Fender Pro vs Original P-Bass

[Pet Sounds]

You really need to try both. These two necks are COMPLETELY different. Recommending one of them would be like recommending you a shoe size.

For MY hands the neck on the AmPro II is just about perfect. It's one of the most comfortable neck profiles I've ever played. The Original is far too bulky for me. It's not about the width but something with the profile. I loved the necks on the Amercian Vintage series (same width as Originals) but I find the Original P-basses extremely uncomfortable. But like I said, this is for MY hands. You won't really know unless you try them yourself.

The sound of these two basses is also very different (as far as two passive P-basses can be different).

The Pro has a modern but kinda smooth sounding P-bass tone. It feels slightly softer in the mids compared to a classic, vintage P-bass tone. It doesn't sit quite as nicely in a dense mix as some of my best vintage P-basses but it's still a very nice and versatile P-bass tone.

The PV63 pickup in the Original is EXTREMELY dark, like they went a step too far when going for a "vintage" vibe. It sounds more like an overwound P-bass pickup than anything resembling a classic 60s P-bass tone IMO.

None of these pickups are my personal favourites but if you're going to use flats I think the Pro is by far the best choice. The PV63 pickup in the Original is too dark and muddy for flats IMO. I know a lot of people love the PV63 but personally I can't stand that pickup and think of it as a failed parody of a 60s P-bass tone. Which is another reason why you really need to try one yourself before you make up your mind. It's all about personal taste (and P-bass pickups are easy and relatively cheap to replace if you love everything else about the bass).

In wouldn't get too hung up on the stiffening rods. The bulky neck on the Original P-basses will provide more than enough stability.

Based on my experience with both these basses I should probably add that the QC for both Pros and Originals seems to be absolutely shocking which is yet another reason why you should try before you buy. They can be great instruments but sadly I've seen quite a few more bad ones than I would expect in this price range.

Very helpful and thoughtful analysis. What *are* your favorite pickups for a vintage Precision tone?

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Very helpful and thoughtful analysis. What *are* your favorite pickups for a vintage Precision tone?

That's a tough question because 1) There are LOTS or great and very similar sounding options out there and 2) the same pickup may sound different in two different basses.

One example of the latter is the Fender Original which I often find slightly too aggressive in the upper mids but in SOME basses it can be absolutely amazing! I own LOTS of basses and nearly half of them are P-basses. Most of them are quite expensive but one of my favourites is actually an early 2000s Squier Affinity P-bass (not PJ like the current Affinity P-basses, it's a CY serial number made by Yako in China/Taiwan). The stock pickup was rubbish so I installed a Fender Original simply because it was one of the cheaper options. I just wanted something decent for a "beater" bass but it turned out so great that it's now one of my favourite studio basses. I actually had to get a new beater bass, LOL.

Still, the Fender Original isn't exactly my idea of a classic "vintage" pickup. It's slightly too aggressive in the upper mids. If I absolutely HAD to pick a favourite P-bass pickup for a classic, vintage-style (late 50s/early 60s) P-bass tone... Probably The Creamery Classic '58. The Kloppman PB63 is also great but a lot more expensive without necessarily being BETTER.

There are lots of other great options too of course but those two are probably my personal favourites for MY idea of a classic early 60s P-bass tone (but compare actual vintage P-basses from that era and the pickups will be all over the place so I'm sure opinions will be divided based upon personal reference point).

 

[BassVibes]

I had this choice about 6 months ago when I compared the Pro 2, AO 60s and 70s. For playability is it hard to fault the Pro 2 because it played beautifully. Although all were great to play, the Pro 2 edged it.

In terms of build quality they were all great to me.

Sound was a different ball game. The Pro 2 came out 3rd place to me insofar as the sound was very modern sounding and I felt the pickups, although better than the Pro 1, were still not great for me. I still prefer the American Standard CS pickups.

