• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Latest US Fender P Standard - am I dreaming??

T

twaine

Mar 17, 2010
15
0
#1
Tried a few of these in stores, and they are amazing. Have been playing over 30 years and real impressed with the current models. Doesnt feel like 2 bits of wood, feels like a bass should. I want to buy one - sunburst, maple neck. Has anyone else felt this..??
 
#4
Was talking about the latest genuine American Standard Precision. There's a pic on the fender website of a sunburst with a maple neck for this model, so I'm hoping of getting this..the store did say it was a 2 month wait as the sunburst is still the most popular by far
 
#5
I have a American standard P (although not the sunburst I have the Charcoal Frost with a Black Pearloid Pickguard) with a maple neck, and I am so head over heels for it, I find my self going into work late and trying to get off early just to play it.

I would say got for it, even better find a 08 used and save a few $$$
 
#6
Olympic whites come with a maple board as well - I am the proud owner of one such beauty. :D

I would go for it if I were you. Nothing beats having a bass that just 'feels right'. The MIA P Standards are very well-made as well. I just sent mine for a professional set-up the other day, and the luthier commented that American Standards, and mine in particular, have one of the best fretwork and fingerboards they've come across.
 
#7
I had one before it got stolen a few weeks ago. Mine was an 08' in Charcoal Frost Metallic. They are definitely doing something right over at Fender with the American Standards. The bass was really light (around 8.6-8.8 lbs) and incredibly resonant. Sounded really great recorded too. My only complaint was that some of the fret ends weren't as polished and or filed as they should be. I'll add I'm picky because I went to school for guitar repair and my other bass was an American Lakland (who do some of the finest fretwork). But all in all...great bass. I got mine for $930 new at the time off e-bay.
 
#9
If you find a "good" 08-09 American Standard they are addicting and joyful to play; pretty much exceeding expectations. I got mine at GC and couldn't put it down, it was the feel. I don't even want to change the strings, if I need to I'll probably use the same ones. If the AV's or Custom Shops really play "better", that could be another GAS attack.
 
#10
Thanks guys - I'm not dreaming, the latest fenders are fantastic. Some of the 80s fenders were terrible, heavy and just didnt feel right...I've got my name down for a new usa standard precision, cant wait..
 
#11
lm183902 said:
Are you talking about American Standard or MIM?

If you are indeed referring to the American standards, I have to agree and am very close to pulling the trigger on one.
Click to expand...

Help me out here: What is so different about *this* year's US P-bass that makes it remarkable? Does it appear that the build quality has improved, or that they neck has a better shape? Are the electronics *finally* worth keeping?
 
#12
BigOldHarry said:
Help me out here: What is so different about *this* year's US P-bass that makes it remarkable? Does it appear that the build quality has improved, or that they neck has a better shape? Are the electronics *finally* worth keeping?
Click to expand...


What I was referring to isn't necessarily *this* year's model, but the reworking of the American Standard line which began in 2008. There are a few things that I feel make them better than American Standards of years past. First of all, they completely changed the hardware, from the tuners to the new high-mass bridge. Additionally, and likely more important than just the hardware update is the overall build quality. Whereas I used to feel like I would have to go through a dozen or so to find a "good one", now they pretty much all seem to feel pretty darn good.
 
#13
I've owned a fair amount of basses and I can honestly say that my 08 Am Std P is my all time favorite. I can't imagine ever selling this bass, it would take a very special bass to replace it.

I'm hoping the new Fender Am Deluxe basses are on par with the 08-09 Am Standards.
 
#15
Whether there was an improvement to the 08 models or not, there is no way anyone had to go through a dozen American Fenders from, oh lets say 07, to get a good one. Fenders have been quite consistent for some time, and the only thing inconsistent about them has been the setup and condition of strings while they are sitting around in Guitar Center. Virtually any of them could go though a proper cleaning, setup and restringing and be great basses.
 
#16
I'm into trying out an "08 or '09 Am Standard P or Jazz. Is there a physical trait that will tell me I am looking at an '08 or '09? Or do I need to do a serial # check on it (not real practical in a store or at someone's house). Bud
 
#17
Surly said:
If you find a "good" 08-09 American Standard they are addicting and joyful to play; pretty much exceeding expectations. I got mine at GC and couldn't put it down, it was the feel. I don't even want to change the strings, if I need to I'll probably use the same ones. If the AV's or Custom Shops really play "better", that could be another GAS attack.
Click to expand...

I have an 08 Jazz, with the higher mass bridge and the "broken in neck" it's a dream.
 
#19
BigBud said:
I'm into trying out an "08 or '09 Am Standard P or Jazz. Is there a physical trait that will tell me I am looking at an '08 or '09? Or do I need to do a serial # check on it (not real practical in a store or at someone's house). Bud
Click to expand...

Well they're called American Standard instead of American Series, have a high mass bridge, and do not have an S1 switch.
 
#20
TWAINE funny you mention that bass. I just ordered a brand new sunburst/maple P yesterday. I'll post up photos if I could after it arrives. I purchased a new U.S.A. Jazz last month (sunburst/rosewood) and the neck really annoys me, like I'm fighting it or something. I'll be selling that one. I felt a couple of the new American Std P's at GC a few weeks ago and they all felt more comfortable to me (especially the maple board). Disclaimer: I've only been playing/lessons about 2 months now.(Yeah, yeah I know- a newb with a American Fender. Hey, I'm 47) Sorry to hijack...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back