P Bass advice?

[timeaisis]

Looking to finally grab a P Bass again after I had to sell mine a few years back. Thing is, I'm trying to figure out what route to go.

Currently I'm looking at something in the ~$600 ish range and I'm trying to decide between your standard Fender P or one of those Vintage or Classic Vibe ones I keep hearing about, which are nearly half the price. I've heard nothing but good things about them and they look cool as hell. But my old P was a Squier and it was just ok so I'm kinda hesitant to go that route.

What do you think the best here? Do the Vintage and Classic basses hold up to gigging? Or should I be "safe" and go with a more updated standard Fender model? Or something else entirely?

Thanks!

 

[garp]

The usual advice: Play as many as you can get your hands on.

I'm a big fan of the Fender MIMs, and have owned a '50s Classic Precision for a few years now. It's a tad above your budget when purchased new, but well worth it, IMHO.

Good luck on your search.