessary.
Good luck!
If all vintage basses were the same and all new basses were the same then this question could be answered. They aren't so you can't.
People hate hearing this because they have to get off the Internet and out of the house, but only you can tell the differences and only by playing the different basses. Everything I've ever heard about vintage basses is wrong - for me, my ears and my playing style.
I think most of the people whining about vintage basses have never actually played one, they are just passing along what they have heard. Either that or they can't afford one.
Don't be a sheep - get out there and make your own decisions!
People hate hearing this because they have to get off the Internet and out of the house, but only you can tell the differences and only by playing the different basses. Everything I've ever heard about vintage basses is wrong - for me, my ears and my playing style.
I think most of the people whining about vintage basses have never actually played one, they are just passing along what they have heard. Either that or they can't afford one.
Don't be a sheep - get out there and make your own decisions!
I have a 68 Mustang and a 73 Musicmaster. I got them because of nostalgia, but I do gig them from time to time. Same way with my recently acquired 72 Gibson EB-3. The Gibby is my main gig bass, but it was initially purchased because of nostalgia.
The most important part of your question is you are left-handed. Many of the previous suggestions are irrelevant.
As you are aware there is a limited choice for us lefty however the new Fender ADE is now your best choice if you want: A maple neck, colors other than the 4 available for lefties (sunburst, black, red, blue). Now if you are cool with a rosewood neck and any of those 4 colors go for a USA PBass. The ones made after 2008 are amazing.
Hold your horses on vintage stuff for two reasons: there are few lefties, they can be overpriced and never ever ever buy a vintage Fender instrument without trying it, checking the neck, truss-rod... As an example there is a cool looking 1980 PBass Antigua that has been on and off on sale on Ebay for the past 10 years and everyone who bought it had to send it back or try to resell it because the neck is horribly bowed . So your best bet: Post 2008 USA Fender new or used or Fender ADE.
It is my understanding that Fender ADE are only available in the US
As you are aware there is a limited choice for us lefty however the new Fender ADE is now your best choice if you want: A maple neck, colors other than the 4 available for lefties (sunburst, black, red, blue). Now if you are cool with a rosewood neck and any of those 4 colors go for a USA PBass. The ones made after 2008 are amazing.
Hold your horses on vintage stuff for two reasons: there are few lefties, they can be overpriced and never ever ever buy a vintage Fender instrument without trying it, checking the neck, truss-rod... As an example there is a cool looking 1980 PBass Antigua that has been on and off on sale on Ebay for the past 10 years and everyone who bought it had to send it back or try to resell it because the neck is horribly bowed . So your best bet: Post 2008 USA Fender new or used or Fender ADE.
It is my understanding that Fender ADE are only available in the US
I have had lots of basses over the many years I have been playing. My first experience with a bass made with the newer manufacturing technology was my '08 American Standard P. That bass is just flawless in every respect - nicer than any bass I had seen or played or owned in 30+ years. Even non-players could feel the quality ooze of it it by holding it in their hands.
Having just received another brand new Fender, MIM this time, I have to say that the quality of the new computerized manufacturing is continuing. My new FSR P/J is nearly as perfect as the P and sounds and plays great. In between these 2 have had a few new Squiers made at the new automated Indonesia factory that were amazing for the money.
My vote - go for a new one, or as new as you can afford.
1. The overall quality will be better and more consistent.
2. "Vintage" instruments are no longer a good investment, if you are thinking that way.
Having just received another brand new Fender, MIM this time, I have to say that the quality of the new computerized manufacturing is continuing. My new FSR P/J is nearly as perfect as the P and sounds and plays great. In between these 2 have had a few new Squiers made at the new automated Indonesia factory that were amazing for the money.
My vote - go for a new one, or as new as you can afford.
1. The overall quality will be better and more consistent.
2. "Vintage" instruments are no longer a good investment, if you are thinking that way.
New all the way not even close imo I have three 50s p love it . 2015 p like it and road worn p. Love that one to so I like the. Vintage sound with modern builders
ADE?
EDIT: Oh, American Design Experience.
If that's going to be the case, then I would suggest then going through D.Lakin. You can design your own lefty with custom colour, most pickguards available and in lefty with Hipshot hardware for about the same price US as a standard new P-bass. Not sure what's the word on their quality -- the Bass Whisperer seems to like 'em. I think it's the Bob Glaub.
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Well it sounds like I am going to try and stick with the new. I will also have to see if any will except returns easily. Since I'm unable to play before purchasing. Also I am looking to spend $2000 or less. Preferably less but my max would be about 2000. I have a 20% coupon for guitar center. Looks like I would be able to buy an American precision bass after taxes for about 1150. Might think about going in that direction.
LB-100...
I'm sorry, I know the OP didn't ask, but I have committed myself to sharing my LB-100 love on any thread that poses the question, "which P-bass do I.....?"
And believe me when I tell you that I am not coming at this from an entirely uneducated base of knowledge. I have played scores of Fender Precisions and other representations of the p bass over many years of playing.
The LB-100 is just the most refined, most elemental, highest quality and overall "best thump for your buck" P Bass on the market right now.
I'm sorry, I know the OP didn't ask, but I have committed myself to sharing my LB-100 love on any thread that poses the question, "which P-bass do I.....?"
And believe me when I tell you that I am not coming at this from an entirely uneducated base of knowledge. I have played scores of Fender Precisions and other representations of the p bass over many years of playing.
The LB-100 is just the most refined, most elemental, highest quality and overall "best thump for your buck" P Bass on the market right now.
G&L offers left basses, the good thing is that you can order a semi custom model: color, neck profile.
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