Nash or Fender P-Bass?

[Cuzzie]

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.

we posted at the same time!

But overall I think it’s stands that operations from what I read/hear are tighter and can justify the more personal touches a higher price tag justifies compared to earlier stuff, however if it gets you into the market and then you grow and get better - great decision, great business sense and good ethics to keep quality improving

 

[micguy]

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.

I think there's a lot more than 4 or 5 people that touch a Fender on its way through a factory. Yes, Fenders are "parts basses" just as much as any other parts bass - a bunch of parts are assembled in a factory versus in a basement - no real difference there.

 

[Cuzzie]

I think it was more the necks were not made ‘in house’ at all, and I suppose Fender’s are in Fender factories.

It makes sense as a start up, necks are the most important to get right and if you can get quality in..... I think Cataldo did the same and they are great basses

Nash now I believe have it sorted

 

[huggernaut]

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.

Just FYI Nash basses also have neck reinforcement rods, confirmed this with them a year or two ago. All the other points stand, modern appointments vs vintage.

 

[pbassnut]

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?

I've played a coupla Nash Ps and they were both stellar. That said, the 2012 - 2016 American Standard Ps loaded with that killer (IMHO, anyway) Fender Custom Shop pickup are really good basses and can routinely be found for $800 - $1000 ... often on this very site.

 

[Stevorebob]

I understand that Nash necks and bodies are Fender-licensed products supplied by Warmouth and All Parts. I’d say that those suppliers are known for being at least as good as Fender.

And what Nash does with those parts is amazing. The fit and “finish” superb, and the setup excellent, on par with my Mike Lull bass.

 

[bassplayerwanab]

Excellent thread! Thanks for all of the responses! Based on the responses, I'd have to say the Nash recommendations outweigh the Fender. I've read other reviews that say the Nash is essentially a Fender CS for half the price. I'm leaning toward the Nash but my problem is I'm only seeing the 3TSB in Ash and I really want Alder based on several other posts and people I've talked to who say Alder provides the warm, round punchy "classic" P-Bass tone (ala, Carol Kaye, Motown, Classic 60's-70's). As you can see by my name, "bassplayerwanab", although I've been playing guitar for 50+ years, I'm just starting out on the bass so I don't know if what I understand about Alder vs Ash body is true or whether there would be any noticeable difference in tone. If not, I'll pull the trigger on the Nash ash body and be done with it. Otherwise, I'll go with the Fender american PB with Alder. Thoughts/recommendations? Thanks again for your helpful advice!

 

[hennessybass]

I think you have to order through a Nash dealer. I think your dealer can help you get what you want... alder body, finish color, relic level, etc.

There was another thread where a guy order a Nash, but didn't like the way the color turned out, sent it back, and got a different bass. He also requested light weight, and I think they put light weight tuners on for him - chosen by Nash.
It's custom - to a point. Not sure you can actually specify what hardware and stuff like that and they are not going to do anything they don't want to do. Also, colors are mixed by hand for each instrument - so if you want Sonic Blue, every one will be slightly different.

I would talk to a dealer.

As far as tone difference between Alder and Ash -- I think you can say VERY GENERALLY that Alder might be a bit warmer than Ash. (Not trying to start that debate here). Every piece of wood is different. Generally Alder is a bit lighter.

If you want a 60s style P, then I would go Alder. But maybe they use Ash on the burst colors so the grain can show through? Not sure if Fender did this or not.
Nash is a bit like commissioning a piece of art. You have to trust the artist.

 

[redstrand]

Excellent thread! Thanks for all of the responses! Based on the responses, I'd have to say the Nash recommendations outweigh the Fender. I've read other reviews that say the Nash is essentially a Fender CS for half the price. I'm leaning toward the Nash but my problem is I'm only seeing the 3TSB in Ash and I really want Alder based on several other posts and people I've talked to who say Alder provides the warm, round punchy "classic" P-Bass tone (ala, Carol Kaye, Motown, Classic 60's-70's). As you can see by my name, "bassplayerwanab", although I've been playing guitar for 50+ years, I'm just starting out on the bass so I don't know if what I understand about Alder vs Ash body is true or whether there would be any noticeable difference in tone. If not, I'll pull the trigger on the Nash ash body and be done with it. Otherwise, I'll go with the Fender american PB with Alder. Thoughts/recommendations? Thanks again for your helpful advice!

The warm tone is the pickup and the amp, don't worry about the wood, anything Nash uses is top notch

 

[bassplayerwanab]

I keep going back and forth between the Fender American Prof II Alder and Nash PB-63 Ash. Some people say Ash vs Alder doesn't make any difference and the other half say it does play a role and Alder is warmer and closer to the classic 60's P-Bass tone. Without being able to A/B, and the fact that I'm borderline OCD I'm driving myself crazy. Ugh! Choices, choices.

