Help me pick a 54 precision re-issue!

[jrodriguez]

Would love some help deciding between a couple of fender 54 precision re-issues if anyone out there has had the pleasure of being able to compare them!
The first bass is a used AVRI II 54 precision for $1800.
The second is an early 90’s k serial number OPB-54 MIJ at fugijen for $1150.
Both are in excellent condition from the looks and description but I won’t have the opportunity to play them ahead of time.
I’m sure they’re both great basses and well made so I guess my real question is should I spend the extra $650 for the newer American made model.
I know a financial question like that is all relative so I will say I could swing the funds for either but would rather not spend the extra if there’s no need.
Maybe the early nineties MIJ is even superior in some ways?
On another note this would be a “just for fun bass” for now, meaning I’m not getting it with any specific gig or recording project in mind just for the arsenal and because I’ve always wanted one.

 

[Ric Vice]

“an early 90’s K serial number OPB-54 MIJ at Fujigen for $1150”. From I’ve been led to understand, the Fender Japan basses are very high quality.
While I’m not a huge fan of the early single coil pickup dual saddle bridge Fender Design, they have their merits and a large group bassists are quite fond of them. Years ago I had the opportunity to purchase an original 51 and passed in favor of the 59 the owner was also selling. Just my take however.

 

[jrodriguez]

What a beauty!
Given the choice between those two you can’t go wrong lol.
I also have an 86’ g&l sb-1 that kind of covers my split coil precision needs. Nothing compared to an original 59’ of course but it’s my birth year and the mfd pickups sound great to my ears.
That’s one of the reasons I’m after the 54/51 specifically. Sounds so different than my other P.

 

[ToddB1963]

I can't speak for the MIJ model, but I'm very impressed with my AVRI II '54 Precision.

The construction is equally as good as my Custom Shop Journeyman '59 Precision and IMO the tone is superior. The single coil has a much purer, more even bass tone with a deeper, growly low end. It has the perfect sound for many of the styles I love, and with a hunk of foam in the bridge it yields *the* perfect tone for soul RnB and blues. I played it on a jazz gig a month ago and the other cats in the band really dug the tone.

Only (slight) drawback is the single-coil noise with the treble and volume up 100% but I'll get it shielded in due course. If you can deal with that, you cannot go wrong.

 

[ArteK]

I’ve had an aged white OPB-54 from this period for a couple years now and it’s one of my favorite basses.

I had to replace the bridge and pickup, which were no longer functional. It now has a Gotoh B201C (my favorite bridge) and Lollar single coil pickup (best one of these I’ve ever heard)).

This is one of my favorite basses overall and definitely my favorite “Tele” bass (I’ve had about a half dozen prior).

 

[ClassicJazz]

One bass to consider is the Fender Sting Signature P-Bass which is made in Japan. Based off a '54 P-Bass, you can find incredible deals on these basses. I got mine from Guitar Center for under $900 and for a 2003 bass it is in brand new condition. As far as the bass itself, typical Japanese high quality. And how it plays and sounds....WOW! This is the best bass purchase I have made in a long time. Very comfortable neck and sounds killer! I did change the OEM two saddle bridge with a four saddle replacement made by RetroVibe in the UK which looks a lot like the OEM bridge. Also put on a black pickguard, think it looks better than the stock white one. I have D'Addario Chromes on it (Flats) and it just sounds awesome! Some people complain about the "Stinglay" at the 12th fret. It doesn't bother me at all and I actually think it looks cools!

 

[2saddleslab]

Purchased an AVII54 from a fellow TB'er last year. Absolutely love it. I did replace the pu w/ a Seymour Duncan Stinger Stack, same as my 51/55 P bass. I've also owned a couple MIJ 51 reissues. The nitro finish of the AVII54 is worth the extra $$, IMHO, not to mention much truer to the original. It feels so much better in hand. Mine is light at 8lbs and is a joy to play.

BTW, the 2 saddle bridge w/ fiber saddles delivers a surprisingly bright tone. So much so that I added fiber saddles to my 51/55.

 

[MrWolf14]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two.

Probably saving some bucks would make sense in this situation (but I have a sweet spot for Crafted/Made in Japan Fenders)

 

[andare]

I can't speak for the MIJ model, but I'm very impressed with my AVRI II '54 Precision.

