Music Man Cutlass or American Pro P

[kinopah]

I'd like to see your crystal ball or is that a bottle of Crytal?

Seriously, I wouldn't make any purchases based on this type of logic. 10-years from now? I wouldn't bet on the next 10 months FWIW. Just sayin'...

I dunno. It accepts a standard P pickup and the rest of the hardware is just standard-issue EBMM (besides the bridge, I guess).

I tend to make purchases based on what I think plays nice and sounds right, as opposed to what's more classic/iconic or what's more likely to have parts available down the road. Honestly, there's zero wrong with an American Pro P (obviously), but I do think the Cutlass is a bit underrated. The fit/finish/playability is better than any US Fender I've owned, plus I like the sound.

I hope you dig whatever you get! I don't think there's been a bad option in this thread.

 

[outoftune]

Cutlass has an extra fret. If that's something that you're into.

But then I don't think they look as good as the new Ps. But who cares about looks.

Personally I would go cutlass. Although I love the p i have so I'm biased.

You just said what I am feeling. Cutlass.....but

 

[bholder]

I vote Cutlass, been less than impressed with new Fenders.

 

[Hounddog409]

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:

I think the new Fenders are extremely over priced. Would try to find a good used one, preferably a 2010-2012 model.

 

[AngelCrusher]

sounds a lot like a P Bass to me. Am I missing something?

It does, but it doesn't. Haha. It just has a different character that is more obvious when you set it up the way you like it and play it next to a Pbass.

Both the Caprice and Cutlass have a voicing that almost sounds a little low passed. It reminds me of the character of an ampeg amp, tough to describe, but it's a nice round tone that is very cool. It's not a bad thing by any means, but it is the only way I can describe the tonal difference.

The Pbass has more grind to it, the Cutlass is thicker. I never said the Cutlass won't cut through a mix, but I don't try and "cut through" with sizzling highs anyway, I like to punch through the low mids and use the top end just for clarity in the tone.

Another example is the G&L listed is the brightest Pbass I have played. Too bright for me, but they are really sweet basses, super easy to play. The Pbass is second. It is in the middle and the Cutlass is the least bright.

Most playable Pbasses I have tried - the G&L is very easy to play, then for me, an MIJ 80's reissue has an insanely fast neck, then the Cutlass and then my AVRI 63. I much prefer the AVRI 63 to the Cutlass though, which is why I sent my Cutlass back.

I am really glad I tried the Cutlass. That thing was super intriguing. Ernie Ball makes incredible basses.

If I was going to spend Cutlass money on a Pbass, I would go with an AVRI 63 just because I think they are Fender's best Pbasses and sound amazing. You can find them on reverb at comparable prices plus you can probably go play one at a guitar mart and see how you like the neck. It's a bigger neck, but something about just feels fantastic. Really matters what you prefer.

 

[MtManiac]

What do your own hands, ears, and eyes tell you?

 

[AngelCrusher]

He's not able to demo the Cutlass so that is why he made the thread.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The MusicMan Cutlass and Caprice basses have a very smooth, round warmth to the tone. It definitely voiced a little different than Fenders. The fit and finish on the Musicmans are outstanding.

It's really a matter of personal preference.
But they really are different basses. Similar in some ways but different. Don't expect the Musicmans to be Fender clones . Appreciate them for what they bring to the table and make a decision from there.

If you want an upgraded Fender , I'd say get the Pro. If you want something similar but different , get the Cutlass.

Nothing wrong with having both . So again I vote keep the Mexican P and add the Cutlass.

This is similar to what I did. Had a great Sire V7 Vintage Jazz and Squier CV60's P. My plan was to upgrade to an American Standard P, keep the Sire and sell the CV.
Happened to play a Caprice in my local GC and was completely blown away. Tried out 2 more in different GC locations and the Cutlass just to make sure I wasn't missing something. Ended up ordering a Caprice in my color choice, sold my Sire Jazz and kept the CV60's P. My Caprice has rounds and the CVP has flats. I can do everything I need with those 2 great passive basses.
If I have the extra funds I wouldn't hesitate to swap my CV P for a Cutlass.

 

[Heyturnup]

Keep your MIM P bass, buy a cutlass, and have both. Two basses are better than one. If having more basses than you need were illegal, I'd be on death row.

 

[Liam Wald]

It's all about the sound.
You like the sound Of the Cutless better, then that is the one you should get.
As far as looks, the Cutless is way cooler.

 

[JES]

If you played both, you might know right away. Way better than taking our advice in an internet forum.