 

[Cuzzie]

Whatever engine says there will be subtle differences between woods/materials used for bodies, necks, finger boards - there honestly is.
Even within the sam species there will be some difference, but the general thoughts out there about how they behave is true.
If you are not fussed then it depends on weight and appearance.
If it’s a block colour finish - it matters not, if grain is on show, it’s nice to have something interesting IMO.

This will get you part way.
Your pick up choice, placement, strings and style will determine whether you have that 60’s mojo sound or something else or both.

 

[hennessybass]

If you can’t try before you buy, then I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

There might be a slight difference, but who knows. You might get a really light warm piece of ash, or you might get a really heavy and bright piece of alder.

We are talking about very subtle degrees of different. And no way to know those differences without doing a direct A/B.

like others say - lots of other more important things that impact your tone. Strings and plucking hand technique, for example.

 

[SJan3]

I keep going back and forth between the Fender American Prof II Alder and Nash PB-63 Ash. Some people say Ash vs Alder doesn't make any difference and the other half say it does play a role and Alder is warmer and closer to the classic 60's P-Bass tone. Without being able to A/B, and the fact that I'm borderline OCD I'm driving myself crazy. Ugh! Choices, choices.

I'd bet my bottom dollar that the NASH PB63 with an ash body will sound much more like a vintage instrument than a Fender Am Pro ll.

 

[monsterthompson]

I’ve got a Nash PB-63. It’s the bass I’ve had the longest, and survived in the stable while others flipped. It feels comfortable and plays great. The only modification was a swap of the stock DiMarzio for a Duncan SH. From what I’ve seen and heard, the Lollar pickup is the one to get stock if you can.

I can’t compare it to the Fender you mentioned, since I’ve got no real experience with that model.

 

[bassplayerwanab]

I’ve got a Nash PB-63. It’s the bass I’ve had the longest, and survived in the stable while others flipped. It feels comfortable and plays great. The only modification was a swap of the stock DiMarzio for a Duncan SH. From what I’ve seen and heard, the Lollar pickup is the one to get stock if you can.

I can’t compare it to the Fender you mentioned, since I’ve got no real experience with that model.

Thanks for the reply. Is your PB-63 Ash or Alder?

 

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

Nash makes brilliant instruments that are an absolute joy to play. In fact, around 2016, I was still using my first Skjold exclusively and had been for 7 years without any desire for a second bass. Until I went to Bass San Diego and absolutely fell in love with a Nash JB63 and PB63, both black (alder). It was the first time in ages that a bass had jumped out at me so much and had so much mojo. I would absolutely consider a Nash if I ever wanted a P or J.

As far as Alder vs Ash - i suggest a simple trick using your favorite music player. Choose a song, ideally with a bassline you can hear clearly. Open the parametric / 10band eq (with frequency sliders)
> boost 340 +2.5db, cut 4k by .5 or 1db and play the song - boom - alder bass
> cut 80hz by 1db, boost 550 +1.5db, boost 1.2khz +1db - bang - ash bass

poopie you not

 

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

keep going back and forth between the Fender American Prof II Alder and Nash PB-63 Ash. Some people say Ash vs Alder doesn't make any difference and the other half say it does play a role and Alder is warmer and closer to the classic 60's P-Bass tone. Without being able to A/B, and the fact that I'm borderline OCD I'm driving myself crazy. Ugh! Choices, choices.

Bro, get the Nash - forget about the Fender. And don't trip about the body wood, your choice in strings will have a more significant impact on overall sound. Also, not once have I ever thought "damn this is a killer bass, I just wish it was made of x instead of y."

well, except for acrylic

 

[bassplayerwanab]

Bro, get the Nash - forget about the Fender. And don't trip about the body wood, your choice in strings will have a more significant impact on overall sound. Also, not once have I ever thought "damn this is a killer bass, I just wish it was made of x instead of y."

well, except for acrylic

Thanks for the advice. I think your decisive response has pushed me over the edge to go for the nash.
For classic warm, thumpy p-bass, what strings do you recommend?

 

[socialleper]

I've tried Nash basses and thought they were nice. $2k is a little steep for a P bass in my opinion. As someone else mentioned, look into Lakland's Skyline P basses, 44-64 I think. Not retro at all. Hefty low end.

 

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

Thanks for the advice. I think your decisive response has pushed me over the edge to go for the nash.
For classic warm, thumpy p-bass, what strings do you recommend?

I wouldn't steer you wrong

Pyramid Flatwounds. LaBella are classic as well but I love Pyramid strings. You're very welcome.