Both the AOs had the sound I preferred, not only with that more vintage sound, but also what I would say more character. The tone was great on both basses, but I would say the tone of the AO 70s is 1st place simply because it has the tone I like with a bit more brightness on the D & G strings which I use a lot for post punk sounds.

I still remember that AO 60s E string sound pulling me back to it, it was so good. So to the OP, I would go AO 60s.

lso, if it's important to you I would say the value will hold better on the AO over the years. Some of the Fender AO colours have already been discontinued, my vintage white one included in that.

I've got to correct my bad! The basses I am talking about are Jazz basses. Apologies for my glaring inability to read the flippin' question!

 

[Pet Sounds]

That's a tough question because 1) There are LOTS or great and very similar sounding options out there and 2) the same pickup may sound different in two different basses.

One example of the latter is the Fender Original which I often find slightly too aggressive in the upper mids but in SOME basses it can be absolutely amazing! I own LOTS of basses and nearly half of them are P-basses. Most of them are quite expensive but one of my favourites is actually an early 2000s Squier Affinity P-bass (not PJ like the current Affinity P-basses, it's a CY serial number made by Yako in China/Taiwan). The stock pickup was rubbish so I installed a Fender Original simply because it was one of the cheaper options. I just wanted something decent for a "beater" bass but it turned out so great that it's now one of my favourite studio basses. I actually had to get a new beater bass, LOL.

Still, the Fender Original isn't exactly my idea of a classic "vintage" pickup. It's slightly too aggressive in the upper mids. If I absolutely HAD to pick a favourite P-bass pickup for a classic, vintage-style (late 50s/early 60s) P-bass tone... Probably The Creamery Classic '58. The Kloppman PB63 is also great but a lot more expensive without necessarily being BETTER.

There are lots of other great options too of course but those two are probably my personal favourites for MY idea of a classic early 60s P-bass tone (but compare actual vintage P-basses from that era and the pickups will be all over the place so I'm sure opinions will be divided based upon personal reference point).

Thanks. Yeah, I have a Fender Original in a '75, and I agree about the upper mids -- at least in that bass.

 

[74hc]

Im not into Fenders anymore. After playing Kiesels, Lull, Sadowsky, why bother with a USA Fender unless it's a custom shop, imo.

 

[Tom Magri]

I have the Fender Professional II Precision bass in white with a maple neck. It has Labella Low Tension Flexible Flat wounds on it. The edges of the fretboard are rolled...however not as rolled as the Sire rolled fretboards. It’s very comfortable to play and also seems very light. Sounds great and the build is excellent. No regrets about the purchase. I’d buy it again.

 

[Wolfhound32]

Im not into Fenders anymore. After playing Kiesels, Lull, Sadowsky, why bother with a USA Fender unless it's a custom shop, imo.

You are correct; there are others who build very nice versions of the Precision. However, examples I've played from those you mention have been fitted with narrow, shallow necks that are simply too small for me. I know, the majority of the customers want/expect a "fast neck" and pickups designed by alchemists who have ascended to the heights of tone knowledge... smug But I'm not that guy LOL!

Since you mentioned it, my $0.02 on Kiesel. Great company, Jeff is... a unique young man. Kiesel come up with some fun designs and finishes, use crazy woods at times, and are comparatively fairly priced. The one thing Jeff has resisted from the very start is building a neck with some meat to it-- (ref notes above). Played a Vanquish for a few years which I really wanted to love, but again that thin little wisp of a neck just doesn't work with my large hands; I realize that I'm in the minority of his/most customer base, and that there are other companies who can provide what I'm looking for. As he has said many times over, "It's my company and I build what I like..." No way I would argue with that~

I'm looking forward to seeing what Fender has to offer in a straight forward, American made Precision Bass fitted with flats

 

[Medicine Man]

Im very happy with a Pro with Chromes. The neck is sweet.

 

[Wolfhound32]

You really need to try both. These two necks are COMPLETELY different. Recommending one of them would be like recommending you a shoe size.