 

[Pbassmanca]

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:

Two very good instruments to be choosing between, but if it were up to me I'd purchase a "NOS" American Standard P bass. A lot of Fender dealers still have them on the rack in mint condition having only been played in store, and they can be had for much cheaper than a new American Pro. My 2 cents for what they're worth.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I don't own a Cutlas, and I never played one - but I own a Caprice. I've also owned a bunch of Fenders, and still do including an American P, 2 Jazz basses, and a Jaguar. I think AC said it best, here...

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.

The two videos in the OP seem accurate in sound differences, assuming the Cutlas has similar qualities to the Caprice. If you're looking for a Fender sound, then go with a Fender. If you want something different, then the MMs have a lot to offer. I do agree with what some others have said about boutique quality in the MMs. My Caprice feels like no other bass I ever owned. It's rock solid, impeccably built, and the neck is absolutely perfect. I like really low action, and the action on this can go LOWER than what I'm comfortable with and still be buzz free. I own over 20 fairly high end basses, and none of them have a neck this perfect with action this low.

That being said, and truth be told - I'm one of the few who was at first a little disappointed when I brought my new MM into a band situation. The output is a bit lower than a Fender, and it definitely does NOT have the same character which is what I was expecting. At a certain point I was considering letting it go, and I picked up another Jazz bass. I started alternating at gigs (I'm playing 3X a week these days) and now I'm starting to settle into the basses differences. The Caprice isn't going anywhere. It sounds awesome, sits in the mix perfectly, cuts through like nobody's business - it just sounds different than the Fender. Been fiddling a bit with my amp EQ too, and I'm starting to find my sweet spot with it.

To sum it all up - if you're looking for a P bass sound, buy a P bass. If you're looking for something completely awesome with a different character than the P bass, you will definitely be happy with a Cutlass.

 

[stringthrough]

If you didn't have the MIM P I'd say get the MIA P, but since you do, get the Cutlass. You'll have a greater variety of tones available to you in your herd.

 

[AngelCrusher]

That being said, and truth be told - I'm one of the few who was at first a little disappointed when I brought my new MM into a band situation. The output is a bit lower than a Fender, and it definitely does NOT have the same character which is what I was expecting. At a certain point I was considering letting it go, and I picked up another Jazz bass. I started alternating at gigs (I'm playing 3X a week these days) and now I'm starting to settle into the basses differences. The Caprice isn't going anywhere. It sounds awesome, sits in the mix perfectly, cuts through like nobody's business - it just sounds different than the Fender. Been fiddling a bit with my amp EQ too, and I'm starting to find my sweet spot with it.

Yes, this. I just prefer the Fender tone. It pays the bills and is the sound I hear in my head.

I can definitely see how the MM could grow on you over time. Such a nice playing bass. The Caprice is perfect for anyone who likes J basses but wants more thickness and more weight in the mix without losing the J bass highs. I am just going to assume that is what you noticed as well, but everyone hears things a little differently.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Yes, this. I just prefer the Fender tone. It pays the bills and is the sound I hear in my head.

I can definitely see how the MM could grow on you over time. Such a nice playing bass. The Caprice is perfect for anyone who likes J basses but wants more thickness and more weight in the mix without losing the J bass highs. I am just going to assume that is what you noticed as well, but everyone hears things a little differently.

Yes but it offers a lot more than this Jazz bass reference . Use either one of those pickups alone and in several blend combinations and the tones are endless. You can get great 70's era P type tones and some unique rear pickup tones that sound nothing like your typical Jazz bass .

 

[cnltb]

I find the cutlass quite an interesting bass.
I'd go with that.( That said; I have not YET had the chance to try one.)

 

[armybass]

At first I was a little put off by the look of the Cutlass and Caprice. I had hoped it would be a P Bass with an Egg Shaped Pickguard... But then I started listening with my ears instead of my eyes. I started listening to the recordings and videos on YouTube. These EBMM passive basses are monsters. They don't look like or sound like Fenders....because they are not. They are Music Man passive ass kicking basses.

 

[GBBSbassist]

Tonally, I like both. Unfortunately for me, the Fender P bass image is burned into my brain and every other brand P bass just looks off to me.

 

[Joe Nerve]

The Caprice is perfect for anyone who likes J basses but wants more thickness and more weight in the mix without losing the J bass highs. I am just going to assume that is what you noticed as well, but everyone hears things a little differently.

My experience is more like what you said with the Cutlass, "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." Caprice is rounder and thicker, but it doesn't have the same highs as my Jazz. It has a completely different character that I can't entirely put my finger on. Not really like any bass I ever owned before. Round and thick are definitely in the description though , but not round and thick like an old Gibson . Maybe round and thick like an old Gibson but without any of the muddiness, and a little more definition?

I hate describing bass sounds... I'm gonna quit it now. The Caprice is awesome. It just isn't a jazz bass, and if anything can get closer to a P sound, than a J sound.