Nash or Fender P-Bass?

[quilanthegreat]

I own a 2015 Am. Std and recently got a Nash PB63. Very different feel but the Nash has quickly replaced the Fender as my #1 player. I have La Bella Low Tension Flats on the Fender now and plan to use that for recording. I am really like the Dunlop Super Brights on my Nash - I play in a wedding band that spans several genres and the rounds seem to give me more tonal options in that setting.

 

[bassdude51]

A Fender always has better re-sale value.

Which is better, Nash or Fender? I can't say.

I really, really like the AVRI P models '58 and '63 made from 2013 to 2017. They are very, very close to Custom Shop quality.

Good luck!

AMS has a blem '63 AO for $1,600 right now. 3TSB. Nice bass!

 

[Mike Vee]

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?

The Professional II is not really a comparable model to the Nash, which would be more like a CS Fender or an American Original at the very least. That being said, I'd go with one that has the color and weight you like regardless of brand.

 

[rpt50]

There is a shop within 5 miles of my house that regularly stocks Nash basses (and guitars) as well as American production Fenders. There is simply no comparison. Tone is certainly subjective, but in terms of playability and quality "feel", the Nash models are uniformly WAY ahead. As a shop regular I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a "dud" Nash instrument, but production Fenders are quite variable in my experience.

The relic look may also a consideration for some. On one hand it seems almost fraudulent, like you are posing with played-in instrument that you played no role in "playing in", but on the other hand, I bet it sure makes the first ding easier (speaking as someone who just put a huge ding in the headstock of my BBP34)!

 

[andare]

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

I used to think that until a new neck made my P bass sound deeper. The wooden parts of a solid body instrument definitely influence the tone, though I don't know if it's the wood, the shape, the size or what else.

 

[SJan3]

I used to think that until a new neck made my P bass sound deeper. The wooden parts of a solid body instrument definitely influence the tone, though I don't know if it's the wood, the shape, the size or what else.

I agree. I put a G&L Climax neck on my L2000 and the bass lost so much "body" to it's tone. When I put the original L2000 neck back on, all was well again. The difference was striking!

 

[Mike Vee]

There is a shop within 5 miles of my house that regularly stocks Nash basses (and guitars) as well as American production Fenders. There is simply no comparison. Tone is certainly subjective, but in terms of playability and quality "feel", the Nash models are uniformly WAY ahead. As a shop regular I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a "dud" Nash instrument, but production Fenders are quite variable in my experience.

The relic look may also a consideration for some. On one hand it seems almost fraudulent, like you are posing with played-in instrument that you played no role in "playing in", but on the other hand, I bet it sure makes the first ding easier (speaking as someone who just put a huge ding in the headstock of my BBP34)!

What is the LA shop that stocks Nash???

 

[Stevorebob]

What is the LA shop that stocks Nash???

I bought mine at Mesa Boogie Hollywood. Website says they are still closed.

 

[flacoclef]

I tried them both back to back and the Nash felt better, had way more output, though the Fender was more prominent on the bass. Both great basses. The Nash colors are prettier in my opinion.

 

[Jinobass1]

Here’s My All original ‘63 and AVRI ‘63
and
most recently
;

Roasted Alder Body with Roasted Slab Brazilian Rosewood Matching Headstock Precision Bass all by Fender. I played the Nash ‘63 and I was really impressed! The one or two I played was really light and had roller pick ups and nitro Lacquer finish and played both ash and alder and Sounded great, and I was gonna buy one since it’s hard to come by in japan but it got sold right away….. I also dig Labella Olinto ,Sound amazing and light weight,want one too!
I love my fenders but a big fan of Nash,LaBella too!

 

[Jefenator]

Whichever one has less of a "ski jump" choking off the upper register. (I've had issues with both brands for this.)