Least expensive way to achieve authentic P bass tone for recordings

A Squier with a P only pickup will do the trick

 

Also any Yamaha BB with a normal (non reverse) P pickup will do it.

Basically anything that has a P style pickup in the standard position will sound like some kind of Fender P bass.

This will do it if you don't tell people how much you paid.

New 4 String Stylish Blue Basswood Right Handed Electric Bass Guitar | eBay

 

P Bass? Glarry P bass?

 

Anything that has a split in the sweet spot will give you a P bass tone.

 

Unless it's just feels alien enough from your regular axe to be a problem, it's far cheaper to just get a Precision Bass (the prices are all over the map) than to spend a lot on electronic skullduggery that in the end may simply make your wallet lighter without achieving what you're after.

Get one of these, cheap enough, and a great little bass:

Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass® | Squier Electric Basses

 

I agree with the above, in that it takes only a split coil in the sweet spot to get there. I spent $125 on a Squier Affinity and $180 on a Squier Standard, and they sound pretty dang good to me .

the benefit of getting a Squier is they (generally) accept fender parts; which sounds like isn’t a factor for you. The compromise with going super cheap (Glarry) isn’t necessarily sound, but feel, especially the neck.

 

Any P pickup bass and a tube preamp will sound heavenly in the mix.

 

check out your pawn shops, or local CL listings. You'll find cheap P basses. Squier or otherwise. If you're lucky, you'll find a 90s Peavey Fury which is US made and absolutely killer for the money (I paid $100 for mine and it literally put my MIM P bass to shame). Keep an eye out for a used Squier CV P bass and that should really satisfy you too.

 

I’d go check out this one

 

I wouldn't get an Affinity unless you intend to upgrade the pickup.

 

I'll second just getting a Squire Precision bass and just getting it overwith. Don't let that "Squire" on the headstock fool you - they're actually really good basses for pretty cheap. And it'll sound exactly like a Precision bass. Because that's what it is...

L

 

A P is a P is a P.
If it has a split single coil you are good.
Peavey Fury/Forum are well built and cheap. There is a Euro company called Vintage that makes some good value models.

 

Rent one ?

 

Shouldn’t be a problem since none of them say “Squire” on the headstock.

 

I like my SX basses.

 

I disagree... I think the stock affinity P pickup will serve you just fine. It won’t be the “best”, but it’s more than serviceable. I have some high end P pickups and I don’t mind the stock affinity. I’d worry more about the setup than anything.

 

I got a 2017 Squier Affinity P Bass (PJ) for less than 50 bucks at a nearby pawn shop, and I am continually stunned at how capable it really is. It sounds good, plays well, and isn't heavy. It's all good.