Thanks for all the opinions. I do agree the new Fenders are pretty darn nice and just have to figure out a color and part with the $$$. I will be back for practice amp advice.
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Fender Precision New vs. Used
- Thread starter RockInRollDaddy
- Start date
If you haven't been in the "game" for a while, there's a lot of shenanigans happening in the used market. Mostly fakes, or just bad basses being advertised as vintage gold.
I recommend getting a brand new bass and playing the heck out of it. It will also have a warranty and hopefully a 30 day return privilege.
I recommend getting a brand new bass and playing the heck out of it. It will also have a warranty and hopefully a 30 day return privilege.
Played the Ampeg at Guitar Center the other day and it sounded nice. $250. Maybe I can make a deal for a p-bass and amp
I doubt there's much difference between a '70s P bass and a modern (post 2009) Mexican P bass. The new American Standards are awesome, and a bargain if you're considering overpaying for a "vintage" piece of gear. If you really want the best American P bass though, check out the American Vintage Reissues. I've owned a 1996, a 2003, a 2006, a 2008, a 2010 (briefly) and now own a '57 AVRI.
nice. it cant be beat in that price range imo. they also made a b-200r that is louder if you need it to cover medium gigs as well. happy hunting!
My bad...the amp was an Acoustic 100 something. Seems like the Ampeg amps are harder to come by and the 100 is no longer made?
This. Try before you buy, and if possible, go USED. Worst case scenario, you'll make your money back if you ever decide to resell.
And welcome back!
Since you have some experience it what you like, I'd not worry about new versus used. Just play a lot of basses and get the one you like.
As far as "vintage" basses go, I've never understood when someone posts asking about a bass that's obviously meant to be a player, and people start talking about investment, appreciation, and collector value. The difference in this case is that the OP brought it up himself, so here's my .02.
If i were looking for a player, the last thing I'd be looking at is a bass for investment purposes, particularly since gigging is not very kind to instruments most times. Add to that the many threads I've read on this forum that started with "Somebody stole my bass...." I certainly wouldn't want to gig a "vintage" or "collectible" bass. MHO. Might be alright to take out once in a while, but as a main gigger? Not for me.
I don't give a rat's hind end how much resale or collector value my main gigging axe has. It won't ever be going anywhere anyway. Again, MHO.
To the OP. Just find the best playing and sounding bass you can afford. New or used doesn't matter.
As far as "vintage" basses go, I've never understood when someone posts asking about a bass that's obviously meant to be a player, and people start talking about investment, appreciation, and collector value. The difference in this case is that the OP brought it up himself, so here's my .02.
If i were looking for a player, the last thing I'd be looking at is a bass for investment purposes, particularly since gigging is not very kind to instruments most times. Add to that the many threads I've read on this forum that started with "Somebody stole my bass...." I certainly wouldn't want to gig a "vintage" or "collectible" bass. MHO. Might be alright to take out once in a while, but as a main gigger? Not for me.
I don't give a rat's hind end how much resale or collector value my main gigging axe has. It won't ever be going anywhere anyway. Again, MHO.
To the OP. Just find the best playing and sounding bass you can afford. New or used doesn't matter.
If you can find a good early 70's P-Bass, buy it.
You are looking at $2200-$2800 on average.
It will retain value.
If not get a 2008 or newer MIA P-bass.
Or a "Roadworn" P-bass.
Both are great, for the money.
If you want a 5-string, there's one in the classifieds now... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=705486
I just picked one of these up (mine was a 2008) and it's really great.
I just picked one of these up (mine was a 2008) and it's really great.
There was something just very comfortable and satisfying in the used Am Precisions I've owned. But I get damn near the same feeling from the Lakland Skyline Glaub, so that's what I've held onto.
oh, haha. sorry. i got all excited cause i thought someone took my suggestion.
oh, haha. sorry. i got all excited cause i thought someone took my suggestion.
I tend to buy used things because I'm, well, cheap. I'm looking for a bass that is fun to play and sounds good, not an investment. Playing a 70's p-bass at g-center I was surprised at how good it sounded because back in the 70's no one (well no one I knew) wanted the dang CBS Fenders! But a lot of the new ones sound and feel great; soon as I find one that is the right color...
That's the idea. If you do decide to go with the 08's or newer, still try and fish out a good deal on a used one. You'll save hundreds.
But if you're thinking about springing for a brand new '10/'11, there's some good playing/sounding 70's P's in that very same price range right now ($1200-1500)
OTOH, I snagged a 75 P (maple/ash) for $600 over the summer because it's well used and was routed for a Jazz PU. Seller was asking $1000 on Craigslist, but I threw a lowball offer, and she bit.
The thing sounds UNLIKE any other P I've owned or played...really unique, awesome sounding bass.
If I was dropping the dough, I'd keep my eyes peeled for a 70's P (I just love older instruments, something about them), but make sure you play it first.
Some are good, some are garbage. I'd advise not buying online unless u can play it first. Check Craigslist, or local Ebay sellers too. Then you can see the bass before you decide to purchase.
I have an MIM P that sounds undeniably amazing. No particular vintage is a guarantee of anything other than what you're likely to spend. To each his zone.
This is great advice as well. If you do decide on the 70's P, do some research on exactly how to identify what is original, especially if you're paying a higher price for the bass. Know how to check the Tuners, Bridge, neck stamp, truss rod, PU dates for originality.
