Nash or Fender P-Bass?

[bassplayerwanab]

I'm in the market for a good P-Bass and I think I've narrowed it down to one of the two:
- Nash PB-63 (version of P-Bass) for $2k
OR
- Fender MIA P-Bass "Professional II" $1,550

They are pretty close in price so not a concern for me.
Which one would be a better P-bass?

 

[nonohmic]

Nash, get something with character.

 

[aproud1]

I'd go for the Nash too. I dislike relic instruments but the few Nash basses I played were chock full of mojo and sounded/played great. Still, nothing wrong with a Fender, once you fix any issues it might have.

 

[bassplayerwanab]

Thanks guys for the suggestions! I have to admit, I really love the looks of the Nash too.
My only concern is the 3 tone sunburst is in Ash and I "think" I want alder.
I started another thread asking about the difference between ash and alder with respect to tone.
It seems like the consensus is it would not result in a discernable difference in tone.
If that's so, then my choice is easy. Thoughts?

 

[aproud1]

I think an ash P bass is the bees knees. I love my alder Jazz but given a choice, I would always opt for ash (well, swamp ash). There is something extra special about an ash P bass. Voodoo or not.

 

[forrestlaw]

A Fender American Original 60s P bass may be a better comparison for that Nash bass than a Pro ii.

 

[jd56hawk]

Thanks guys for the suggestions! I have to admit, I really love the looks of the Nash too.
My only concern is the 3 tone sunburst is in Ash and I "think" I want alder.
I started another thread asking about the difference between ash and alder with respect to tone.
It seems like the consensus is it would not result in a discernable difference in tone.
If that's so, then my choice is easy. Thoughts?

I'll play an alder bass but I'd choose an ash one.

 

[bassplayerwanab]

I'll play an alder bass but I'd choose an ash one.

Thanks for the feedback. How well do you think ash sits in a mix vs alder for ballads, pop-rock, etc? I consistently hear alder is warmer and rounder and sits better in a mix and that ash has a slightly brighter tone.

 

[redstrand]

My Nash is Ash and it sounds great. The neck is by far the best I have. Get the Nash

 

[aproud1]

Thanks for the feedback. How well do you think ash sits in a mix vs alder for ballads, pop-rock, etc? I consistently hear alder is warmer and rounder and sits better in a mix and that ash has a slightly brighter tone.

I personally think that an ash P bass seems to have more snap. Not sure how else to describe it. Sounded great solo but sounded perfect with a group. I played one for several years with a variety of bands and it fit perfectly in the mix. I tired several P basses and finally found the ash seemed to have that. If it seems too bright, cut the tone knob a bit. You should probably throw some Pyramid or LaBella 760fl's on there any way.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I would get the american original 60’s. I love that line.

 

[jd56hawk]

Thanks for the feedback. How well do you think ash sits in a mix vs alder for ballads, pop-rock, etc? I consistently hear alder is warmer and rounder and sits better in a mix and that ash has a slightly brighter tone.

That's definitely open to interpretation.
I'm hoping to bring my ash and adler L2000s to the studio soon...hopefully I can get the sound guy's opinion.

 

[AMJBASS]

A Fender American Original 60s P bass may be a better comparison for that Nash bass than a Pro ii.

Agreed. The Nash is built to imitate a vintage instrument, the American Pro II is a modern P bass with string through body, carbon fiber neck rods, modern bridge, poly finish instead of nitro etc. The American Original's are going to be a lot closer in comparison.

 

[bassdude51]

I've never checked out Nash until I saw this tread just a few minutes ago. WOW! Nash PB-63!!!!!!!!!! Nash looks GREAT!!!!

 

[57pbass]

I would go with Nash. I have a boatload of Basses and my Nash is one of my main Basses. I have a 2007 version of the 57 PBass with Dimarzio pickups. Great sounding bass that sets up beautifully and the relic work is nicely done.
Talke a look at the USA Lakland P Basses while you’re searching.

 

[hennessybass]

Nash makes a nice bass... at least the ones I've played.
You have to decide how much relic you like of course, but they do feel warn in.

 

[JRA]

Which one would be a better P-bass?

since money isn't the issue: whichever lends to a better feel without modification. good luck with your choice(s)!

 

[hennessybass]

Quite a few Nash haters out there who say it's a parts bass. OK, I guess.
So maybe 4-5 different craftsman work in different shops to build a Nash.
And with a Fender 4-5 different "craftsman" work in one shop to build a bass... which is of course not true for all Fenders.

If you want a bass built from the ground up by one guy, then order a CS bass, or a Muckelroy or whatever... you're gonna pay for that.

Nash does a fantastic job with the last (very important steps) in the process and puts out a very nice instrument.

 

[Cuzzie]

Nash now - for a while they were just doing relic’d bitsa’s that were overpriced (still very decent) - now I think they are making stuff in house to a good quality and can justify the price IMHO (happy to be corrected if I am wrong on any of that)
Plus Glen Hughes uses Nash - and he is a legend - seen him play both a jazz and a P and they sang

 

[Stevorebob]

I own Fender American Standard Precision and Jazz basses and a Nash JB5 bass. The Fenders are fine, but Nash makes the better product hands down.