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PBass choices, looking to treat myself.

ColdEye

ColdEye

Supporting Member
Oct 22, 2015
1,445
2,326
San Diego, CA
#1
So I'm looking to treat myself to a PBass. Max amount is about $800. Choices in these ranges seem to be the typical fender mim standards, road worn, and 50s PBass. Also I see some lakland skylines that dip into these ranges which look really appealing, I think it's he 44-64. Which would you pick? I will end up trying them in the store but I do want your experience with these basses listed. Only bass I had experience was in regards to p basses is a standard MIM, but built in early 2000s. Are the newer standards a lot better? I had an early road worn jazz that I loved, the relic look doesn't bother me. I wonder if the newer road worns are better. Zero experience with the lakland. I know MIA fenders might be within reach too.
 
#2
Currently I don't own a Pbass, but have had several in the past. Considering your budget, I would shoot for a used MIA Standard. The good thing with GC is that if you order one and have it shipped, you can return it if it turns out to be a dud. If you are set on a NEW Pbass, then obviously the ones you listed would be the way to go. Personally, every time I had something like the MIM or Squier series, gas just kept rearing its ugly head to go for the MIA, even if it was used..Maybe OCD? Good luck!
 
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#3
FishDub said:
Currently I don't own a Pbass, but have had several in the past. Considering your budget, I would shoot for a used MIA Standard. The good thing with GC is that if you order one and have it shipped, you can return it if it turns out to be a dud. If you are set on a NEW Pbass, then obviously the ones you listed would be the way to go. Personally, every time I had something like the MIM or Squier series, gas just kept rearing its ugly head to go for the MIA, even if it was used..Maybe OCD? Good luck!
Click to expand...
Agreed. You can get an excellent or mint use MIA AMSTD P on Reverb for $800 (which is a steal considering they were $1,350 just prior to the release of the American Professional series). I did the Road Worn with upgraded pickup and electronics and still gassed for (and wound up getting) an MIA P.
FullSizeRender.jpg
 
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#6
At the moment, I own a solitary Precision, and it's an MIM '50s Classic P (poly finish, not lacquer). I played many Fenders and non-Fenders before ultimately going with this one. The wide nut and neck shape certainly isn't for everyone, but the tone is simply outstanding. The MIM Standard is nothing to sneeze at either, but the '50s Classic is a nice step-up, IMHO.

Good luck with your search!
 
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#8
I bought an American Special in. 2015 to use as my main bass on stage, I'm keeping my '59 at my studio now. I really like it. Sounds great, looks good and plays well. I thought it was a great buy for $999 new from zzounds. Too bad they're not available anymore. I'd guess that a MIM Precision would be pretty close given the current production methods of Fender as I understand things. Ymmv. That would likely be my choice now.
 
#9
Yeah I saw those am specials. I can stretch it to 1k but unless there is a super big batch of NOS coming out, I don't think I can get it. Btw I want a maple board, just like the look of it. Shallow I know, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
 
#10
I know you did not ask for a bigger shopping list, but.... If it were my money, I would get a used G&L SB-1 (or LB-100/Legacy for the traditionalist). Should come in less than your $800 budget for a quality American made precision bass. Plenty of well cared for used ones out there. They even pop up in the classifieds here on occasion.

I know some people prefer buying new over used, but a well cared for used instrument is just as good (if not better). When your options are buying a well cared for higher quality instrument over a lesser quality new instrument, I would argue the used instrument is better. That said, you need to know what to look for on a used instrument (neck issues, electronics issues, mismatched parts, etc.). It really is not difficult to learn, but not learning what to look for can be costly. It is also a good skill to have when buying new. New instruments can have issues too, but you typically have return policy/warranty backing you up on a new one.
 
#12
Lakland, if you can find one... I really like their necks!

That said, unless you go used, I suggest you go out and try just about anything you can find. Get the one that plays and sounds best to you, regardless of what it says on the headstock. In that price range, you may actually find a significantly cheaper bass that outperforms more expensive ones.

But, as others have suggested, consider used basses at that price point. You get really nice basses for $800. So if you want new, you might want to save some more money...
 
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#14
Used Made In America Standard.Those are some of the best Precision basses ever put out by Fender. The pickups sound great, the necks play great.
They can be found in good as new condition . You won't regret it.
I wouldn't buy a new lesser quality instrument just because it was new.
You won't be treating yourself , you'll be cheating yourself . Get the real deal!!
 
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#16
If you want new then you need to get new I suppose. If you want better in terms of build and tone I would go with something post 2008. That will put you in your price range and get you a much better instrument. Much better.
 
#18
I'm extremely happy with this one I happened to see hanging in a local shop.

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Discontinued, but can be found for around six hundred bucks I think.

The neck has a American Special decal on the back. If it is an American Special neck I think they have dual reinforcement rods in the neck along with the truss rod.

Here's mine..

0530172026.jpg 0530172024a.jpg 0530172026a-1.jpg 0530172242b.jpg

The nitro is pretty thin as you can see. No Fullerplast:cool:
 
#19
I can feel your pain, if you want a new P then by all means save a few bucks and get what you really want. I bought my first new one when the American Professional came out. It's an awesome bass don't sell yourself short just for the sake of new regardless of what you buy only you know what you want. Here it is next to my new used Custom Shop.
 

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