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On a PJ Hunt

DoctorZee

DoctorZee

Jan 27, 2018
1,590
3,950
New York / New Jersey
#1
Looking for PJs that fit the following criteria:
  • Active/passive switch
  • Neck width less than 1.625”
  • 34” scale
  • Less than US$1,000 new
I believe this narrows it down to:
  • Fender Deluxe Active Precision
  • Ibanez TMB500
  • Ibanez SR650
  • Sire MM P7
  • Yamaha BB734
Any thoughts or recommendations on these choices? Am I missing any good options?
 
#4
I really like the Yamaha or the Ibanez SR650. I went with the Ibanez because it was a better fit ergonomically for me. I also really like the Nordstrand pickups. However it is not my main player. That is one of my Precisions. The Ibby is still a solid player and is worth trying.

I did feel that the Yamaha had a beefy sound that I liked so that is why I suggest it. It sounds big and authoritative. All the ones I tried were heavy compared to my Fender basses but they are great basses.

I tried the Fender Deluxe and I was underwhelmed by the preamp. Otherwise it was a fine bass.

The rest I have no experience with so I can’t provide feedback on them.
 
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#8
I would be happy with any of them, maybe the Fender the least.

My main bass is the SR650 (well 655 but ya know) and would recommend this over the TMB based on having 24 frets, modern styling, weight, and the mid tone knob. My backup bass is a TMB310, and it’s advantages over the SR is the classic looks, better neck (I actually don’t prefer the 4 string SR necks which is partially why I got the 5er), and it’s got a better spot for slap technique.

I really like the Yamahas and Sires, but they didn’t get either of my main two spots.

D110C44C-C0BE-4CD4-86D5-2BA43F71E196.jpeg
 
#9
nFinnyD said:
I would be happy with any of them, maybe the Fender the least.

My main bass is the SR650 (well 655 but ya know) and would recommend this over the TMB based on having 24 frets, modern styling, weight, and the mid tone knob. My backup bass is a TMB310, and it’s advantages over the SR is the classic looks, better neck (I actually don’t prefer the 4 string SR necks which is partially why I got the 5er), and it’s got a better spot for slap technique.

I really like the Yamahas and Sires, but they didn’t get either of my main two spots.

View attachment 3785924
Click to expand...
That’s interesting. I’ve never liked SR necks either, but hadn’t considered that a 5-string might be more comfortable. Also didn’t notice the SR is reverse P until I saw your pic.
 
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#11
+2 for the Ibanez SR650 I both owned the natural finish 650 and the limited edition blue/green SR655 color. I foolishly sold both of them due to health issues but now I’m on the hunt of rebuying them again this year for my 2020 goal!

The 5 string SR are very impressive and feels a lot better around my fretting hand than the 650.
 
#12
My first thought was, "Why hasn't anyone mentioned the Almighty Aerodyne?", but then I caught the "active/passive" criterion. Other than that bit, it fits everything else on the checklist. Still, it got me wondering…are there any preamps that could be dropped into an Aerodyne without having to carve out any wood? An Audere jack-plate preamp would work, but only on a non-export 'Dyne. And unless someone has tried it, there's no telling if there'd be room for the module and battery inside the rear cavity.

Another plausible suggestion would be a Fender Reggie Hamilton Jazz, but they have been discontinued for a handful of years. Still, there's a used one on Reverb that looks to be in fair shape. One thing I will say about the Reggies, of all the P/J's I've owned and/or sampled, it has my favorite placement for the neck pickup. No lack of "THUMP" there, I'll tell ya! ;) :thumbsup:
 
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#14
JForest said:
I was interested in the Fender Deluxe Active Precision, but I don't think that there is a passive tone possibility. INSANE !

Found this information in this thread :
New Fender Deluxe Active Precision - Experience?

Is this a true fact ?
Click to expand...
Hmm, looking at the service manual, it appears that’s correct. Hopefully someone with first-hand experience can confirm. If so, that would be a deal-breaker for me, too.

https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/... 0143412XXX Service Manual REV A 6-1-2016.PDF
 
#15
DoctorZee said:
Looking for PJs that fit the following criteria:
  • Active/passive switch
  • Neck width less than 1.625”
  • 34” scale
  • Less than US$1,000 new
I believe this narrows it down to:
  • Fender Deluxe Active Precision
  • Ibanez TMB500
  • Ibanez SR650
  • Sire MM P7
  • Yamaha BB734
Any thoughts or recommendations on these choices? Am I missing any good options?
Click to expand...
Just remember that older Deluxe Precisions do not have the active/passive switch like the newer ones did.

My 2014 MIA Deluxe Precision is a joy to play.
 
#17
DoctorZee said:
Looking for PJs that fit the following criteria:
  • Active/passive switch
  • Neck width less than 1.625”
  • 34” scale
  • Less than US$1,000 new
I believe this narrows it down to:
  • Fender Deluxe Active Precision
  • Ibanez TMB500
  • Ibanez SR650
  • Sire MM P7
  • Yamaha BB734
Any thoughts or recommendations on these choices? Am I missing any good options?
Click to expand...

Gonna cast another lot in for the SR650. You have a TON of versatility with the Nordy pups and active/passive switch and the neck is very thin and fast.
 
#19
tb-player said:
Don't forget about Sire. Their basses are so nice and super affordable. The [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] might check all your boxes.
Click to expand...
I know this is a little unreasonable, but the only Sire I’ve ever gotten to play (2nd gen V7) was terrible, and it has really turned me off from Sire. I know there are bad apples coming out of Fender and everywhere else, but I just won’t be ordering one without getting to try it first (which isn’t easy with Sires near me).
 
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