Poll: Time for a New P-Bass

[JZQuantum]

It is on the table, but honestly how many Sadowsky P’s have you come across? I consider Sadowsky to basically be the Holy Grail of J’s, but does the same hold for a P?

Other than jazz tone, I think where the Sadowsky’s excel is in fretwork and playability. I’ve always been majorly impressed whenever I’ve played one.

I had a Sadowsky Metro PJ. Not a P exactly, but the neck pickup on that bass sounded more modern than vintage to me. I just could not get with the tone of any setting or configuration.

My $150 1995 Peavey Fury with GHS flats cured my old school P bass scratch.

 

[JZQuantum]

Warmoth... You can build what you want and have a beautiful custom P Bass for less than the competitors.

Yep. My $1000 warmoth p bass would have cost at least $1900, assuming you can buy an off the shelf p bass with roasted maple neck with stiffening bars, roasted body, fancy paint job, Fralin pickup, Hipshot light weight tuners, Obsidian electronics and high mass bridge.

All topped off with a headstock logo that I spent many hours designing in photoshop and many hours researching the best company to make it for me. Besides the cost savings, it was very satisfying to make every single decision about my bass.

 

[darwin-bass]

A passive P bass is a pretty simple beast. I had a Fender USA but found I preferred the G&L LB100 with 1.5 neck. But it was too heavy so I replace it with a G&L LB100 empress bodied bass with 1.5 neck. Beautiful.

I thought I was done then I bought parts for a Warmoth 32" scale P bass. After playing it for a bit I realized I liked it even better than the G&L so I sold the G&L.

Now I really am done. The Warmoth will go to my son when I die.

 

[woodyng2]

I’m almost in the same boat as n1as. I have a really nice GL lb100 that has a 1 5/8” nut,12” radius neck. It feels great,and sound fantastic. I do wish it weighed a pound or so less.
I found a used jb2 that is lower weight,with a 1.5 nut/7.5 radius neck. I’d like to swap necks and sell the lb,but i don’t think the necks are swappable, though.
Very impressed with the quality of both.

 

[TemplesOfSyrinx]

Just pulled the trigger the other day on this purchase. An absolutely great precision bass for under $400.

 

[Remoman]

I think the G&L would be the way to go, unless you had something else custom built like a Warmoth. And while I don't have first hand experience with them, I'd say if you're looking at custom built or parts built, check out the Kiesel P bass. I believe the nut is 1.53" wide, so right in that Jazz neck range. But I'm not fond of the idea of buying a P bass and swapping the necks.

 

[fhm555]

If you have that kind of coin, why not find a top drawer independent builder within reasonsble driving distance and get exactly what you want? Provided of course you really know what you want and can convey that info to your builder.
Otherwise i’d talk to some of the custom builders and get a feel for what they think makes a good P copy and if that matches your expectations.
Last of all, what’s wrong with buying a P and a J and making the swap? It would seem to be the simplest option and you don’t have to wonder if it’s gonna have the tone you crave.

 

[jeff7bass]

Just pulled the trigger the other day on this purchase. An absolutely great precision bass for under $400.
View attachment 3314438

Really nice. Proof you don't have to spend a lot for a good P-Bass. Looks the part also.
Since the OP seems to be looking for a higher end P-Bass, I'm picking Lakland for the Skyline 44-64 Custom. Near boutique quality for just over a grand. Also like the Carvin (Kiesel now) PB4 bass. Fantastic quality, also just over a grand and made in USA.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

The only P is my arsenal currently is a squier CV 60’s in Fiesta red (with tort, for those keeping score at home), strung with flats. Nice bass, filles a niche for me and fills it well enough.

However, I’m now on the quest for what will be (for me) the ultimate P. The wish list isn’t long... classic P-tone, maple jazz-width neck/fretboard, preferably blocked/bound.

I want to say money is no object, but that’s not quite true. But I would be willing to pay Sadowsky prices for the right instrument. I’m a G&L fan and would consider their offerings as well. Lull, Lakland... all options are on the table. I’d even consider buying both a Jazz and P to swap necks.

And it doesn’t need to be overstated... of course the final choice needs to sound and feel good to me...

Edit: Although I’m currently located in the UK, I’m from the US and travel back frequently enough to obtain US offerings (at US prices).

Buy a Real P and pocket the difference.

 

[kbakerde]

My plan, Warmoth P body in the style and color of my choosing. EMG GZR pickups, a Fender American direct replacement neck.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

I'm gonna say it (and show them)

AGAIN, IF You don't mind active electronics.
Although...
I reeeeeaaaalllyyyyy (with the help of GZR) Love my P Bass.

 

[johnbee]

I've played and owned quite a few Mike Lulls. Fantastic bass! Light, sustain for days, amazing action, great tone. And every so often one comes up used, at a price that is equivalent to a new Fender MIA.

Another option to consider, maybe... Fender Postmodern Precision. Awesome 60's vibe, but with a Jazz neck and high-mass bridge. (Sounds so good!) But they are kind of heavy, and they are Custom Shop, which is gonna cost you. (Definitely go used.)

I currently own a Lull PJ4 with rounds and Fender postmodern with flats. Both are great in their own way. Though I find I take out the Fender to admire, and the Lull to play -- it is so much lighter.

 

[electracoyote]

I would find a P body loaded like I wanted, or unloaded and buy the electronics I want, and an aftermarket Jazz neck blocked and bound.

 

[mikewalker]

No Pre CBS or CS Fender?

Does anyone here know what Fender CS would charge for a P-bass with "A-width" neck??

 

[MordBass]

All good options.... but also look at Mike Lull.

 

[oatsoda]

Get a beat looking P from the late 70s and bring it back from the dead.

 

[allenhumble]

Need to check out New York Bass Works

 

[Herrick]

If a Sadowsky is truly on the table then that would by my choice.

Unless you want a true P (passive only) then I'd pick Lakland or something else.

I don't know anything about ordering Sadowky basses but seeing as how they're in the bidness of improving upon Fenders, wouldn't they offer a straight up passive single pickup P?

 

[lowfreqgeek]

G&L LB-100.

 

[Sam Dingle]

You sound like you want a basic p bass (for good reason). Why not just pick up a fender? Try a few and get the one that feels the best.