Fender Precision Indecision - Which would you choose?

If your a P-Bass guy then you want to go with a 62 RI . its a bass players bass.

 

I don't like the post-'08 American Standards at all and never have.

The RIs are really expensive for what they are.

MIA Fender quality has slipped so much (and it's always been up and down) that I think the serious answer is going to be a matter of the individual instrument rather than the specific model.

I have a number of Precisions, old and new. Objectively the best player is a 2011 Highway One, an excellent bass qua bass. All the subtle stuff just comes together on it.

Another Highway One made on the same day was the worst MIA Precision I have ever seen in over forty-five years of working on Precisions -- an absolutely atrocious, defective instrument.

This is what you're up against.

Good luck!

 

I'll vouch for the newer model American Standards.
I owned and played an '83 Precision for YEARS.
It was an amazing instrument, I adored it!
The neck was a bit chunky, and the weight ruined my posture..
...but I digress..
I just traded here on TB for an '08 Fender Precision, and it's the most amazing feeling P I've played.
Lighter, faster, thinner, great natural body resonance, great neck..
Honestly, if I'd have known that the new MIA's were this good, I'd have traded my '83 for one back in 2008.
You should browse the classifieds and snatch one of these up.
Save yourself some money and find a great deal on a great instrument.

 

I'll vote for the 60th. I have one in blonde (thanks to a fellow TBer) and it is the best bass I've played in a very long time. If I could afford a second one in burst, I'd buy it without a second thought.

The neck on these is amazing. The "Modern C" shape is perfect.

 

IMO the AVRI series is the best production Fender made.

 

I have the '57 AVRI and have owned a 2008 and a 2010 American Standard Precision. I much prefer the sound of the '57, but prefer the playability of the new American Standards. I just wish my AVRI was black. the Transparent white is nice, but there's something about a black on black with maple P bass that just effing rocks.

 

I would choose Atkinson or John K myself.

 

What is your price range?

 

For me it would be between the 57 or the American Standard. I really like the late 07 production year and newer American standard basses. I own a late 07 jazz. The quality is really great. That would be a tough call for me. I like the American Vintage basses but that new jade color for 2012 is sharp. I think the biggest thing to consider is the differences in the necks. The AV will have the 1.75" nut width, 7.5" radius and the nitro on the neck (some say its sticky but none I have played felt that way) and vintage sized fret wire. The AS is 1.65" at the nut and has a 9.5" and has a satin finish and larger fret wire. IMO those are the biggest differences.

 

Yeah, and that's a decision only you can make, I'm afraid. You can't go wrong either way, though, really.

 

I'm liking the new Classic 70's P-bass from Japan.

 

At retail prices you are looking at $200 difference between the RI and Am Std. We at talk bass never pay retail. So with that being said......Get your 15% off and pick up the RI. You should be a couple of hundered under your budget. If you are willing to try out a few diffrent ones you can probably find a great Am Standard. I was at my local GC last weekend, and they had a "new"(2010) based on the serial number Am Standard P that was fantastic. If i was ordering on line, I'd go with the RI. They don't seem to be as hit or miss.

 

I prefer the Us American standards.

 

Please try, as a comparison the Steve Harris signature. Tho Steve Harris is the bassplayer for Iron Maiden and his music is Metal. The instrument itself is superb for all styles and a dream.

 

I have a 2010 MIA P (The one in my avatar) and it has become my favorite bass ever. It feels so fantastic and sounds gorgeous!

So my vote is gonna be on the American standard.

 

MIA P is my vote. I have one and I'm loving it!