Need help choosing a P-Bass....

[bordinco90]

55-02 Deluxe, spalted maple/maple board

- Gap in the neck pocket
- 1/2" crack in the finish
- One of the pickups was screwed in so tightly that the plastic near the screw had cracked off
- D-string tuner was installed on an angle

Wow that's a fairly expensive bass. I figured it would not have those problems coming from Sweetwater.

 

[MMiller28]

Wow that's a fairly expensive bass. I figured it would not have those problems coming from Sweetwater.

Considering their alleged inspection process, I was shocked. They handled it very well, though, and it's the only problem I've had from them.

 

[bordinco90]

Considering their alleged inspection process, I was shocked. They handled it very well, though, and it's the only problem I've had from them.

Did you get a replacement?

 

[hondo4life]

I voted for Lakland, even though it doesn't seem to come with tort.
I think the Indonesians can make basses. My Hondo was made in Indonesia, and it is superb, despite being a cheap plywood thing.

 

[bordinco90]

Wow only 1 vote so far for the Carvin!

 

[MMiller28]

Did you get a replacement?

I was so turned off that I got an American Standard Precision instead. Arrived in flawless condition, just like my two other MIAs.

 

[Bassist30]

I would suggest the Pro series P bass. They sound really nice.

 

[bordinco90]

I voted for Lakland, even though it doesn't seem to come with tort.
I think the Indonesians can make basses. My Hondo was made in Indonesia, and it is superb, despite being a cheap plywood thing.

Yeah I just think for buying a bass made overseas, it's a little bit expensive, but I've heard nothing but good things about the lakland basses.

 

[Trouztrouz]

55-02 Deluxe, spalted maple/maple board

- Gap in the neck pocket
- 1/2" crack in the finish
- One of the pickups was screwed in so tightly that the plastic near the screw had cracked off
- D-string tuner was installed on an angle

This is really surprising. The skylines purportedly go through a setup and inspection in Chicago. It's hard to imagine a bass coming out of the lakland with all those problems. I'm not doubting your story but I'd have to believe that something unusual happened between leaving the factory and arriving in your hands.

For what it's worth I'd rank my Skyline above my Am Std Fender in terms of build quality.

 

[shastaband]

Look around for a used American Standard Precision and you'll get the graphite rods and the older style frets. There are several listed right now on the TB classifieds. Some stores that still have them are selling new American Standards for a considerable discount. I have both an American Standard Jazz and Precision (both fives) and they have the nicest necks of any of my current basses (and I have 10 right now, all but one American made) and the graphite rods do reduce the need for neck adjustments.

 

[audreycashin]

Have you considered G&L?

 

[bordinco90]

This is really surprising. The skylines purportedly go through a setup and inspection in Chicago. It's hard to imagine a bass coming out of the lakland with all those problems. I'm not doubting your story but I'd have to believe that something unusual happened between leaving the factory and arriving in your hands.

For what it's worth I'd rank my Skyline above my Am Std Fender in terms of build quality.

Ok just wondering how the laklands fair with the fender MIA stuff. The laklands have always looked nice to me and I like the 1.75 spacing that they offer.

 

[bordinco90]

Have you considered G&L?

I have, but no stores carry them near me and Sweetwater doesn't carry them either. I have had several bad experiences with GC and MF so I am not buying from them.

 

[bordinco90]

Look around for a used American Standard Precision and you'll get the graphite rods and the older style frets. Some stores that still have them are selling new American Standards for a considerable discount. I have both an American Standard Jazz and Precision (both fives) and they have the nicest necks of any of my current basses (and I have 10 right now) and the graphite rods do reduce the need for neck adjustments.

Yeah I owned a Fender Am Std P and have regretted getting rid of it.

 

[mesaplayer83]

Look around for a used American Standard Precision and you'll get the graphite rods and the older style frets. There are several listed right now on the TB classifieds. Some stores that still have them are selling new American Standards for a considerable discount. I have both an American Standard Jazz and Precision (both fives) and they have the nicest necks of any of my current basses (and I have 10 right now, all but one American made) and the graphite rods do reduce the need for neck adjustments.

This - or, an '08 or later Highway One or American Special - use the savings to buy whatever pickups, pickguard, etc... that you want... You'll end up with a high quality bass that is "the real thing", and that will always hold it's value...

 

[mesaplayer83]

I also agree that the posiflex rods do make for a more stable neck...

 

[Baltimore Bass]

For your budget, you could find a used American P on reverb. I'd go that route.

 

[theduke1]

Not on your list, but my choice would be either a
G&L LB1 or SB1
Duke

 

[phangtonpower]

I would go Warmoth and build exactly what you want.

 

[bordinco90]

I may look into the used market, but you never know buying used from someone you don't know. At least with sweetwater, I can send it back it I want.