The construction is equally as good as my Custom Shop Journeyman '59 Precision and IMO the tone is superior. The single coil has a much purer, more even bass tone with a deeper, growly low end. It has the perfect sound for many of the styles I love, and with a hunk of foam in the bridge it yields *the* perfect tone for soul RnB and blues. I played it on a jazz gig a month ago and the other cats in the band really dug the tone.

Only (slight) drawback is the single-coil noise with the treble and volume up 100% but I'll get it shielded in due course. If you can deal with that, you cannot go wrong.

Just so you know, shielding will do nothing for single coil hum. It will only get rid of the other noise you hear, the one that goes away when you touch the strings, bridge or any metal part that is grounded.
The onyl way to eliminate single coil hum is to have another active coil that is wound in reverse, so either a humbucker, another signle coil or a dummy coil.

 

[nonohmic]

Purchased an AVII54 from a fellow TB'er last year. Absolutely love it. I did replace the pu w/ a Seymour Duncan Stinger Stack, same as my 51/55 P bass. I've also owned a couple MIJ 51 reissues. The nitro finish of the AVII54 is worth the extra $$, IMHO, not to mention much truer to the original. It feels so much better in hand. Mine is light at 8lbs and is a joy to play.

BTW, the 2 saddle bridge w/ fiber saddles delivers a surprisingly bright tone. So much so that I added fiber saddles to my 51/55.
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If the MIJ is poly then def the USA.

No way I would buy any 51/54 that wasn’t nitro. Poly on these basses is sacrilege.

 

[Coughdrops]

Both great basses. I own an AVII 54 and used to have an MIJ version years ago. I prefer the feel of the AVII. Some of that is the laquer feel. The AVII also has a very chunky neck. You might double check with searches but I think the MIJ has a slightly smaller neck but don't totally remember. I personality didn't like the fiber saddles and switched to the Wilkinson two saddle bridge that allows for intonation adjustment. The AVII pickup is very true to originals and sounds great. I think I replaced the MIJ one. I think you would be happy with the MIJ. You could always grab the MIJ and if curiosity gets the better of you over time you can flip it and snag another used AVII.

 

[BigDrew]

The nitro finish would probably push me towards the AVRI. But that is just me!

 

[jd56hawk]

Save yourself some money.
Believe it or not, this one's just as good as some of the Fenders.
Looks better, too.
I was considering buying it, but my income-tax check won't be here for a while.

 

[bassdude51]

Help me pick a 54 precision re-issue!​

I had a Fender '54 AVII in white. It was very well made. Top quality. But.......I am "picky" and there were several things about it that I did not like.

#1 The 4 ferrules on the back of the bass body are not flush (in-set) like they were on the originals and the Custom Shops.
#2 The pickguards on the '54s are cut sharper/narrower than they were on the originals.
#3. At least on mine, the decal looked like a cheap aftermarket decal. Not like the originals at all.

Other than that, it was a very well made '54.

I took a burn on selling it. It was spotless brand new and it took me forever to find a buyer. I lost $600.

I have 2 MIJs. A '51 that I bought back in the early 90s (pre CIJ) and I bought a Sting Bass when they first came out, at Sam Ash. Both are excellent made basses!

I do not like the 12th fret marker on the Sting Bass (most don't like it either). I was able to buy a CIJ blue paisley '55 and I switched necks. Sold the paisley (made profit) and got the Sting looking like it should.

(At least on my Sting, the bridge was set about a 1/4 of an inch too far back and the G saddle was on the very tip edge of the bridge plate, I had to move the bridge forward a 1/4", plug the holes and re-drill the bridge. The MIJ '51 was dead on.

You/we can't go wrong with the MIJs/CIJs Tele type basses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, you'll save money.

 

[jrodriguez]

Thanks so much for all of the detailed reply’s. One of the many reasons this community rocks (pun intended).
Although the poly vs nitro finish does give me some significant pause, I think I’m going to give the MIJ a try.
My thought process here is that if I decide I want to try the AVRI instead, they’re pretty readily available at $1800. The early 90’s fujigen ones are somewhat hard to find it seems and I think at 1150 I could probably get most, if not all, of my money back on a flip.
All of the reply’s coupled with digging through some previous threads leads me to believe that they’re both pretty awesome but they both could benefit from a new bridge and maybe even a pickup swap. If I grab the MIJ I can use the extra money for those upgrades as well.
Any suggestions or feedback on which pickup gets closest to the real deal? If there’s one that splits the coil to cancel the hum but still maintains the right tone I would be open to that as well, although not strictly necessary.

