P-Bass (Copies) for under $2,500

[bassist4dalord]

Nordstrand, Sadowsky, Alleva-Coppola, Fender, Atkinson.

Only ever played a Fender P, but I've heard nothing but praise for the other brands. And I've GASsed for each and every one..

 

[Josh Pelican]

So far, the ones I am considering most are:
Lakland 44-64 (Skyline)
Atkinson Pea Bass
Valenti VTP4

The other companies certainly appeal to me, but I am leaning towards these three due to the price range.

Other options are Fender Standard Precision and USA Custom Guitar Shop.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Dingwall has a P-Tone neck pickup available for the Afterburner. If you were to order an Afterburner straight from Dingwall, you could probably get it with one right off the bat.

 

[GobBass]

Sandberg.

Big time.

 

[Josh Pelican]

The only reason I'm not getting a Dingwall right now is because I was going to use it for F#BEAD, which is no longer needed at this time. A P-bass, however, is right up my alley for a lot of the music I play/listen to currently.

Sandberg basses are nice, but aren't they a German brand?

This one is very tempting:

 

[rayzak]

If you can, try to find a used US Lakland 44-64. Not much more than a new Skyline, and oh so worth it.

 

[Josh Pelican]

I'm certainly keeping my eye open for used basses.

My birthday is on September 17th. If I don't find a used one by then, I am going to be ordering a custom from one of the above companies. Going to start sending in custom quotes today.

 

[pbasswil]

Say, has anyone figured out an elegant solution to sticking a 24 fret neck on a P body? (i'm kinda addicted to those last few frets.)

 

[GobBass]

Say, has anyone figured out an elegant solution to sticking a 24 fret neck on a P body? (i'm kinda addicted to those last few frets.)

I've searched since I began to think of the concept many years ago. And yes,Josh, Sandberg are a German brand. But by absolutely no means diminishes their quality. They would be considered a boutique option to most even those you could get two Ps for under €2,500 (would depend on exchange rates and import taxes though in your case.)

 

[Josh Pelican]

In no way did I mean their work is diminished because of their location. I apologize if I came off that way! I was merely ensuring their location because of shipping costs. I can't see a bass shipping from Germany to Canada being for cheap.

 

[andy67]

Fender Classic 50's Precision (MIM) is the best pbass I have played except for the Fender 57 pbass (USA). £569 UK pounds new here in Edinburgh. Stunning utterly stunning Fender bass.

andy

 

[GeneralElectric]

A -1 to Nash basses. I've never played one that I like and I love P-basses.

Lakland makes two (Bob Glaub and Duck Dunn until they changed to the # system) that I've played. They've all been quite nice but I can't see ponying up the extra cash over their skyline. The skyline really is fantastic!

I've played both Sadowsky and Valenti P-basses. Both are built extremely well but I didn't like the feel of either. Probably because they were all active.

Mike Lull makes an awesome P-bass. I'll own another eventually.

One not mentioned is Ben Lindsey. I own a "66 Jazz" by him and its far and away the best Jazz I've ever laid hands on. I've played a bunch of 60s and 70s Fenders, had a first year AV62RI Jazz, Fender custom shop, etc etc It blew them all out of the water. One of my favorite basses to play. I don't like relic jobs either but I like this one. Very realistic.

My BIG vote goes to John Kallis (order) people rave about him and from what I've seen he's an excellent wood worker and restorer. He's also a great guy too and always willing to help. If I were to get another P-bass I'd get it either from him or Ben Lindsey but probably John.

 

[Josh Pelican]

I appreciate everyone's input, but I think I'm going with Dan Atkinson.

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

And the build is now officially underway...

 

[Josh Pelican]

Oh, it's out in the open now!

 

[natw42]

Congrats Josh! Pics when it arrives, or it was never ordered

Dan, I may be seeking your counsel in a month or so now that you are doing 5 strings... Awhile back you didn't correct?

 

[Josh Pelican]

All I'm going to say at the moment is that it will look like this:

Just better.

 

[bassbully]

For me its Fender when it comes to P basses. if I'm spending that much on a bass, which will never happen, it would need to be vintage or something I design not a simple P. IMO Fender broke the mold there.

 

[Josh Pelican]

I know a lot of people who will disagree, but to each their own!

 

[bh2]

Holy jesus... why pay that mons on a copy?