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Help with picking a P

R

roceci

Jan 27, 2009
88
1
Cardiff UK
#1
Hi all, long-time lurker here. I'm in the market for a mid-priced Fender P & would really appreciate some advice on my options. I've always been a Jazz man so my experience with Precisions is limited.

My requirements are pretty simple with the main priorities being quality & getting as close as possible to what's regarded as the traditional P sound. I'd also like active electronics, but not at the expense of the traditional sound.

I'm currently considering the following models within my price bracket:

FSR American Special Precision
Fender Deluxe Active P Bass Special
Fender FSR Deluxe Precision Bass Special
Fender Precision Plus (pre-owned)

Which leaves me wondering the following:

Why is the American Special cheap compared to regular MIA's?
Are any of these unable to get close the original P sound? (cheap ups on the MIM's? Lace Sensors on the P+ too hifi?)
What are people's experiences of those MIMs in the list in terms of overall quality?

& lastly: generally, which would you choose??

Oh & by the way it has to be Fender, no arguments on that score please...cheers!
 
#2
Nice to see someone who actually wants a Fender these days.

It always pees me off when done smart yammer ignores an OP's list, but I'm going to do it anyway in this case: if you can find a used American Standard, that's what I'd do. Mine's an Am. Std and I'm pleased as hell with it. No active this, weird pickup configuration that; just a good, straight-up P with all the usual P foibles fixed.

I'd post a pic of mine, but that pic's already been around TB like Taylor Swift's been around Hollywood's men. It's a candy cola with the maple fretboard. Looks sexier in person than it does in pics.
 
#5
Or the MIJ 70s model? That thing is GORGEOUS and plays/sounds just like the originals!
If I wasn't overhauling my MIM, I'd want it.

Also, the Am Spec is cheaper because it uses a cheaper bridge & tuners than the Am Std. A different tone circuit (which I prefer) and the truss rod adjusts at the head instead of the heel. They play quite nicely. I had one for about a month, but returned it because I needed a 5 string.
 
#6
you should increase your list to the signature series P, steve harris P, Nate Mendel P,

From my understanding the american special p doesnt have the graphite support neck or something, and has the greasebucket pot, and different neck shape, they also has different hardware.
Well basically your friend to checking out why are they different will be:
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed

My personal preference will be the Nate Mendel P, Steve Harris P, and the FSR
 
#7
roadkill2309 said:
Nice to see someone who actually wants a Fender these days.

It always pees me off when done smart yammer ignores an OP's list, but I'm going to do it anyway in this case: if you can find a used American Standard, that's what I'd do. Mine's an Am. Std and I'm pleased as hell with it. No active this, weird pickup configuration that; just a good, straight-up P with all the usual P foibles fixed.

I'd post a pic of mine, but that pic's already been around TB like Taylor Swift's been around Hollywood's men. It's a candy cola with the maple fretboard. Looks sexier in person than it does in pics.
Click to expand...

+1 a used American Standard is a great deal. If you're patient, you could probably get one for $800 or a little less.
 
#8
Thanks guys, all really useful.

Will definitely consider a used American Standard, but what's the difference with the FSR Am Special?

On the active/hybrid point - I'm wanting this as a feature purely because my Jazzes are active & I like the versatility...but with the P I'm purely going for that straight-up sound so more a mildly preferred than an essential & as I say, certainly not at the expense of that sound.

The Classic 50s look nice - added those to the list. Was also considering a Classic 70s at a push...the Olympic White with J neck...hubba. But I read they're overpriced for what you get.
 
#9
I also don't want to ignore picking one from your list, but I have to second the suggestion for the MIA standard P. I have several 4 and 5 string MIA deluxe Jazz basses, but for the past year or so, it's been my passive Jazz or passive P only.
 
#10
Thanks for explaining the differences Will.

That Nate Mendel looks fine...as does the Steve Harris, but that's out of my price range unfortunately (I've just scored a brand new MIA Jazz Deluxe V & the missus is keeping an eye on the GAS...ach).

It's looking like a straightforward Am Std then. No love for the Precision Plus here? How highly regarded are these? I've seen a pre-owned in immaculate condition for £300/$480 - worth buying to sell on at profit, or not?
 
