P Bass choices

[Dr Zee]

Climb into a time machine and go back to 1984 and buy an MIJ P Bass for $350. That's what I did.
Be real careful to have year appropriate bills and don't step on any butterflies.

 

[KevinDBassist]

Lakland 44-64

This , the Skyline series is excellent .

 

[Lowendchamp]

I just went on a tirade about the fact that people are bashing Fenders prices unfairly. I love my Am Pro 2, but the AP line is fantastic and a few hundred cheaper. Biggest difference besides the pups is a gig bag instead of the hard shell case(super nice). Truth be told though I feel like my only true OG P basses that I own are my MIM Player series. Worth every penny! I will say this though, if you can wait, and have the money, USA G&L LB-100 is probably the best production P out there besides a Nash or Lull.

 

[groove pump]

So I like the new Pro, sounds and feels great.

however didn’t want to drop 1800 bucks on my first P

want classic James Brown, and all the old Motown and soul sound.

what Ps should I be looking at for around 1000 bucks

somethin I can be proud of.

or am I way under budget

Shop 'til you drop, baby!!

I'm hardly an authority on the options among P-basses, but I'm sure that you could find some terrific players with rock-solid sound for well under $1,800. If I had to go look at P's today, I'd readily consider G&L, Yamaha, Warmoth, Schecter, maybe Lakland Skyline... just for starters.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Your local Craigslist

I agree with this. I always buy used from eBay, Reverb, Music Go Round, and Craigslist. I get the best deals from Craigslist, but you need to be patient.

 

[SoulReflection]

I am very happy with my Fender Player P. Bought it at the old price and added a PV63 pup. It is everything I have ever wanted. A lot of the sound you are looking for comes from your fingers, not your bass...YMMV!

Forgot to mention, my Player P, with the PV63 pup, came in under $675., new. That was before Fender jacked up the prices but still, you could be under $1K for a solid bass. If @bobyoung53 is correct, and James Brown's bassists used Fender Js, you can come close with a P IMHO.

 

[squeally dan]

You have a lot of good options for under $1000.
Id look at:
Fender Am special/performer I see these right under a grand. The special and performers are nice.
Fender Player series P
SQuier Classic Vibe P
G&L SB-1, LB-1 you can find usa on your budget.

if you like the American Professional series, you can find them used right outside your budget. Ive seen them in the 1250-1350 on guitar center used and reverb.

Where are you seeing American Fenders for under $1000? Thanks.

 

[Bald-N-Bassy]

@squeally dan keep an eye on guitar center used. They pop up regularly and go quickly.

I’ve also seen plenty of them on FB marketplace and Craigslist. I’ve seen American specials and hwy 1 for $750.

 

[devo1]

The Yamaha BB line is extremely fun to play... I highly recommend!

 

[rpt50]

If it's got the split pickup in roughly the same position as a P bass, it will likely generate a suitable P bass tone. There are countless models that fit that description under $1K. I would find one that you like playing, and not worry about what's on the headstock. Down the road as you develop your preferences you can focus on more specific models to fit your style.

 

[Chickenwheels]

You just go to all the local shops, play all the Precisions, and then buy whichever one you like. At least that’s how it worked back when I was young…

 

[BruceG63]

The Fender Deluxe Active Precision is right around that price.It is the P bass body but with a Jazz neck and has a high mass bridge,P+J pickups and an 18 volt preamp.I bought a limited edition from Sweetwater about 2 years ago and I like it a lot,really nice bass.Its Mexican made with USA parts.It can be played passive as well.The quality of this will bass surprise you.

 

[BruceG63]

That was supposed to be the quality of this bass will surprise you.Sorry I havent had my morning coffee yet.lol

 

[Ric Vice]

Lakland 44-64

Absolutely, but I'm thinking the Skyline 44/64 might be easier to source especially within the OP's budget

 

[mellobud]

Used US G&L LB100 is the jam but you gotta keep your eyes peeled for them.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Absolutely, but I'm thinking the Skyline 44/64 might be easier to source especially within the OP's budget

Oh for sure. I have a Skyline 44/64 custom that I happen to be selling. I A/B’ed with a Fender American Performer and the Lakland Skyline blew it out of the water.

 

[J Sudjian]

Ha ha
You guys crack me up sometimes
I have an American made PV fury
I bought for about 300 bucks
Sounds like any other PBass that I’ve ever had
You don’t need to spend big bucks to get the sound that you want
And I don’t care one bit but it doesn’t say Fender on the headstock of my base
And I have to see if you can put together a PBass with parts
You have a very nice bass indeed
Good luck

Lots of us love all the others too, but sometimes we want a specific brand for the piece of history so to speak, it’s not a big deal.
I like most brands, especially PV, but at the moment I want to add a legit Fender, because I do love Fender as well.

 

[J Sudjian]

Used US G&L LB100 is the jam but you gotta keep your eyes peeled for them.

Yes I love those, but I would like a Fender at the moment would like to have an actual Fender P in my collection while I can afford it