For MY hands the neck on the AmPro II is just about perfect. It's one of the most comfortable neck profiles I've ever played. The Original is far too bulky for me. It's not about the width but something with the profile. I loved the necks on the Amercian Vintage series (same width as Originals) but I find the Original P-basses extremely uncomfortable. But like I said, this is for MY hands. You won't really know unless you try them yourself.

The sound of these two basses is also very different (as far as two passive P-basses can be different).

The Pro has a modern but kinda smooth sounding P-bass tone. It feels slightly softer in the mids compared to a classic, vintage P-bass tone. It doesn't sit quite as nicely in a dense mix as some of my best vintage P-basses but it's still a very nice and versatile P-bass tone.

The PV63 pickup in the Original is EXTREMELY dark, like they went a step too far when going for a "vintage" vibe. It sounds more like an overwound P-bass pickup than anything resembling a classic 60s P-bass tone IMO.

None of these pickups are my personal favourites but if you're going to use flats I think the Pro is by far the best choice. The PV63 pickup in the Original is too dark and muddy for flats IMO. I know a lot of people love the PV63 but personally I can't stand that pickup and think of it as a failed parody of a 60s P-bass tone. Which is another reason why you really need to try one yourself before you make up your mind. It's all about personal taste (and P-bass pickups are easy and relatively cheap to replace if you love everything else about the bass).

In wouldn't get too hung up on the stiffening rods. The bulky neck on the Original P-basses will provide more than enough stability.

Based on my experience with both these basses I should probably add that the QC for both Pros and Originals seems to be absolutely shocking which is yet another reason why you should try before you buy. They can be great instruments but sadly I've seen quite a few more bad ones than I would expect in this price range.

Excellent-- Thanks!

As is often the case in many places these days, our local shops only carry the import models, and the GC rarely carries what I'm looking for so I don't often bother fighting traffic to visit. But who knows, maybe they'll have at least the Pro model to check out.

Bass pickups are like talking about oil in the motorcycle community... talk about a hot-button topic! Generally speaking, I can make the most out of nearly any pickup. I'll be going with the AO 60's P, so I'll pay a bit more attention to its tone. Once it arrives I'll play it for a month or so just to get acquainted with it, then I'll have a better idea what brand/model strings will achieve the sound I'm chasing. If a pickup swap is necessary my first thought is Lollar, and considering it's located just up the road from me I might have to visit one sunny day

Concerning the stiffening rods, I think you're right. As long as the neck has some meat to it and is well made-- shouldn't be a problem. Our weather is pretty mild here, but that might change later this year when my wife retires; we are looking to move somewhere less... West Coast.

Oh, and about motor oil; Mobil-1 Fully Synthetic. My Bonnie runs hot

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I’ve played an AO 50s and 60s, both were great. I’ve never been impressed with any of the Professionals. The 60s AO sounded huge, I mean what a force to be reckoned with. The AO 50s had more treble and a different neck profile, though I can’t remember how. Also, you can get a used AO in minty condition for way less than buying new.
Fender American Original '60s Precision Bass with Thomastik-Infeld JF344 Flats | Jason's Music Emporium | Reverb
Fender 2017 American Original 60’s Precision Bass *8lbs 9oz* | Pre CBS Slabs-R-us | Reverb

 

[Mark Ambler]

For me, the neck is all important, radius, taper near nut (or not), frets Medium Jumbo or vintage, etc.

Fender have many neck profiles, try before you buy. I recently tried a Original 70's Jazz Bass and really didn't like the neck, whereas I've tried some 75 reissues that felt great to me. Definitely try before you buy.

 

[darwin-bass]

You're going to put flats on it? I'd expect the flats to basically erase any impactful differences in tone between the two bases. They'll sound the same in application.

So that leaves feel and "quality". For my $, I'd want the upgrades and improvements of the modern instrument over the historical charisma of the older one. Light weight tuners (big in my book) better bridge, truss rod access, graphite bars, narrower nut. No question.

