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First p bass ? what would you suggest

#43
Handz Solow said:
I saw a used am std. On GC s website with case for about $650
Im thinking if i can afford it an am standard would be worth the extra $
If it is in decent shape. Im afraid ill always want to upgrade to a US made p if i get the mim. On the other hand i love breaking in a new bass.
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Try it, play it, take it through your playing method with songs you know and if possible an amp like or similar to the one you use. If it feels right you'll know it immediately and if the stars are aligned (a price you're comfortable with and a good vibe from the instrument), purchase it. If the stars are not aligned, move on. You'll eventually find the right one for you, I'm sure.
 
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#47
Jughead6 said:
I played an American Special yesterday while trying out some effects pedals in my local store. Very nice indeed. IMO better value for money than the Am Std.

Unfortunately I don't need another bass, and it was the typical sunburst with a tortoise shell pickguard (yawn).

But I would seriously consider an Am Spec.

Edit: or a MIM.
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I love my am special jazz so i may consider the p if i come across one.
I think it has the grease bucket tone circuit. Not sure thats good in a o?
 
#53
Handz Solow said:
With the $ spent on all those parts you probobly could have got a used am standard or special with an alder body and graphite support rods in the neck.
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Some people enjoy modding or tricking out thier insturments. Ive found that in many cases like cars you are better off leaving them the way they left the factory. Performance gains are often minimal and reliability and tone may be comprimised. A classic car or bass is generally more valuble
Bone stock. Look at all the basses ruined with brass nuts and added bridge pickups.
 
#55
Handz Solow said:
Ive heard they can be great but if i could get a good deal on a good used am standard id be happier in the long run. More of a long term keeper to me.
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You answered your own question at the beginning of the thread and continue to repeat it. You want an American Standard P. You may have to save a few more dollars to get one, but besides that, you've already said what you want. Not sure there's more for anyone to say. End of thread I believe.
 
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#56
I'd consider looking at the Squier JV and SQ series from Japan made in the 80s, all vintage spec'd and great for the price (they are getting more expensive).
I own a 60s reissue and it's one of the best P's I've played.
 
#57
I have the 50's lacquer and love it! I did buy it new for $899 - I think it was well worth it, and is a keeper. (I've only seen 1 in the classifieds and it was for trade only)
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#58
I'm probably one of a rare breed on Talkbass.

I LOVE my MIM P, and yeah, I paid full price. Honestly, it plays damn near as good as my MIA 60th Anniversary P.

When I bought it, it was to replace a Blacktop P that I ordered and HATED it. Everything about it felt cheap. Seriously, it felt like a toy in my hands. And honestly, it may be shaped like a P but that's where the similarity ends.

I bought it off Amazon, so returning it was no hassle. I took the Blacktop to my local UPS store, and Amazon was to ship my MIM Standard P as soon as they recieved the returning BT.

They shipped the Standard as soon as they received the tracking info for the BT.

Yes, that's right. I got the replacement bass the NEXT DAY!! Sweet.

Anyway, the MIM I received is a fantastic bass. I'll be ordering another MIM Standard in a different color as soon as I can convince the wife that I need another bass.
 

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