Half of the time you don't get better. It's like buying a harley half the time you get a pos and trade it in on a new bigger pos.
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Half of the time you don't get better. It's like buying a harley half the time you get a pos and trade it in on a new bigger pos.
I agree, the pups look very uneven, further away/lower from the E and G strings than the A and D. Also, the D string looks like it definitely could be adjusted left on the saddle to split the poles.
I agree with the others - it's not a problem. Use the ability to shift the neck and move the strings on the threaded saddles to get good adjustment. That's what that model bridge is for!
"That's what that model bridge is for!"
Great. They designed a bridge so they can be sloppy with positioning it
Each saddle has multiple threads...it allows you to adjust spacing and string positioning by choosing different threads...it isn't a case of being sloppy. We are suggesting that choosing a different thread will quite likely put the strings in a spot the OP will prefer.
Works on mine..
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I appreciate all the feedback.
A little history. I bought an Aerodyne about a year ago, and love the way it feels, love the J pickup, but it didn't quite nail the P tone. I replaced the pickups with Model PJs, and didn't like the sound so I put the stock pickups back on. I still played my trusty MIM P most often for the sound. I found myself thinking that I loved the feel of the Aerodyne so much, the same 7.25 radius would be perfect on a P. So I sold my old P and bought this 50s Precision. I played it for 3 hours at rehearsal tonight, and it feels nothing like the Aerodyne, and I shouldn't have expected it to with the wide neck. It's going to take some getting used to, the neck is even wider than my old P. It feels good, but my hand fatigued faster tonight than normal. But that will force me to relax a little more, and it will help my form. So it's all good in that respect.
The only negative, it was uncomfortable several times when I rolled from the D to the G with my little finger. The string is close enough to the edge that the side of the fingerboard would dig into my finger. Once again, that may help me with form, my finger was probably too flat. It sounds great, it feels great, it looks great. It's not a huge upgrade over my old P, probably not the extra $450 I put into it. But I absolutely love the color, and I always wanted to play a maple fretboard.
I did loosen the neck and try to move it. I didn't feel much movement, but I can see a small improvement after doing it. There isn't a noticeable difference in pickup output between strings, I'll probably tweak it a bit, but it's not the issue I was worried it might be.
Spirit: The intonation is as close as I expected, D and G strings right on, E and A a pinch sharp. So I don't see an issue like you mentioned.
Spidey - it's a 7.25 radius, so the pickups will be at more of an angle than on most.
I'm thinking I'll keep it. Thanks again, all!
A little history. I bought an Aerodyne about a year ago, and love the way it feels, love the J pickup, but it didn't quite nail the P tone. I replaced the pickups with Model PJs, and didn't like the sound so I put the stock pickups back on. I still played my trusty MIM P most often for the sound. I found myself thinking that I loved the feel of the Aerodyne so much, the same 7.25 radius would be perfect on a P. So I sold my old P and bought this 50s Precision. I played it for 3 hours at rehearsal tonight, and it feels nothing like the Aerodyne, and I shouldn't have expected it to with the wide neck. It's going to take some getting used to, the neck is even wider than my old P. It feels good, but my hand fatigued faster tonight than normal. But that will force me to relax a little more, and it will help my form. So it's all good in that respect.
The only negative, it was uncomfortable several times when I rolled from the D to the G with my little finger. The string is close enough to the edge that the side of the fingerboard would dig into my finger. Once again, that may help me with form, my finger was probably too flat. It sounds great, it feels great, it looks great. It's not a huge upgrade over my old P, probably not the extra $450 I put into it. But I absolutely love the color, and I always wanted to play a maple fretboard.
I did loosen the neck and try to move it. I didn't feel much movement, but I can see a small improvement after doing it. There isn't a noticeable difference in pickup output between strings, I'll probably tweak it a bit, but it's not the issue I was worried it might be.
Spirit: The intonation is as close as I expected, D and G strings right on, E and A a pinch sharp. So I don't see an issue like you mentioned.
Spidey - it's a 7.25 radius, so the pickups will be at more of an angle than on most.
I'm thinking I'll keep it. Thanks again, all!
And a couple people mentioned pickups not looking right. They're all a pinch higher than Fender's setup guide suggests, so I'll adjust those too after I lower the action a bit. Being a high radius, they'll be angled more than most pups. I'm also thinking flats, my 5 year old LaBella Jamesons is where Il'll start, it feels like heresy to have a 50s tribute P without flats. But the factory rounds have a growl that's a thing of beauty. Thanks again, folks.
My 50s classic was also misaligned. I couldn't mentally take it even though it sounded great. I upgraded the bridge with one with better string spacing potential and am now very happy. Strings out of line with pole pieces is apparently too much for me.
I'm with ya man, I'm worried that might be an issue with me in the future. I did the same with my Aerodyne, put on a Hipshot type A (in black, of course) and that helped. And looks sharp on my black bass. But it just doesn't seem right to me to put a high-tech bridge on this P bass. But that's just me...
@pudgychef
I'm well aware of how the design works but the fact it's being used suggests misaligned bridges are not uncommon.
Ask yourself would you recommend keeping the bass if it was a $100 SX from Rondo ?
I'm well aware of how the design works but the fact it's being used suggests misaligned bridges are not uncommon.
Ask yourself would you recommend keeping the bass if it was a $100 SX from Rondo ?
This. +100
But also don't forget you can adjust the string spacing at the bridge to be more even/to your liking.
It's all normal on that bass.
I have the same, in fiesta red. It had a blemish on the neck. Purely cosmetic... the thing played and sounded fantastic. I kept it.
"That's what that model bridge is for!"
Great. They designed a bridge so they can be sloppy with positioning it
The bridge is not badly positioned. It cannot be. It's not drilled in place by one person that can screw it up. They're all placed at the exact same spot in every single bass body. That's mass production for you.
The 'issue' here is so minimal I'm surprised anybody talks about sending it back. It's like returning your new car because one tire is a little flat.
Agree. The 'issue' here is so minimal I'm surprised anybody talks about sending it back.
If you order another one - it would be the same. That's mass production.
Only thing you can do - drill new holes:
If you order another one - it would be the same. That's mass production.
Only thing you can do - drill new holes:
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It will bug you to no end. IF you don't return it soon you will be kicking yourself for waiting too late to return it. Maybe...
Looks fine to me, you seem to have the same space between the strings, but I think spacing is middle of the string to middle of the string. Might need a little neck adjustment as mentioned, then just move the G and E strings over a thread or two, it is too wide at the bridge. A little adjustment goes a long way. These things are CNC'd and such not much room for error, no reason to return it.
There are some good suggestions in here on ways that might remedy your issue but if you aren't satisfied with it right out of the box I would send it back. The 50's P IMO is a not as talked about gem in the Fender line. Got mine new for $599 from a local music store. The owner bought it for himself but decided not to keep it. I have never played a neck as chunky but there's something about it that makes me like it. It is uncomfortable for me to play in certain spots but that's more due to my poor technique!
