Help with P Bass decision...

[41Hz To Go]

A little background, the wife is allowing another bass purchase and the budget is limited. I've got it down to two Squire choices. One is a standard P bass with split coils and the other is a 50's p single coil.

If you could have only one, which one and why?

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass - 3-Tone Sunburst

or

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass - 2-Color Sunburst

 

[Lowendchamp]

I actually like the aesthetics of the 70s better, but 60s is close enough. I would say that the 50s would be worth it if you have a replacement pickup in mind but my wife freaks out about that stuff and always tells me just buy what I want the first time. I'd play it safe with the split coil.

 

[41Hz To Go]

I actually like the aesthetics of the 70s better, but 60s is close enough. I would say that the 50s would be worth it if you have a replacement pickup in mind but my wife freaks out about that stuff and always tells me just buy what I want the first time. I'd play it safe with the split coil.

Ha, my wife is the same way with that sentiment. The problem is I actually love modifying and tinkering in an effort to improve.

I've never been a fan of the P bass until I played a friend of mine's. He paid to have it set up and it was awesome to play. The string spacing playability and a rich tone that could melt chocolate.

Thanks for your input!

 

[alack]

Between the two I would go with the 60s model. I prefer the contoured body and split coil pickup.

There are other options if you’re interested. I’m partial to this one.

Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass 2-Color Sunburst w/Gold Anodized Pickguard

 

[buldog5151bass]

Unless you've played a '50s, don't get it.

 

[41Hz To Go]

Between the two I would go with the 60s model. I prefer the contoured body and split coil pickup.

There are other options if you’re interested. I’m partial to this one.

Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass 2-Color Sunburst w/Gold Anodized Pickguard

oh damn! that thing is gorgeous....

 

[JKos]

I prefer the contoured body and split coil pickup.

It looks like that Squier CV '50s has a contoured body.

 

[41Hz To Go]

Unless you've played a '50s, don't get it.

Is it more difficult to play ergonomically or for thumb position?

Is the tone too narrow or focused?

 

[Michael Jewels]

I would recommend the Squire 50s bass.
Why?
I played it about a few times and really liked it.
I only recommend what I own or what I have played.
It's a nice-looking and sounding bass.

 

[alack]

oh damn! that thing is gorgeous....

It also comes in white blond. Are you in a hurry however? CME is taking pre-orders on these. Who knows when they’ll actually arrive.

Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass White Blonde w/Gold Anodized Pickguard

 

[alack]

It looks like that Squier CV '50s has a contoured body.

Good point. So it’s more of a 55 rather than 51 slab. I still prefer the split coil.

 

[41Hz To Go]

I would recommend the Squire 50s bass.
Why?
I played it about a few times and really liked it.
I only recommend what I own or what I have played.
It's a nice-looking and sounding bass. View attachment 4387573

That is such a cool looking bass!

 

[41Hz To Go]

Good point. So it’s more of a 55 rather than 51 slab. I still prefer the split coil.

For tonal variability reasons?

 

[41Hz To Go]

It also comes in white blond. Are you in a hurry however? CME is taking pre-orders on these. Who knows when they’ll actually arrive.

Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass White Blonde w/Gold Anodized Pickguard

looks so good with that maple neck

 

[buldog5151bass]

Is it more difficult to play ergonomically or for thumb position?

Is the tone too narrow or focused?

Tone is different, although it is not a total slab, body is not as contoured, neck profile is different (at least on the Fender).

 

[Deleted member 165050]

No poll? 60s ticks my box.

 

[alack]

For tonal variability reasons?

Tonal variation with a P will come from subtle use of the tone knob and right hand technique. I just prefer the tone of the split coil. It also eliminates 60 cycle hum which the single coil version may produce.

 

[ClusterFlux]

Unless you really want that 50s sound, I'd pick the 60s or 70s CV.

 

[Gothic]

My advice, wait for one of the new late 50's precisions.

Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass White Blonde w/Gold Anodized Pickguard
Squier Classic Vibe Late '50s Precision Bass 2-Color Sunburst w/Gold Anodized Pickguard

 

[41Hz To Go]

No poll? 60s ticks my box.

Tonal variation with a P will come from subtle use of the tone knob and right hand technique. I just prefer the tone of the split coil. It also eliminates 60 cycle hum which the single coil version may produce.

ahh, did not know that. I hate unnecessary hum.

Thanks!