But it isn't my bass or $ that we're talking about here. Actually, for my money I wouldn't buy a Fender But I digress.

 

[Mike Vee]

It has Labella Low Tension Flexible Flat wounds on it.

Give the 760FX a try sometime. I've used both a lot and the FX plays a little nicer IMO.

 

[Wolfhound32]

UPDATE:

After a lot of searching the web for both basses, I ended up going with the AO 60's in Lake Placid Blue. She is scheduled to be delivered today

Strings:
These will be my first set of flats, so I probably spent even more time reading and watching YouTube videos on the different types. So far I'm thinking Chromes or LaBella's... Still not sure about gauges, but I'd like to keep the sizes reasonable-- and easily reversible should I decide to abandon this adventure in flats and return to rounds.

Will post photos upon arrival. Still keeping an ear out for that large diesel engine

 

[Wolfhound32]

Ugh-- After waiting at home to sign for the package, FedEx tracking changed at 4pm; now shows a Saturday delivery

 

[Wolfhound32]

Sooo...

The bass arrived this morning, and first thing that struck me, "wow-- look at that action!" The strings were way too high. Lifted it out of the case and, "daanng this thing's heavy!" It was advertised to be under 9Lbs. Then of course running my hand along the fretboard nearly left blood behind. Each and every fret end was sticking out. Turning it over the first thing that struck me is the lines in the finish; perfectly parallel about 1/4" apart, running the length of the body. Flipping it back over, similar lines appear on the front as well.

Another look at the neck, I see what looks to be rubbing compound filling some of the pours on the rosewood fingerboard-- and a VERY dry piece of rosewood it is. The "clay" dots look more like brown plastic... maybe they would look better after the board is treated with oil(?)

My wife was there for the unboxing as she's been a big part of this adventure, and later noted that there was no sign of joy on my face after opening the case, or while checking it out. And she's right. This was a HUGE let down.

Quick calculations for the cost of correcting everything-- on a $2K instrument that is 1970s heavy-- adds up to a prompt return. By prompt, I mean quick like a bunny!

~

One of my main questions at the beginning of this thread was the feel of the neck; this one compared to a Pro-II. To me, this neck feels out of proportions from the old P-basses I've had. It's wide as expected, but it's very shallow front to back. There's just no meat to it. My Stingray's feel fatter than this, which is not at all what I expected from a 60's inspired P. Naturally, feel is subjective; I'm sure others find this neck shape to be heavenly. Makes me wonder what Fender's descriptions are based on. Nearly everything is described as a "C-shape" these days. Maybe Fender is using Ibanez as a frame of reference.

On the bright side:
- It is a good looking bass. A quick call to the seller (young lady at the shop was very nice) referred me to Reverb for the return, which will be another first for me-- it's an adventure, right?!

- A replacement has been ordered, and I'm excited to see what that brings. ETA is this Wed, so I get to spend another day away from work to sign for the shipment (a good thing; I'll get to spend time with my dog watching old episodes of Maverick and enjoy sipping coffee).

Tune in this coming Wed to see what the replacement is *Hint* it's not a '60s LPB

Hopefully this little adventure will benefit a future TB'er with similar questions about the two basses, and be an enjoyable bit of entertainment for the others

Stay tuned~

 

[BassVibes]

Sooo...

The bass arrived this morning, and first thing that struck me, "wow-- look at that action!" The strings were way too high. Lifted it out of the case and, "daanng this thing's heavy!" It was advertised to be under 9Lbs. Then of course running my hand along the fretboard nearly left blood behind. Each and every fret end was sticking out. Turning it over the first thing that struck me is the lines in the finish; perfectly parallel about 1/4" apart, running the length of the body. Flipping it back over, similar lines appear on the front as well.

