New fender P-Bass. Which one to get.

[Doug Bright]

TB,
I purchased the new Fender American Original 60's pbass yesterday after spending about three hours at the store trying to decide. Now I am second guessing by decision.
The American Professional series has a smaller neck and is easier to play, feels more modern. I got all swept up in the vintage vibe because that is the tone I need in my arsenal, but both basses can get that vintage sound.
P-bass guys, give me some input.
A few things to notes...
1. I NEVER play with a pick.
2. My other 2 main basses are Lakland 5 strings, One Jbass and one 55-94.
3. I play sessions and live gigs, anything that pays $$.

 

[Bodeanly]

TB,
I purchased the new Fender American Original 60's pbass yesterday after spending about three hours at the store trying to decide. Now I am second guessing by decision.
The American Professional series has a smaller neck and is easier to play, feels more modern. I got all swept up in the vintage vibe because that is the tone I need in my arsenal, but both basses can get that vintage sound.
P-bass guys, give me some input.
A few things to notes...
1. I NEVER play with a pick.
2. My other 2 main basses are Lakland 5 strings, One Jbass and one 55-94.
3. I play sessions and live gigs, anything that pays $$.

I would get the one that is most comfortable to play. I'd also like to add that I started making more money and getting more gigs when I resolved to play the way the songwriter/ original recording had envisioned. Learning to play with a pick, in addition to plucking, not in lieu of, will make you more versatile. And either of those basses would be fine either way. Just my seven cents.

 

[mdogs]

I would get the one that is most comfortable to play. I'd also like to add that I started making more money and getting more gigs when I resolved to play the way the songwriter/ original recording had envisioned. Learning to play with a pick, in addition to plucking, not in lieu of, will make you more versatile. Just my seven cents.

Ya, that was said as if it is a bad thing to play with a pick. I don't happen to slap, but I don't really think down on people who do. I don't get hired to slap anyway. I do get hired because I am equally adept with my fingers and a pick.

 

[Bodeanly]

Ya, that was said as if it is a bad thing to play with a pick. I don't happen to slap, but I don't really think down on people who do. I don't get hired to slap anyway. I do get hired because I am equally adept with my fingers and a pick.

What's cool is that you could slap, pick, or pluck either of the basses in question and both would still be great basses.

 

[Doug Bright]

Ya, that was said as if it is a bad thing to play with a pick. I don't happen to slap, but I don't really think down on people who do. I don't get hired to slap anyway. I do get hired because I am equally adept with my fingers and a pick.

 

[Doug Bright]

My apologies. It was not my intention to insult anyone that plays with a pic. It's just a technique I've never learned.

 

[JRA]

I would get the one that is most comfortable to play.

OP: good luck with your choices!

 

[Edgetone]

I would get a G&L LB100 instead. Never thought I would love a P bass until I got mine. ;-)

 

[jeff7bass]

TB,
I purchased the new Fender American Original 60's pbass yesterday after spending about three hours at the store trying to decide. Now I am second guessing by decision.
The American Professional series has a smaller neck and is easier to play, feels more modern. I got all swept up in the vintage vibe because that is the tone I need in my arsenal, but both basses can get that vintage sound.
P-bass guys, give me some input.
A few things to notes...
1. I NEVER play with a pick.
2. My other 2 main basses are Lakland 5 strings, One Jbass and one 55-94.
3. I play sessions and live gigs, anything that pays $$.

Might be hard to find "that tone" in a more modern bass. The more you play it, the more you'll adjust to the size of the neck.

 

[Luckaz]

My apologies. It was not my intention to insult anyone that plays with a pic. It's just a technique I've never learned.

+1
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[Doug Bright]

Might be hard to find "that tone" in a more modern bass. The more you play it, the more you'll adjust to the size of the neck.

It's the string spacing more than neck size.

 

[jeff7bass]

It's the string spacing more than neck size.

Big price drop on the Dean P-Bass with "faster, sleeker neck".
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[jeff7bass]

Also in Black with Maple.
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[ScottfromCalgary]

I have a couple of American Vintage 63 P's (predecessor to the AO series) as they're my absolute favorite in terms of both feel and sound (love that 63 pup, which is the same as yours). However, if you're not getting along with feel then I'd suggest going with the professional. My bet is that you can coax just about any P bass tone/sound you want out of the either of them with the right string selection, picking/plucking technique and/or amp EQ'ing.

 

[mongo2]

The fact that you find the Pro series to be easier to play and provides the tone you want says to me you might have chosen incorrectly. I'll go with easy to play and right tone every time.