I wanna P (but I need some help)

[Thundertips]

I'm selling off some gear and I want to buy one really good Precision bass. In your opinion, what's the best P-bass out there, at any price?

(Note: not a P/J. Just a straight-forward, passive P. Any brand... not just Fender)

The Fender American Performers are really good. The Yosemite pickups sound amazing! They also have a really nice feeling neck on them. Nice action and smooth Satin finish on the back. The Modern C is a nice shape,too. I have two of them. A P and a Jazz.

 

[bassgrackle]

I'm selling off some gear and I want to buy one really good Precision bass. In your opinion, what's the best P-bass out there, at any price?

(Note: not a P/J. Just a straight-forward, passive P. Any brand... not just Fender)

Olinto P4 by Labella out of Brooklyn.

They play and sound the way a Pre CBS should. With the reliability of a new bass. Simply killer instruments built by the nicest guys in the business.

 

[Mastermold]

Olinto P4 by Labella out of Brooklyn.

They play and sound the way a Pre CBS should. With the reliability of a new bass. Simply killer instruments built by the nicest guys in the business.

I’ve only been able to play these at NAMM which is not ideal but they do seem really nice.

 

[Viggo51]

Another recommendation for Olinto!

 

[bassgrackle]

Another recommendation for Olinto!View attachment 4325761

Hey my old Olinto. Glad to see it’s in good hands.

 

[tb-player]

Olinto P4 by Labella out of Brooklyn.

They play and sound the way a Pre CBS should. With the reliability of a new bass. Simply killer instruments built by the nicest guys in the business.

I just heard back from LaBella. Price is good for a handmade bass, but the wait is 10-12 months. I’ll have changed my mind 15 times between now and this time next year… lol

 

[Acoop]

Hunt down an early seventies P-bass neck, either Rosewood or Maple, your choice. ... That'll be your biggest cost. ... Then decide a body style and finish. ... MJT has some great affordable styles and finishes. ... Stay away from vintage bodies because it's just a wood body and they're over priced. ... Then decide on pickups and hardware. ... Don't cheap out, buy once. ... At this point pickups and electronics will give you the best bang for the buck. ... Try Lollar, Fralin, Aguilar, are great also talk to Dave Reimer, he's here on TB, about his pickups and basses. ... I love what he made me. ... A vintage P-bass will cost five to fifteen grand plus, if you're lucky. ... A vintage neck maybe two grand then fifteen hundred for the rest. ... It's your bass don't depend on a vintage to give you what you want. ...

 

[SteveC]

I tried a few P basses and never found one I liked - until I got a Roscoe Classic P from my wife.

 

[Buster Brown]

I'm selling off some gear and I want to buy one really good Precision bass. In your opinion, what's the best P-bass out there, at any price?

(Note: not a P/J. Just a straight-forward, passive P. Any brand... not just Fender)

I'll be completely honest here. I own a 62RI P and I love it. However, my American Special (Honesyburst) P that I wouldn't trade. I absolutely love that bass. Absolutely LOVE that bad boy....Just my $.02

 

[bassdog]

How 'bout one of these?
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Doug Bright]

Some great suggestions here. You should also check out Bluesman Vintage.
Hand made to you specs. You can get the neck exactly the way you want it.
Lifetime warranty to the original owner.
Tell John that Doug Bright sent you.

 

[tb-player]

Some great suggestions here. You should also check out Bluesman Vintage.
Hand made to you specs. You can get the neck exactly the way you want it.
Lifetime warranty to the original owner.
Tell John that Doug Bright sent you.

I've actually had 2 BMV builds. I kept them for a while but eventually sold them. John is kind of slow... tends to overpromise on the finish date, but he does really nice work.

 

[tvbop]

I traded a couple of vintage P's and bought a Squire C V P which trounced both of them, tho admitedly the 75 was very nice.
In other words. The best one out there is the one you pick up somewhere and it feels awesome, its the right weight, right look, and sounds incredible and that list can be got from a cheapo Squire up to a diamond encrusted luthier P bass made from unicorn hooves.....Cost and provinence are no guarantee of bass playing happiness.

 

[Liko]

I'm selling off some gear and I want to buy one really good Precision bass. In your opinion, what's the best P-bass out there, at any price?

(Note: not a P/J. Just a straight-forward, passive P. Any brand... not just Fender)

Not sure if this has been linked yet, but yours is not a new question on TB: Best P-bass that isn't a Fender?

 

[bassgrackle]

I just heard back from LaBella. Price is good for a handmade bass, but the wait is 10-12 months. I’ll have changed my mind 15 times between now and this time next year… lol

It takes a lot to wait I agree. But the outcome is so worth it. I have 3 basses in the que right now and because of supply chain issues some have been over a year (with other builders).

 

[MObasshead]

Fender Custom shop or AVRI or AO in that order

 

[Buster Brown]

If you're gonna P, P with your boots on

View attachment 4325398

Indeed. And never into the wind.........

 

[Buster Brown]

I'll be completely honest here. I own a 62RI P and I love it. However, my American Special (Honesyburst) P that I wouldn't trade. I absolutely love that bass. Absolutely LOVE that bad boy....Just my $.02

Just for the heck of it.....here's my baby....

 

[Mastermold]

My 64s:

 

[tb-player]

My 64s:
View attachment 4327082 View attachment 4327083 View attachment 4327084 View attachment 4327085

Beautiful! This inspires me to go old. Those are in great shape!