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Need Advice from Fender Precision players

#6
Fender Am Std Precision is pretty reliable on that "Precision" sound. A good majority of MIM P's can get just as good of sound, but you have to find the right one. Swamp Ash or Alder is going to be your best bet, and run of the mill P-bass pickups are going to get that sound they're probably looking for. I've always been partial to a Rosewood fretboard on my P's because of the "warmth" it gives.

Honestly, if you've got a Jazz, try running the front pickup only and you'll get pretty darn close. Probably close enough to make the engineer happy.
 
#7
A big +1 to the aforementioned American Standards. They'll very nice instruments and play/sound at least as good as a couple of the more expensive American Vintage Re-issues that I've fooled around on. That's IF you really need or want to spend that much. Some of the much cheaper Squier models sound great and will definitely get you that "P bass sound", but the quality control on those can be hit or miss and you'd be wise to find one that you like and play it in person.
 
#8
Ha! They are hearing with their eyes mostly. You could show up with an American Standard P bass with stacked humbucker pickups and a stacked knob three band active pre and they would never know the difference even though it would sound nothing at all like a vintage P. They would simply SEE a P bass (especially with USA stamped on it) and think "OK, he's got a P bass. He's good to go." You could also show up with a REDDI with the guts removed and a Rapco DI box shoved in it and they would think your setup is the most amazing thing ever. They don't know the difference in most cases.

That being said, if it gets you gigs, just get the P bass and be done with it.
 
#9
two fingers said:
Ha! They are hearing with their eyes mostly. You could show up with an American Standard P bass with stacked humbucker pickups and a stacked knob three band active pre and they would never know the difference even though it would sound nothing at all like a vintage P. They would simply SEE a P bass (especially with USA stamped on it) and think "OK, he's got a P bass. He's good to go." You could also show up with a REDDI with the guts removed and a Rapco DI box shoved in it and they would think your setup is the most amazing thing ever. They don't know the difference in most cases.

That being said, if it gets you gigs, just get the P bass and be done with it.
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Or they could genuinely want the P-Bass sound! :)

I would also agree that an American Standard is a good choice.
 
#10
Why Sweetwater specifically?

I didn't see it on Sweetwater but I've been GASing for a Invalid Link Removed. $900

F8700300X.jpg


I currently play a G&L SB-2 and I don't think I'll ever buy a P without a J at the bridge, it just opens up way more tonal options while still giving you the solid P tone when you want it.

That Reggie (to me) just looks freekin' cool!
 
#12
NightCat said:
Why Sweetwater specifically?

I didn't see it on Sweetwater but I've been GASing for a Invalid Link Removed. $900

F8700300X.jpg


I currently play a G&L SB-2 and I don't think I'll ever buy a P without a J at the bridge, it just opens up way more tonal options while still giving you the solid P tone when you want it.

That Reggie (to me) just looks freekin' cool!
Click to expand...

I have been thinking about that bass also.

I was at my local GC today. They had a number of basses at 20% off for Columbus day, including some P and J basses. You might want to check that out and see if you can get a deal on something.
 
#13
Wow, alot of Precision players out there. I use Sweetwater because they have always been very honest and fair in the past. Plus they have let me return things if I was not happy for a full refund. I have been reading lately, here on Talkbass, that the P/J combo will not give you that complete Precision tone, that its close, but not quite there. I guess it does open up some tonal possibilities. They do have the Deluxe Precision these days. I hear its just not the same as a Precision though.
 
#15
Bassman8416 said:
Wow, alot of Precision players out there. I use Sweetwater because they have always been very honest and fair in the past. Plus they have let me return things if I was not happy for a full refund. I have been reading lately, here on Talkbass, that the P/J combo will not give you that complete Precision tone, that its close, but not quite there. I guess it does open up some tonal possibilities. They do have the Deluxe Precision these days. I hear its just not the same as a Precision though.
Click to expand...
I dunno, I would be VERY surprised if anyone could tell the difference between a P/J bass with the J off and a P bass in a band context or a recording. I bet the strings you choose would make more of a tonal difference.
Doesn't matter to me though. Get the bass that moves you.
 
#17
I would look for an older used Precision. Despite what many people think, Fender did make some great instruments in the 1970s and 80s. 1981 to 1983 are very good due to a change in management at Fender who made the decision to move production back to the original Fullerton, California plant. They used the same tools and equipment as the Pre-CBS era and hired back many of the same workers. The quality is great. I recently purchased one in perfect condition from a fellow TB'er for $750. I have never had so many compliments on my tone.
 

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