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Need Advice from Fender Precision players

#41
I bought my first P bass last year, a MIJ Classic 70's model and I can't say enough good about it. Lot's of variation on the tone control, it's a fairly light bass and I still can't believe how well it plays. It's like "wow, how did they DO this!!" I might be wrong about this, but I don't think this particular model is made in Japan anymore, but rather in Mexico. If that's the case then I have no idea how the MIM of this model compares to a MIJ.

Most MIM's I've tried are touch and go but when you find a good one you know it! There's one in particular at my local music store that's one of the best players I've ever found in any price range. If I didn't own my MIJ I would have grabbed that bass a long time ago.

I tried out a few American Standard P bass a while back and really liked them. Well built, solid playing basses.

Couldn't tell you anything about P/J's because I've never tried one.

The only real advice I can offer is to take your time and try as many differant models as possible. Good luck!
 
#42
PJ is never going to sound like a straight Precision. There is interaction between the 2 pickups even if you roll one off. With that budget I would lean strongly towards the new American Vintage '63 Precision. They are KILLER basses, and as close to a 60's vintage you can get IMO. If you want to spend a bit less, the Road Worn Precision is also an excellent instrument. The American Standards are of course a good choice if you want some more modern features(carbon fibre neck rods, high mass bridge with through body stringing, etc).
 
#43
C.Linton said:
Personally, I would just go straight for an American Standard. I really think you can't go wrong with that choice.
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+1. I prefer the necks on the Am. Std. over the AVRI's. All good basses though. And my personal preference is for passive basses (especially P's); so I'd take the Am. Std. over the Deluxes as well.

And if you like dealing with Sweetwater, go ahead. You said you could return it if you don't like it, so nothing to lose other than possibly shipping it back.
 
#44
awilkie84 said:
Personally, while a P-bass has a sound, it's something I can reproduce with my other basses. You don't NEED a P-bass, and anyone who tells you otherwise needs to stop being shallow.
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This is an attitude I've seen from people who haven't been in alot of working situations as a musician... I can tell you from experience that there are some jobs that your best course of action is to do what is asked of you, and get paid... It isn't a matter of being "shallow" - it's a matter of a BL or producer knowing what they want - and what works for them - and if you're not willing to give them that, they'll hire someone else...

A player can lose out on some nice pay by being too pigheaded...


- georgestrings
 
#45
AMJBASS said:
PJ is never going to sound like a straight Precision. There is interaction between the 2 pickups even if you roll one off. With that budget I would lean strongly towards the new American Vintage '63 Precision. They are KILLER basses, and as close to a 60's vintage you can get IMO. If you want to spend a bit less, the Road Worn Precision is also an excellent instrument. The American Standards are of course a good choice if you want some more modern features(carbon fibre neck rods, high mass bridge with through body stringing, etc).
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Jeff K said:
+1. I prefer the necks on the Am. Std. over the AVRI's. All good basses though. And my personal preference is for passive basses (especially P's); so I'd take the Am. Std. over the Deluxes as well.

And if you like dealing with Sweetwater, go ahead. You said you could return it if you don't like it, so nothing to lose other than possibly shipping it back.
Click to expand...

It's hard to argue with either of these posts - well said, gents... I really like Sweetwater, also - had nothing but good experiences with them...


- georgestrings
 
#46
I have the Honeyburst American Special and absolutely love it. Its been my #1 player for over a year and I own over a dozen basses.

What I like best is that the neck is thinner (front to back) than any other Precision I've ever played. And, the bass is super lightweight. It weighs in at less than 8lbs.

One caveat, I did mess with the electronics a bit. I really didn't like the Greasebucket tone setup so I pulled it in favor of a more traditional setup, and I did change to '62 original pickups, but both changes were just personal preference.
 
#47
I have owned Am standards, a 2012 62 AVRI, and my personal keeper, a 2013 63 AVRI.

The 63 AVRI is the best "recently made" P that I have ever heard. That said, I support the poster's comments that a 2012 and prior 62 AVRI maybe the best bang for the buck.

I am seriously considering pulling a fast one and running an AM Standard neck on the 63 AVRI providing neck pocket dimensions allow it. It would be my personal definition of Fender P perfection.

I understand your need to keep employers happy with a Fender headstock. I would grab the tool you need for the job, but pick any other color than 3TS as your silent protest ! :hiding:
 
#48
Ah yes the Fender bias......... I have felt it's wrath many times. Years ago I lost out on gigs because I didn't play a Fender. With your budget you have many good choices, heck you could buy maybe two real nice new P basses for 2k! I have 4 '74-'77 P basses, all great players. For under 2k you could buy a nice vintage 70's P bass. Sure they made some dogs in the 70's and in general QC went down progressively through the decade but there are some really nice ones out there to. If you go the vintage route try before you buy!
 
#52
I have two MIM Precisions that ge used often often in the studio. I keep one strung with flats and a rosewood board and the other is a maple board with round wounds and a classic 60s pup.

They both are completely P Bass tonally and they serve me well. I've never received negative remarks regarding the fact that they are MIM vs USA, but I usually work a good group of musicians and engineers that don't care what you play as long as you play well and get a good sound to the board. In fact I have a Squier '77 Jazz that gets ample studio time. It is stock except for the bridge and it sounds great.
 
#54
End of the year close outs at GC can have some pretty crazy low pricing............................but if you have 2k to spend I don't think $ are a issue so go buy what you like :) heck I'm excited for you :hyper:
 
#56
Mr.Fingers said:
I'd go for a Mexican Fender "Classic '50" P-bass. More bass for the buck. Okay, you don't get a SKB-case with it (but a tweed case), but that's about it. Hardware is the same as on the American Vintage series, build quality is top-notch, and it sounds better (IMHO) than the AM.STD. It sure has a thick neck, and the vintage frets and small radius (7.25") isn't everyone's cup of tea, but sure try those basses out!


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+1 on this bass. I REALLY prefer the vintage models either Mexi or USA. The American Vintage models are outstanding.
 
#59
Heck, for $2K you could always get yourself an actual 70s P bass with some genuine road wear. Then, of course, everyone you play with will assume the bass sounds amazing and the you are a "real pro" once you tell them it is an ACTUAL vintage P bass. Perception is everything. They have no idea what they are talking about. So if you show up with a vintage P, they will think you are the greatest thing since sliced bread. At that point, your chops don't even have to be amazing.
 
#60
I picked this up for 1k recently. Pup swapped out for a Dimarzo and everyone's favorite 70's mod the Badass II bridge. Great player :) vintage prices are down I bet you could find a real nice 70's Precision for $1,200-$1,500.
73FenderPrecision001.jpg
 

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