Looking for a cheaper beater Precision $950 or under.

[lastminute]

OP here. Perhaps my term "beater" was a misnomer. I still want a bass where the quality is top notch in its price range. And I've got the income to keep it at $950 to get the best I can. I don’t want it cheaper just for the sake of cheap, unless their truly is a bass that’s heads and shoulders above all others in the price point above.

Not looking for parts basses. Want something I can sell back for reasonable amount if it doesn’t click. Also, prefer a maple fretboard.

 

[elgranluis]

I’m pretty sure you can get an American fender for that price. Maybe cheaper if it’s well worn

 

[Ibycan]

Go on the used market. I picked up both my Nate Mendel and Troy Sanders Ps for less than $800 each. Nothing else I have tried has come close to either one on my book in quality and sound. both sit very well on the mix as expected.

 

[HelpImaRock]

OP here. Perhaps my term "beater" was a misnomer. I still want a bass where the quality is top notch in its price range. And I've got the income to keep it at $950 to get the best I can. I don’t want it cheaper just for the sake of cheap, unless their truly is a bass that’s heads and shoulders above all others in the price point above.

Not looking for parts basses. Want something I can sell back for reasonable amount if it doesn’t click. Also, prefer a maple fretboard.

If I had your specs, I'd get something like these. No affiliation.
https://reverb.com/item/87986360-fe...fretboard-2018-present-satin-lake-placid-blue

https://reverb.com/item/90719194-mi...bass-guitar-maple-fingerboard-black-gloss-mim

 

[Strane]

Mine is Fender Precision Player II, made in Ensenada, Mexico. Just couldn't be happier.
I also tried a Fender American Professional II Precision and, honestly, it's not worth it for the price, I didn't notice a big difference between them.

 

[bholder]

This should not surprise anyone coming from me:

Sire Marcus Miller P5R 4-String

THE SIRE P BASS WITH ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD Fused with a Rosewood fingerboard material, the Sire P5R is geared up for max power playing and flawless bass playing routines. Adopting Bass Legend Marcus Miller’s preferences, one can produce remarkable vintage and modern tones for studio recording and...

www.sire-usa.com

big fan. best bang for the buck in the market, imho.

 

[BassicJazzy]

This should not surprise anyone coming from me:

Sire Marcus Miller P5R 4-String

THE SIRE P BASS WITH ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD Fused with a Rosewood fingerboard material, the Sire P5R is geared up for max power playing and flawless bass playing routines. Adopting Bass Legend Marcus Miller’s preferences, one can produce remarkable vintage and modern tones for studio recording and...

www.sire-usa.com

big fan. best bang for the buck in the market, imho.

I absolutely second that, love mine. The neck is hard to beat, and it's very comfortable to play, lightweight.

That said, for a little more money, the Yamaha (BB700 whatever, I forget the series number) is a perhaps more versatile bass, though not a true P-bass. If you want a P-bass, hard to go wrong with the Sire.

 

[kevinpmajka]

I modded the heck out of my Sires.

I say get the P5R (rosewood fretboard) or P5 (maple fretboard - gloss) used and get a better pickup and wiring harness. Starr Guitar just made me a harness for mine on reverb. I have the Fralin standard wind pickup in one and the DiMarzio Sixties P in the other - both have upgraded harnesses. Buy used for the pickup too. Get a pro setup and get your favorite strings and go!

 

[BassicJazzy]

I modded the heck out of my Sires.

I say get the P5R (rosewood fretboard) or P5 (maple fretboard - gloss) used and get a better pickup and wiring harness. Starr Guitar just made me a harness for mine on reverb. I have the Fralin standard wind pickup in one and the DiMarzio Sixties P in the other - both have upgraded harnesses. Buy used for the pickup too. Get a pro setup and get your favorite strings and go!

They did improve the stock p'ups about a year ago, on the P5R, they sound pretty good. Earlier ones were supposedly kinda weak. LowEndLobster did some mods and posted on YouTube, changed p'ups and had to do some cutting on the pick guard to get them to fit, screwed it up and had to order replacement guard. Wiring on mine seems solid but I did note to Sweetwater rep that the tone pot has less authority than others I am used to. If I was to upgrade anything I think it would be the pots. Set-up out of the box was terrible but good local luthier and low tension flats solved that issue.

 

[kevinpmajka]

I modded the heck out of my Sires.

I say get the P5R (rosewood fretboard) or P5 (maple fretboard - gloss) used and get a better pickup and wiring harness. Starr Guitar just made me a harness for mine on reverb. I have the Fralin standard wind pickup in one and the DiMarzio Sixties P in the other - both have upgraded harnesses. Buy used for the pickup too. Get a pro setup and get your favorite strings and go!

I gig my Sires proudly - I don't feel like I'm settling or adjusting anything for what I want. I had the Classic Vibe 60's - an old MIC one and I modded the heck out of that as well. I prefer the Sire.

 

[LowEndOperative]

If it’s not too late to chime in…the Fender Aerodyne. The P/J configuration can sound pretty close to a P with the neck pickup soloed.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

I've giggled a ton with my $140-ish Squier Debut Series P via Amazon. Put your strings of preference on it and you have exactly what you are asking for.

Seriously.

It's a dandy P bass.

And the Squier Sonic for just above that.
Black = debut
Sesfoam = Sonic

 

[BassicJazzy]

And the Squier Sonic for just above that.
Black = debut
Sesfoam = Sonic
View attachment 7294033

Absolutely amazes me that they can sell those for that. Yeah.

 

[tindrum]

You can find a used G&L LB-100 or SB-2 easily at that price point if you look. American too.

There’s some on the GC used site now and there typically is a few in that price range. There’s a LB100 with a figured maple neck that I’ve been watching for a few weeks. A total steal for under a grand.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Absolutely amazes me that they can sell those for that. Yeah.

I updated both, both right at about 200.
Debut wears flats, and has G&L MFD
Sonic has NINE ONE SIX neos, badass bridge, aluminum gold anodized pickguard.

Both got minor fret dressing, both a bit over 8lbs Jazz width nuts.

Great playing and sounding basses.

 

[robbyray]

Not a P. But I picked up an early Squier VM 70s jazz, and after some upgrades (tuners, bridge, nut) it’s an absolute BANGER! I kept the Duncan Designed pickups, they sound great IMO. I’ll post a pic once I get it all set up. I have less than 1/2 of what you’re wanting to spend, and it’s SOLID! My 98 USA MM Sterling sits in the case not to be disturbed while I practice on this one every day! YMMV of course, but it worked for me!