 

[2saddleslab]

Thanks so much for all of the detailed reply’s. One of the many reasons this community rocks (pun intended).
Although the poly vs nitro finish does give me some significant pause, I think I’m going to give the MIJ a try.
My thought process here is that if I decide I want to try the AVRI instead, they’re pretty readily available at $1800. The early 90’s fujigen ones are somewhat hard to find it seems and I think at 1150 I could probably get most, if not all, of my money back on a flip.
All of the reply’s coupled with digging through some previous threads leads me to believe that they’re both pretty awesome but they both could benefit from a new bridge and maybe even a pickup swap. If I grab the MIJ I can use the extra money for those upgrades as well.
Any suggestions or feedback on which pickup gets closest to the real deal? If there’s one that splits the coil to cancel the hum but still maintains the right tone I would be open to that as well, although not strictly necessary.

I love the SD Stinger Stack & feel it sounds exactly like the original, same edgy throaty attack, but w/out the hum. Some say no hum bucker, be they stacked, side by side, or split, will ever sound like a single coil. I don't hear a difference w/ the Stinger. Lots of Lindy Fralin fans out there too.

Good on ya' for your decision on the MIJ model but really no need to replace the bridge. But then, we gotta do what we gotta do.

 

[pbassnut]

Would love some help deciding between a couple of fender 54 precision re-issues if anyone out there has had the pleasure of being able to compare them!
The first bass is a used AVRI II 54 precision for $1800.
The second is an early 90’s k serial number OPB-54 MIJ at fugijen for $1150.
Both are in excellent condition from the looks and description but I won’t have the opportunity to play them ahead of time.
I’m sure they’re both great basses and well made so I guess my real question is should I spend the extra $650 for the newer American made model.
I know a financial question like that is all relative so I will say I could swing the funds for either but would rather not spend the extra if there’s no need.
Maybe the early nineties MIJ is even superior in some ways?
On another note this would be a “just for fun bass” for now, meaning I’m not getting it with any specific gig or recording project in mind just for the arsenal and because I’ve always wanted one.

Here's a nice looking Fender Sting '54 P reissue on eBay that would probably fit the bill for you ...

2002 Fender MIJ Sting Artist Model P-Bass. | eBay

This listing is for a 2002 Fender MIJ Sting Artist Model P-Bass. This was a "Made in Japan" model. The bass plays well, and the electronics are good. It has some dings and marks from playing, but nothing affecting the bass. It's all normal wear and tear. Please see the photos. There is one chip...

www.ebay.com

... check it out.

 

[LordRyan]

Check out the Vintage V4. These have Wilkinson pickups, bridge, and tuners at around the price of a Squier. Vintage also makes the V51 which is a reissue of a 1951 Fender bass.

 

[ArteK]

One bass to consider is the Fender Sting Signature P-Bass which is made in Japan. Based off a '54 P-Bass, you can find incredible deals on these basses. I got mine from Guitar Center for under $900 and for a 2003 bass it is in brand new condition. As far as the bass itself, typical Japanese high quality. And how it plays and sounds....WOW! This is the best bass purchase I have made in a long time. Very comfortable neck and sounds killer! I did change the OEM two saddle bridge with a four saddle replacement made by RetroVibe in the UK which looks a lot like the OEM bridge. Also put on a black pickguard, think it looks better than the stock white one. I have D'Addario Chromes on it (Flats) and it just sounds awesome! Some people complain about the "Stinglay" at the 12th fret. It doesn't bother me at all and I actually think it looks cools!

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The necks on these are some of the nicest Fender necks I’ve ever played.

Yeah, the Stinglay, and the yellowish finish isn’t my cup of tea, but man, that’s such a nice feeling neck.

 

[jrodriguez]

Check out the Vintage V4. These have Wilkinson pickups, bridge, and tuners at around the price of a Squier. Vintage also makes the V51 which is a reissue of a 1951 Fender bass.

Wow this looks super interesting and I've never heard of them before. Have you ever had a chance to play one? Do they suffer from some of the same QA issues as the squire's? Especially on the neck. I have played some Squires that punch way of above their weight and some that would need quite a bit of work for me to be happy with them. I would personally never buy a squire without being able to play it first, even mess with the action a bit.