#11
I'd say pick up a used American Standard. I purchased 3 of them used, with each costing roughly $800. They feel and sound wonderful.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars, a newer American Deluxe gives you the extra bridge [edit] pickup, active electronics, and active/passive switch. I purchased a used 2011 a few months back for $950. Normally I play it in passive mode with the neck pickup only, but if I want to get a Jazz Bass sound I'll roll in the bridge pickup. The active preamp is great for rolling off the mids without losing the highs.
 
#12
willbassyeah said:
you should increase your list to the signature series P, steve harris P, Nate Mendel P,

From my understanding the american special p doesnt have the graphite support neck or something, and has the greasebucket pot, and different neck shape, they also has different hardware.
Well basically your friend to checking out why are they different will be:
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed

My personal preference will be the Nate Mendel P, Steve Harris P, and the FSR
Click to expand...

The guys in the Am Spec Jazz thread confirmed that the rods are present.

SpinyNorman said:
I'd say pick up a used American Standard. I purchased 3 of them used, with each costing roughly $800. They feel and sound wonderful.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars, a newer American Deluxe gives you the extra neck pickup, active electronics, and active/passive switch. I purchased a used 2011 a few months back for $950. Normally I play it in passive mode with the neck pickup only, but if I want to get a Jazz Bass sound I'll roll in the bridge pickup. The active preamp is great for rolling off the mids without losing the highs.
Click to expand...

I think you mean bridge pickup. This ain't no Mother bass. :P
 
#15
kedo said:
Find a Highway One. Install Fender '62 pups. Remove the BA11 and install threaded saddle bridge. Buff out the matte paint if you want. Remove the greasebucket circuit if you choose.

Recent models (post 2006?) Have graphite-reinforced neck. I got my 2011 a year ago brand new for $750.
Click to expand...

But that satin finish is gorgeous, as is the BA-II!
OP: If you DO this, I want the bridge. ^_^
 
#17
willbassyeah said:
From my understanding the american special p doesnt have the graphite support neck or something, and has the greasebucket pot, and different neck shape, they also has different hardware.
Click to expand...

They actually do have the graphite support rods. You can see that on Fender's site: Invalid Link Removed


"US-Made, High Gloss Finish, NEW Slim Profile, Fast-Action Neck, Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit and Posiflex™ Graphite Neck Support Rods"

EDIT: I see the issue has already been addressed :D

I also second the Classic 50s if you like larger necks. They have monster tone. The American Standard would be my other pick.
 
#19
kedo said:
Find a Highway One. Install Fender '62 pups. Remove the BA11 and install threaded saddle bridge. Buff out the matte paint if you want. Remove the greasebucket circuit if you choose.

Recent models (post 2006?) Have graphite-reinforced neck. I got my 2011 a year ago brand new for $750.
Click to expand...

+1, with a caveat: Get a pre-Badass model. The original specs had a vintage style bridge and no Greasebucket. I found a honey blonde one in 2004, and it is bar none the best P I've ever played let alone owned. (Yes, I'm aware of the boldness of that statement, but sometimes, that magic one just comes along.)

Whatever model you choose, PLAY A BUNCH OF THEM first. They're all different, even within the same series.
 
#20
Near new/mint condition or NOS basses on the TB classifieds have turned out great for me. TB'ers tend to pick out especially nice specimens, play them for a bit, and then sell them at favorable prices.

As a newbie still searching for "the one," I have purchased three Fender Precision basses through TB, each different and each wonderful in its own way. In ascending order of cost:

Classic Series '50s Precision (MIM, 1.75" nut)
Classic Series '70s Precision (MIJ, 1.625" nut with Jazz-like string spacing)
American Vintage Reissue '62 Precision (MIA, 1.75" nut that feels like 1.625" to me)

These classic Fenders are all well made. All were excellent values at sub-retail prices IMHO. All play and sound great with rounds or flats. They are all keepers, though I think my fave at the moment is the '62 AVRI. To the OP, best of luck with your decision...I would have a hard time choosing just one!

SL
 

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