I need some help with a hard decision

[BassLover668]

Jazz bass.

 

[joebar]

that P will be a guarantee.
buy with confidence

 

[Badwater]

If the Custom Shop is brand spanking new, it would be my choice. If they both are used, I would go with the one in better structural condition. For me with old Fenders a stable neck and no neck pocket slip is a major concern.

 

[Ghastly]

Wow, really tough call. I'd probably draw out of a hat to decide.

 

[Kukulkan61]

Sire..

 

[Kukulkan61]

Ok in all honesty I would buy the one that felt and sounded the best to me and the one that you feel the most comfortable with, the one that made your heart go thumpity thump when you played it up and down the neck...

 

[jd56hawk]

When it's a choice between burst and any other color...always pic any other color!

Seriously, though, Tangerine is a win (although I'd definitely have to change the pickguard) and it's a P bass.

 

[quindecima]

Basses are like classic cars, the value fluctuates depending on demand. I would pick the one that plays the best, but on the other hand..... why not get both. Where there is a will there is a way.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Agreed, thumb. I mainly do studio work and I would ideally like to buy both but I don't know if I could afford the amount of flowers and chocolates that it would take to offset that kind of money. haha

Get the Pbass. My 63 AVRI is getting me easy money.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I am in the market for a new bass and had my eye on two basses that are for sale here locally and I just cannot make up my mind.

The first is a Fender Custom Shop '57 P Bass. Heavy relic, tangerine orange, gold anodized pick guard, hand wound pickups, rosewood fingerboard, custom case, brand new with the warranty.

Second is a 74 Fender Jazz bass that the guy bought, played for a little bit and then stuck in his closet for the past 40 years. 100% stock, 3 tone sunburst, blocks, binding, ash tray covers, 3 bolt neck, original case, everything. Essentially in like new condition.

Both are roughly the same price. Which one would you pick?

The '74 as it has no fake patina.

 

[MMiller28]

The Jazz without hesitation. I think relic basses are the epitome of stupid.

 

[Jeff Sarsippius]

Only way is to play them both, unless you're a collector.....really can't tell.

 

[MMiller28]

Get the Pbass. My 63 AVRI is getting me easy money.

An American Pro/Standard would get you that same money for less of an investment. Just saying.

 

[Mosstone]

Man, that is a hard decision. I'm a big fan of the '57 P (as you can tell by my avatar), but I've been a Jazz Bass guy for longer, so I'd be all over that '74 J as well. I have no affinity for vintage instruments to speak of, but I'd take vintage over Custom Shop. Closet queens like that don't come along very often, but of course, it would be contingent upon (as others have mentioned) how well the Jazz plays and sounds.

 

[Seth Miller]

I would get the P

 

[NOVAX]

If that jazz is ski jump free,
truss rod isn't torqued too far,
and it's NOT a boat anchor,
get it. Get it, now!

Just my opinion, of course.
That being said, here is my 74:

 

[Pep]

I'd go with the Carvin...

I agree!!!

 

[DrayMiles]

Personally, after looking at the pics... Gimme the Precision... IMO...

 

[Sam Dingle]

Get the jazz bass if it plays well

 

[waynobass]

The Precision.

Later you can get an MIM Classic 70's Jazz that is probably better quality than the "vintage" Jazz.