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Help with a buying decision Fender Precision Bass
- Thread starter dugout
- Start date
As someone else said in this thread I'd avoid the mexican Fenders. Their quality is often little to no improvement or even worse than Squier for twice the cost.
I have been gigging an MIM P-Bass for a while. I upgraded the bridge to a Hipshot Kicka$$, electronics to EMG GZR, and had a brass nut made for it. It’s a great axe.
I also have a Japan-made Precision with the same mods. It’s a little bit nicer in terms of finishing, weight, and original parts, but the MIM has made me plenty of bucks.
I also have a Japan-made Precision with the same mods. It’s a little bit nicer in terms of finishing, weight, and original parts, but the MIM has made me plenty of bucks.
Only the people you see who are squinting to see if you have flats or rounds
I think you have your priorities in the wrong order. I'm just saying.
yesterday i found myself in a guitar center - ultra rare occurrence - to buy a plain black woven nylon guitar strap 'cause that's what i use. i checked out a couple brand new mim fenders Ps and was impressed by the build and finish. i did not plug any of 'em in, however.
100% agree with trying them out if you can. Both for the subtle nuances of personal preference, and for variations in QC at this price point.
If you are buying blind, it’s a pretty good short list. My money says any one would most likely be perfectly serviceable. I think Squier makes great instruments, my 2nd favorite guitar is an Indonesian telecaster. But when I play Squier basses head to head with MIM, I always seem to prefer the Mexican necks. If I absolutely had to pick one, I’d probably vote for the Player. I liked every one I have played.
Worth noting the Special Edition and the Jaguar have bridge pickups and Jazz-spec necks. Maybe deciding what you prefer just based on the spec can help you cross a few off the list. Good luck!
If you are buying blind, it’s a pretty good short list. My money says any one would most likely be perfectly serviceable. I think Squier makes great instruments, my 2nd favorite guitar is an Indonesian telecaster. But when I play Squier basses head to head with MIM, I always seem to prefer the Mexican necks. If I absolutely had to pick one, I’d probably vote for the Player. I liked every one I have played.
Worth noting the Special Edition and the Jaguar have bridge pickups and Jazz-spec necks. Maybe deciding what you prefer just based on the spec can help you cross a few off the list. Good luck!
Without suggesting one over the other, I do invite you to consider the quality of the fretwork.
Will you be considering getting fretwork done if needed? A bass with low buzz-free action is a critical goal for me. In the past, I never wanted to go to a luthier, and didn't know how to do fret leveling, crowning and polishing myself (now I do). So, my buying decision was based on quality-control on fret-work, per reviews: reputation.
Now, since I don't consider questionable fretwork (leveling) as big a concern, I would purchase with less emphasis on the reputation for quality fretwork.
Will you be considering getting fretwork done if needed? A bass with low buzz-free action is a critical goal for me. In the past, I never wanted to go to a luthier, and didn't know how to do fret leveling, crowning and polishing myself (now I do). So, my buying decision was based on quality-control on fret-work, per reviews: reputation.
Now, since I don't consider questionable fretwork (leveling) as big a concern, I would purchase with less emphasis on the reputation for quality fretwork.
I have no problems with MIM. In fact, my one Squier feels and sounds super cheap by comparison, or did until upgrades. I really like this bass and wish I had it earlier as a younger player.
Are the MIMs better (or worse) these days? Reviews on MIMs tend to vary with time-frame, based on my informal, quite imperfect, observation. Specifically as regards the neck pocket and the fretwork.
I think (generally) since they officially changed "MIM" to "Player Series" the consensus is the Mexicans have gotten better.
I know. "I want this, or this, or this." And then some idiot says, "Get that, instead!"
Just tossing these into the fray. Shoot me.
Just tossing these into the fray. Shoot me.
The advent of CNC machines has eradicated bad neck joints. The tolerences for neck joints is so good with computer cutters you will not have an issue with loose neck pockets. The fretwork is very good on my Player, every note rings, and there are no sharp edges. I know QC can be an issue from time to time with MIM Fenders, but I have not experienced that.
This bass sounds great direct into a Focusrite Scarlet. Listen with a set of cans and you will hear how good the bass sounds. Stock bass, no mods.
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The 2008 p’s are great. My guess is that if you actually play them, then that’s what you will pick
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
As others have said. I would go with the Squier Classic Vibe P Bass. I have never had one that was bad! I have had plenty of bad MIM and MIA Fender P Basses.
IF I were going to offer advice, and this is taking you at your word you're a newbie beginner:
I would suggest a single pickup Precision Bass among the choices you listed. A single pickup with a single volume and tone control will allow you to spend more time practicing and less time finding a tone on a two pickup axe.
Precision Basses have proven themselves in every conceivable style of music by many of the greatest players to ever strap one on. And remarkably simple as a hammer.
I'd also recommend spending the money for a professional setup. It needs to play easily and you need to gain a sense of what a properly playing bad feels like. It's hard enough learning to play, and a bass that's out of shape and fights you only multiplies your rookie difficulties unnecessarily.
I'd certainly urge as well to arrange your budget to include a good guitar cable and a good amp that will make your instrument sound like a bass. Don't spend money on a good bass and then run it through some little 20 watt amp with an 8" speaker. You want something like 100 watts with a 12" speaker at least so you will sound like a real bass. Remember, ya got to have both a good bass AND a good amp to make a tone that sounds like a bass and encourages you to play.
Fortunately, this doesn't cost a ton of money these days. If you know an experienced player, they could also help you find good buys in used equipment.
I don't recommend expensive axes and amps for beginners. But I've seen too many beginners give up because of poorly playing and sounding Basses, run through itty-bitty amps that will never sound right.
So take your budget, buy smart, and it will make your newbie days easier.
I would suggest a single pickup Precision Bass among the choices you listed. A single pickup with a single volume and tone control will allow you to spend more time practicing and less time finding a tone on a two pickup axe.
Precision Basses have proven themselves in every conceivable style of music by many of the greatest players to ever strap one on. And remarkably simple as a hammer.
I'd also recommend spending the money for a professional setup. It needs to play easily and you need to gain a sense of what a properly playing bad feels like. It's hard enough learning to play, and a bass that's out of shape and fights you only multiplies your rookie difficulties unnecessarily.
I'd certainly urge as well to arrange your budget to include a good guitar cable and a good amp that will make your instrument sound like a bass. Don't spend money on a good bass and then run it through some little 20 watt amp with an 8" speaker. You want something like 100 watts with a 12" speaker at least so you will sound like a real bass. Remember, ya got to have both a good bass AND a good amp to make a tone that sounds like a bass and encourages you to play.
Fortunately, this doesn't cost a ton of money these days. If you know an experienced player, they could also help you find good buys in used equipment.
I don't recommend expensive axes and amps for beginners. But I've seen too many beginners give up because of poorly playing and sounding Basses, run through itty-bitty amps that will never sound right.
So take your budget, buy smart, and it will make your newbie days easier.
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