• 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.

Music Man Cutlass or American Pro P

#4
outoftune said:
I am looking to make the jump from a Mexican to an American P bass and am now conflicted after listening to the MM Cutlass. Cutlass seems like a gamble bass while the P is a tried and true, but man the Cutlass sounds good.

American Professional:


or the Music Man Cutlass:
Click to expand...


I played both and owned a cutlass briefly. The cutlass does not sound like a pbass. It does not have the same barky clarity in the highs that you know from the P. Personally i love that about the P and stayed with what i like.

The cutlass is a thicker tone that sounds rounder and less defined in the top end. Its really cool, but its going to come down to what you like. The playability and build quality of the cutlass is quite nice.

Just matters if you want a pbass or a little more of a different sound.
 
  • Like
Reactions: twinjet, FugaziBomb, Burwabit and 1 other person
#5
@AngelCrusher thanks for that response. I am hearing what you are describing. It seems like the Cutlass may have a bit much in the overall low end and get lost in a mix where the P just hits that middle ground and pops.
Unfortunately I have no way of trying before buying when it comes to the Cutlass. I've played a couple Pro P's and they felt and sounded very good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TinIndian and AngelCrusher
#6
outoftune said:
@AngelCrusher thanks for that response. I am hearing what you are describing. It seems like the Cutlass may have a bit much in the overall low end and get lost in a mix where the P just hits that middle ground and pops.
Unfortunately I have no way of trying before buying when it comes to the Cutlass. I've played a couple Pro P's and they felt and sounded very good.
Click to expand...

You can grab one from guitar center used online. If you don't like it, just return it to your local store. You will only be out the shipping.
 
  • Like
Reactions: maplenecked, pjbassist and outoftune
#7
Cutlass reeeeeeeally does not get lost in the mix. It's a way more versatile bass than you'd expect. I just played mine for an outside festival and could def hear every note. It's definitely a different beast than a US Precision, but not in any way inferior (or even tamer). I find it to be a much more playable bass than most P's I've tried - the satin neck finish and its dimensions are spot on. :)

Here's a clip of me playing mine with different tone settings. YMMV though and you gotta go with your gut!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gregsgear, tewnty_two, selowitch and 5 others
#9
outoftune said:
I am looking to make the jump from a Mexican to an American P bass and am now conflicted after listening to the MM Cutlass. Cutlass seems like a gamble bass while the P is a tried and true, but man the Cutlass sounds good.

American Professional:


or the Music Man Cutlass:
Click to expand...

kinopah said:
Cutlass reeeeeeeally does not get lost in the mix. It's a way more versatile bass than you'd expect. I just played mine for an outside festival and could def hear every note. It's definitely a different beast than a US Precision, but not in any way inferior (or even tamer). I find it to be a much more playable bass than most P's I've tried - the satin neck finish and its dimensions are spot on. :)

Here's a clip of me playing mine with different tone settings. YMMV though and you gotta go with your gut!
Click to expand...

sounds a lot like a P Bass to me. Am I missing something?
 
  • Like
Reactions: lowdownthump
#12
SJan3 said:
sounds a lot like a P Bass to me. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Tonally it does. Everything just seems a little hotter. But honestly that could be confirmation bias on my part because I prob EXPECT a EBMM to have a bit more thump. I've let my P's go so can't do a direct comparison.

One thing that feels really different is the super-contoured strat-style body. Feels a lot less elongated than a P. I don't think you can go wrong.

BTW I am SELLING the one in that clip if the OP is interested. Not because I don't love it. Just miss having a Fodera and would actually love to get their version - the Monarch P lol! (Would def be happy to hang onto this one otherwise!)
For Sale - EBMM Cutlass - Diamond Blue/Maple, pristine
 
  • Like
Reactions: pjbassist
#13
pedroims said:
If you are looking for a great P bass then check the G&L L100. Sounds great on the videos.

Click to expand...


I could at least hear Ed in this video... the vids posted, IMO, have too much song, and not enough bass up front... hard to determine which sounds better, as neither stood out.

Love the finish of the G&L... similar to the look I was shooting for, with my kit build... of course, I didn't come close...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: superdick2112 and Novarocker
#17
navijaz said:
Hey, just out of interest... What do you hope will improve with the MIA P? If you like your MIM, a bit of upgraded hardware might be all you need. Not meaning to be a troll, just saying.
Click to expand...
I have definitely thought of going that route. Upgrade the pickups and I'm almost there. I've had some American made stuff in the past and there is a fit and finish that the Mexicans, while really really good, just don't have. Both Musicman and Fender USA basses just feel great.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frenchy-Lefty and navijaz

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back