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Help deciding on which P Bass to buy and is the '64 legit.....

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by StudioGC, Jun 26, 2019.

  1. Jun 26, 2019 #1
    StudioGC

    StudioGC

    Sep 20, 2015
    London
    I've recently sold off our family home and off loaded tons of equipment which has brought in some decent money. I feel it's time to treat myself to a nice P Bass. I currently use a Hofner CS bass and a Ric copy for my 60's band. I think I deserve a quality P bass now that the band is starting to get some good paying gigs.

    So, question is, so I get the '64 P Bass mongrel dog that has a '75 Jazz neck (I love the feel of those mid 70's Jazz necks...)? Or get a used (but like new) American original P bass. I like the fact the neck is not the full 1.75" on the AO P bass.

    The '64 mongrel has original pick ups, but pots replaced in the 70's and no markings on the neck pocket to define it as a '64.

    I can get the AO P for under £1300 (It's £1300 or best offer). The Mongrel P can be had for £1350. Thoughts?

    The Mongrel Dog:
    Screenshot 2019-06-26 at 1.27.32 PM.png
    Screenshot 2019-06-26 at 1.28.13 PM.png
    Screenshot 2019-06-26 at 1.27.54 PM.png


    And the American Original
    Screenshot 2019-06-26 at 1.29.16 PM.png
     
  2. Jun 26, 2019 #2
    P. Aaron

    P. Aaron Supporting Member

    Sep 16, 2002
    Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
    I’m a sucker for new basses. Unless it’s got most everything original on it.

    Price is a consideration of course.

    Follow your instincts.
     
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  3. Jun 26, 2019 #3
    Wisebass

    Wisebass

    Jan 12, 2017
    Lost in Space
    Hi StudioGC :)

    I am a Jazz bass guy (and I hate tort) and I kinda like the dog' s look. :D

    But £1350 for a parts bass, with an unknown (or not to identify) refinished body? :(

    just my thoughts

    greetings

    Wise(b)ass
     
    StudioGC likes this.
  4. Jun 26, 2019 #4
    StudioGC

    StudioGC

    Sep 20, 2015
    London
    Wise words @Wisebass. It certainly is rather steep a price for an unknown body....but it is cool.
     
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  5. Jun 26, 2019 #5
    Jim C

    Jim C I believe in the trilogy; Fender, Stingray, + G&L Supporting Member

    Nov 29, 2008
    Bethesda, MD
    Tought call and I kind of have both.
    First question:
    How much do you like the Jazz neck (also referred to as A style) vs. the 1 5/8" B style
    I have a 73P that came with an A neck from the factory (or so it appears) but as a P bass it does not have blocks
    While these 70's A necks feel the best to me, they are also more prone to a ski jump than the B necks (the fingerboard becomes a ski jump at the attachment point).
    I also have a 73P with a B neck that also has a minor ski jump

    #2 How are the frets; many of these older basses have worn frets so consider this in the purchase price

    What year for the A OP?
    I'm not up on dates for later Fenders but do know that about 2014 and past are considered better QC
    (please correct me if I'm wrong on this date)

    Because of the heritage, I'm not so sure the older bass will be that easy to flip should you not like it
    Are you 100% sure the pups are original as if not, I would doubt the body is.

    Most important; how do they sound and feel in your hands?
    This would be the decision maker for me.
     
    StudioGC likes this.
  6. Jun 26, 2019 #6
    Shawn Luckman

    Shawn Luckman

    Feb 27, 2008
    Bolton,Lancs UK
    £1350 is a lot for a bass you are only taking someone's word, that most of the body/parts are from 1964. I would love to own a pre CBS Precision "BUT" in this instance I would go with the American Pro.
     
  7. Jun 26, 2019 #7
    Wisebass

    Wisebass

    Jan 12, 2017
    Lost in Space
    The dog is as cool as your Rickenfaker and would certainly not "p" on the Höfner either. :D

    Haggle!!!! ;)


    [​IMG]

    greetings

    Wise
     
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