P5 Club?

[Jason Brown]

I used to space my strings as wide as possible. I have them centered now and like it better.

 

[HeavyDuty]

The more I use my P5 in a band setting the more I'm impressed. I think I need to sell some extra stuff and get a second one, this time black and maple.

 

[Thumper]

The more I play mine, the more I fall for it! Mine is also black/maple with the black pickguard. Honestly, this is the first bass I've had which I love as is, I can't think of one thing I want to change.

 

[HeavyDuty]

This makes me all tingly in my pants.

 

[Buskman]

The more I use my P5 in a band setting the more I'm impressed. I think I need to sell some extra stuff and get a second one, this time black and maple.

Ditto! I'd get another with a maple board & string it up w/ rounds while stringing my current sunburst/tort/rosewood with flats.

Although snagging another might be a hard sell with the Mrs.

BTW - am I the only one who'd LOVE to see Fender use the Jade Pearl Metallic finish on their 5'ers?

 

[Fuzzbass]

(Belated) NEW BASS DAY!

Here she is, my first 5 in about 7 or 8 years! I love how this bass retains the magical P look, feel, and sound while adding a low B. The neck isn't too much wider than a 50s P!!

I'm usually a flats guy and I have a set of Chromes ready to go, but I thought I'd check out these new balanced nickels (with a matched B from BassStringsOnline). So far, I really like em! When I get over my slap-happy phase, I'll switch back to flats to see what suits me best.

Just one question: any suggestions for string spacing. This is my first time using threaded saddles. Right now, I have each string centered b/w poles and the spacing feels okay, but I am open to advice... thanks!!

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I love black/black/maple, especially on a P-bass. Congrats! I have a Sadowsky like yours, which I love, but I'd like a Fender P5, too... because it sounds more Fender-y. Go figure!

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

Regenerate Guitar Works Heritage '55 P. delicious!

 

[Buskman]

Regenerate Guitar Works Heritage '55 P. delicious!

Beauty, Moe!

 

[sethlow3]

Sign me up! Mine changed my life.

 

[Buskman]

Sign me up! Mine changed my life.

Now THAT'S an endorsement!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It was hard to point out what was "off" with the Dingwall...it was a bit to precise/sterile...the one I played had a maple neck which i am not a fan of so that may have contributed in tricking my ears...but it felt soo nice and an amazing lightweight build that I was willing to work with the tone's character (or lack thereof) but it just wasn't quite "right" to my ears...

The best comparison I can think of is the experience I had with the Lakland Skyline jazz...LOVED the feel of it...and the build was really exceptional...but the tone wasn't what I would expect out of a "jazz" bass...so...back to Fender I went...same kinda of deal with the Dingwall Super P...anybody who buys one of those is getting an amazing instrument that they will have and love forever no doubt about it...but for me personally, it was the tone that lacked the characteristics that I was seeking...again...that is just ME!!

I have both and I go back and forth between the tone on each a little bit (of which I prefer better). I think the Fender P5 is a little bit warmer overall, but the strings may also have something to do with that. The Dingwall Super P5 comes with stainless steel strings.

The Dingwall wins hands down on playability. Plus it's really light (8 lbs) although the Fender is comfortable. The SP5 balances really well too. The P5 has some neck dive in the sitting position, but not terribly bad.

 

[bassyogi]

I never thought a fender would replace my Smith or my old Warwick but it did. I still love my Fortress masterman, but the P5 is schweeeeet! This baby is going nowhere

 

[RJHall]

Thanks Ken(s), and LOL! Also, thanks Busk and Jason. I love this bass more and more every day. Looks like there is no rule to the string spacing, just what's comfortable?

 

[sethlow3]

I have owned so many basses over the years. Especially a lot of fives and actives. My first bass was a mexi P and until September 2012 I didn't own one. I cant believe i came back fill circle, but i did. There is simply nothing like the sound and feel of a good P bass!

 

[Herrick]

Ohh I see, maybe that will help, I did have a hell of a time getting the silk wrapping at the ball end through the bridge.

If you remove that wrapping the string goes through the body and/or bridge with no problem. It's a bit of a pain in the balls but it's certainly doable & shouldn't take too long.

I'm currently stringing mine with D'Addario Chromes (ECB81-5). Gauges on those are: .132 - .100 - .080 - .065 - .045 . I definitely like how these flats sound on this bass...The only downside to this set is that the strings aren't long enough to run through the body.

On my next re-string, I may go with D'Addario's ECB81-5SL super long scale set. But I'm also tempted to try out DR's Legend 5 string set. Has anyone tried those on their P-5?

That's odd. I've strung at least three different sets of ECB81-5s through the bodies of two MIA P Bass Vs with no problem. I think the only string that didn't need to be cut was the D string.

I think the La Bella Deep Talkin' .128 to .49 set sounds better than The Chromes. The B is a bit more solid & not as "airy"-sounding to my ears. I also like the thicker G & D strings which sound more dark.

 

[Thumper]

I may try some TI flats when the Sadowsky Stainless Black Rounds die (could be quite a while). I've got some super longs coming so I can go thru-body. People say the B won't fit but I'm resourceful.

 

[RJHall]

Shoemaniac et al - I've got a prescription for your Chromes issues. Check out my custom-balanced Chromes with a STB B-String... Invalid Link Removed

You're all welcome.

 

[Herrick]

That's an interesting set. I still find it odd that a regular long Chrome B cannot reach the tuning peg which is closer to the nut than all the others...well except maybe the G?

 

[ajwolfcale]

 

[ggvicviper]

On the left.

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