Hard decision (P- Bass)

[Piranha The B]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy P-Bass and I need a little help what to choose. I want to get most for my money. Let’s say that I’m semi pro player ( don’t live from music), but I’m playing bass 22 years and have a lot experience from recording to playing on the small gigs, clubs, big Festivals in Europe (Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland,…)

I tried Marcus Miller P5, Squire P-Bass, Fender P-Bass (USA and Mexico) standard, and G&L SB-1 – Build 1985

The sound from G&L SB-1 was amazing – let’s say it was my winner in P-Bass category.

What do you think about first options: (with Lakland and Sandberg I don’t have any experience)

https://www.thomann.de/de/sandberg_california_ii_vs_4_mn_rb.htm

https://www.lakland.com/product/skyline-series-44-64-vintage-p/

https://reverb.com/item/41640455-g-l-fullerton-sb1-40-aniversario-cr-bajo-electric

https://reverb.com/item/40653494-50...9.lUXwXdMoeRL4msuunNShffdhmDgzGbw7lzEoskkGJcQ


or better second – cheap options:

https://www.thomann.de/de/sandberg_electra_vs_4_rw_tb.htm

https://reverb.com/item/42151308-g-l-sb-2-tribute-series

https://reverb.com/item/44461963-fender-precision-standard-1993-black-mexico-mim

With this P-Bass I will play at most funk, soul, blues music (Let’s say like Donald Duck Dunn, James Jamerson…)

 

[Basslice]

Buy the bass, not the name.

Try a bunch out and if you find a keeper, don't worry about the moniker.

 

[CTBassGuy]

Buy the bass, not the name.

Try a bunch out and if you find a keeper, don't worry about the moniker.

Agree with this 100%. Given what you've experienced so far, IMHO, if your like how the SB-1 plays and sounds, buy it. The SB-2 Tribute uses the same pickup as their USA brethren, so a consideration if you like the feel of it.

Just for context, though, I have 3 of the basses you are looking (Lakland Skyline 44-64, G&L SB-2 Tribute, and a MIM Fender P (2000 vintage)). Oddly, my go to of the 3 is the MIM Fender P, but I changed out the pickup (Fender V-Mod) to get a better sound for me.

 

[Slater]

The sound from G&L SB-1 was amazing – let’s say it was my winner in P-Bass category.

End of discussion.

 

[shojii]

We're fortunate to live in an age where, for most products, the point diminishing returns kicks in really early. Given that, for me - the 'best bang for buck' will be the Mexi P bass or the Tribute G+L.

YMMV, but good luck. It's a fun quest.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

The 1993 black MIM on reverb is a bit overpriced. With that price, you can a made in america precision bass. In my opinion, go with a fender. Just keep looking around on here, facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and on Ebay; you'll find the right one. Good luck!

 

[Grinderman]

This seems a pretty good deal. Tempting.

For Sale - Fender Roadworn Precision Bass

If I were looking to get absolutely the most for my money, I'd scour the used market for deals first and also consider parting one together with select top grade parts.

If I were wary of used and or possibly building one myself then new options I'd consider would be Nash Guitars PB-63 and PB-57 and Fender American Original '50s and '60s Precision or Fender Mod Shop P, if my budget were around $2K.

If my budget for new were around $1K I'd consider a Fender Vintera '50s.

 

[johnnynitro]

Mod Shop P would be it in my opinion.

 

[scott sinner]

Another option worth checking out as you make a decision

Decision
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[Piranha The B]

Thank you all for your answers.

 

[Warpeg]

My vote was for the one with the split pickup.

 

[Piranha The B]

Hello,
I would just like to say that I have decided to buy a Fender American Professional II and I don't regret it one bit. I am very satisfied

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[Smooth_bass88]

Lākland fanboy here, you know my vote lol

 

[Piranha The B]

Hello,
I would just like to say that I have decided to buy a Fender American Professional II and I don't regret it one bit. I am very satisfied

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I bought the same bass and I am very happy with it. I'm also thinking of trying the Flatwounds strings to see how they sound.

 

[Low End Scum]

Wow the hangtime on making that decision. Dare I say, Piranha, you may be the anti-kneejerk bass buyer with your patience before deciding. Also, good luck with the flats! They're an interesting and different vibe.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Before buying anything, I would try as many Fender MIM as possible trying to find one that sounds great. You can be lucky and get a stellar product for a decent price and have a very gigable bass for the rest of your life.

For me, the size of the neck and the playability are perfect on those instruments.

 

[MrAB4003]

I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Sire P5. So that might be the best option for the money (about $650). I voted for Other in favor of the P5.

My second choice is the 7ender American Pro II P Bass. But YMMV with 7ender, even with their MIA basses. I’m lucky to have gotten a good one!

 

[MrAB4003]

Before buying anything, I would try as many Fender MIM as possible trying to find one that sounds great. You can be lucky and get a stellar product for a decent price and have a very gigable bass for the rest of your life.

For me, the size of the neck and the playability are perfect on those instruments.

7ender Mexico’s terrible QC in recent years must be mentioned here. Buyer beware / Caveat emptor!