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First p bass ? what would you suggest

#61
Handz Solow said:
Thanks i have big hands but your right i should play a few .
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I doubt you will have a problem with it. I have short fat fingers. I am much more comfortable with a P neck than a J. But, it may be because I started with a P. I own 2 Js, but I have always found the J neck to be claustrophobic.
My goto is a MIM P. Just got it back from the shop last night. I put Labella 760Ms on it and had to have the nut slots filed and a setup done. Lovin' me some fat flats.
 
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#62
I know you keep saying you want a Fender, and I understand, I was the same way... but then I played a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub and changed my mind... it's at the upper end of your budget (used), but I highly recommend it for the feel (amazing neck!) and tone (Fralins in mine)!

Another worthy contender for solid tone and feel at lower price points are Yamaha BB series basses, but that will also get you further away from the Fender look.

If you absolutely want Fender, I would look into Japanese made models.... great value basses (but I don't like the neck as much as on a Lakland)
 
#64
Guitar Center's own: Fender USA Nitro Precision. I have one I love it. The neck is amazing!

It's a Fender American Special with two modifications:
  1. Tone pot is a regular pot not a greasebucket.
  2. The body is painted with nitrocellulose lacquer. It will age nicely.
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#65
I played a bunch of Fender Ps yesterday, including MIM, MIA, 50s Lacquer, vintage USA, and 80s MIJ, and walked out with the MIM. It played every bit as well as the MIA, and the only upgrades I plan to do are cheap (vintage style pickup and maybe a .1 capacitor). The problem with the new MIA is that you are getting into the price range of vintage 70s Ps, which have a whole different character (which I like). I played a 78 yesterday, and it was amazing, but quite expensive. The only downside to MIM is sample variation, not that I've played a bad one myself.
 
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#66
boristhespider9 said:
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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Your right an am standard would be first choice if i could find a good one at a good price. If a,nice mim presents itself i will consider it.
A used japanese reissue would also be an option. No Squires.
Thanks .
 
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#69
I see used American Standard Precision basses for around $600-$700 on a regular bas(s)is. This is a good deal for a bass that you can use your whole career. I have heard the Japanese Precisions are very good, though I have no direct experience. As far as other brands, again, I have no direct experience. But when you can get a good used Am. Std. for the above price, it seems like a good idea to me at least. I have seen and bought very "mint condition" Precisions at that price point.
 
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#70
Kael said:
Save up a couple hundred extra bucks and get a used MIA P and not worry about it ever again. Buy a cheaper model and you'll probably be wondering what you are missing out on in the future. Plus a used MIA P is more likely to hold it's value if you ever want to off load it in the future.
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I agree. I like my fretless Squire but would rather have a Fender with a wood fretboard etc., great value though. I dont have room for too many insturments and im not a flipper i try and chose keepers.
 
#71
FWIW, I love my contemporary (2009 on) MIM Precision Standards. I could afford USA Fender Custom Shop, but the newer MIM's are a LOT of bang for the buck. Love the maple fretboard version (just a preference). I bought two for the road so I won't cry if they get busted or stolen, but they turned out to be players and keepers. They play and sound just like a P bass to me.
 
#72
electracoyote said:
FWIW, I love my contemporary (2009 on) MIM Precision Standards. I could afford Fender Custom Shop, but the newer MIM's are a LOT of bang for the buck. Love the maple fretboard version (just a preference). I bought two for the road so I won't cry if they get busted or stolen, but they're players and keepers. They play and sound just like a P bass to me.
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Id love to find a black one with maple fretboard to contrast my olympic white with rosewood jazz.
 
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#74
Handz Solow said:
Id love to find a black one with maple fretboard to contrast my olympic white with rosewood jazz.
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$579 new in box. But if you're patient and can shop around, you can easily save $100-$200 off that on a gently used one.

Of course, if you find an amazing deal on a USA version in your budget, good on you mate. The newer USA's with the stiffening rods in the neck in your budget would be a steal. The most stable Fender necks I've ever played.
 
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#79
Guitar Center is selling the Fender Nitro Satin American Honeyburst for $699, last I checked. It's an American Made P bass, and is spec'd the same as the American Special series, but without the Greasebucket tone control, and with a nitro lacquer finish. It's now been discontinued, but the in-store price has been $699 for the past couple of months. I currently have one, and I had an American Standard P at the same time. I offloaded the American Standard, and I feel I kept the better P. It's a great bass, and I suggest trying one out if you can. It does have the graphite support rods in the neck, as well as a unique neck profile.
image.jpg

I added the pearl pg and EMG Geezer Butler pups.
 

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