Another look at the neck, I see what looks to be rubbing compound filling some of the pours on the rosewood fingerboard-- and a VERY dry piece of rosewood it is. The "clay" dots look more like brown plastic... maybe they would look better after the board is treated with oil(?)

My wife was there for the unboxing as she's been a big part of this adventure, and later noted that there was no sign of joy on my face after opening the case, or while checking it out. And she's right. This was a HUGE let down.

Quick calculations for the cost of correcting everything-- on a $2K instrument that is 1970s heavy-- adds up to a prompt return. By prompt, I mean quick like a bunny!

~

One of my main questions at the beginning of this thread was the feel of the neck; this one compared to a Pro-II. To me, this neck feels out of proportions from the old P-basses I've had. It's wide as expected, but it's very shallow front to back. There's just no meat to it. My Stingray's feel fatter than this, which is not at all what I expected from a 60's inspired P. Naturally, feel is subjective; I'm sure others find this neck shape to be heavenly. Makes me wonder what Fender's descriptions are based on. Nearly everything is described as a "C-shape" these days. Maybe Fender is using Ibanez as a frame of reference.

On the bright side:
- It is a good looking bass. A quick call to the seller (young lady at the shop was very nice) referred me to Reverb for the return, which will be another first for me-- it's an adventure, right?!

- A replacement has been ordered, and I'm excited to see what that brings. ETA is this Wed, so I get to spend another day away from work to sign for the shipment (a good thing; I'll get to spend time with my dog watching old episodes of Maverick and enjoy sipping coffee).

View attachment 4230620

Tune in this coming Wed to see what the replacement is *Hint* it's not a '60s LPB

Hopefully this little adventure will benefit a future TB'er with similar questions about the two basses, and be an enjoyable bit of entertainment for the others

Stay tuned~

That's so disappointing. I had a few issues with my AO 70 - warped pickguard, factory-damaged headstock, incorrect screws on bridge saddle, terrible set up. It is also my heaviest bass. Other than that, yeah it's great bass. I did get cash off the bass which was my incentive to keep it.

Fender quality is on the downward spiral again it seems after some great years between 2008-16. I had about 4 basses from this period and had none had any issues of significance.

I hope you get something a bit better on the next delivery!

 

[Wolfhound32]

A quick update:

On Wed the replacement bass arrived. Weighing in at 8.6 pounds, the American Professional II in Mystic Surf Green.

Surf Green is another of my favorite classic Fender colors and this new "mystic" version takes it to the next level. Photos online didn't do anything for me, but my wife encouraged me to take a chance-- smart gal my wife, because I truly love this finish

Necks:
- The AO 60's neck felt wide and shallow/flat, like a modern 5-string (of which I'm not a fan).

- The APII "63 P-bass" shape feels much narrower, yet being slightly wider than a Jazz. However, the depth is still pretty shallow from what I hoped for. Due to the narrower neck width, the thickness feels less shallow than the AO neck, but it could still benefit from more wood on the back in my view.

- How does the APII compare to an actual '63... or any '60s bass? Sadly, I have no idea. It sure feels shallow compared to the '70s P's I've played.

- AO vs. APII, the AO wins hands down. APII's rolled fingerboard, satin finish and beautiful rosewood board (which seems thicker than the AO) is a treat. Yes, I would like the neck to be thicker front to back, but it is what it is-- a nice neck.

Now it's off to our local music store to get a set of flats and see how she does. It sounds great with rounds, if not slightly boomy on the E; changing from a 105 to 100 would probably cure that.

A few more photos:

Again, photos don't do this finish justice. The metal flake is pretty fine, almost like a Lake Placid blue, but in Surf Green instead

 

[CameronJohnson]

How’s the bass been treating you @Wolfhound32 ?

 

[Wolfhound32]

It’s been fantastic! It’s wearing a set of flats that make it sound and play even better. Only other thing I changed is the strap buttons for a set of Dunlops.

As much as I love my StingRays, the Fender is becoming my #1.