Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Precision Bass Power Battle
- Thread starter AndrewMagrini
- Start date
I wish Fender had gone through with the Bob Babbit Signature Bass.
Why isn't there a neither? 5k for a P bass, I find crazy. That is as much as I paid for for my custom bass with different pickups, more frets, custom wound pickups etc.
I would probably get a great P from someone like Momose, Sandberg, Lakland, the PJ Yamaha from Japan or used Sadowksy for around 2k and then use the rest for a vacation.
I would probably get a great P from someone like Momose, Sandberg, Lakland, the PJ Yamaha from Japan or used Sadowksy for around 2k and then use the rest for a vacation.
D
Personally... neither. For three reasons:
-I find the wide "vintage" spec nut width on these basses a bit uncomfortable, to the point where it affects my playing.
-Far too expensive for what you're getting (IMO).
-I'm not into signature basses.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they're both excellent instruments. If one of them is your dream bass, go for it! The build quality and QC of Fender Custom Shop instruments is definitely a step up from their standard production models. But then again, many other bass manufacturers have standard production models that are easily as good as Fender CS, at a fraction of the price. You pay a lot of extra money for that Fender logo on the headstock, even more for the Custom Shop logo at the back and EVEN more for the artist "signature".
But of course, even though many other bass manufacturers make objectively better quality instruments than Fender, in pretty much ANY price range, they don't always sound or "feel" like a Fender. The differences may be subtle (like Yamaha BB) or significant (like Sandberg) but nothing "feels" quite like a Fender IMO. With Fender Custom Shop you should at least avoid "the Fender lottery" as CS should have much tighter quality control than regular Fender production models. But it's still hideously expensive for what you're getting IMO.
-I find the wide "vintage" spec nut width on these basses a bit uncomfortable, to the point where it affects my playing.
-Far too expensive for what you're getting (IMO).
-I'm not into signature basses.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they're both excellent instruments. If one of them is your dream bass, go for it! The build quality and QC of Fender Custom Shop instruments is definitely a step up from their standard production models. But then again, many other bass manufacturers have standard production models that are easily as good as Fender CS, at a fraction of the price. You pay a lot of extra money for that Fender logo on the headstock, even more for the Custom Shop logo at the back and EVEN more for the artist "signature".
But of course, even though many other bass manufacturers make objectively better quality instruments than Fender, in pretty much ANY price range, they don't always sound or "feel" like a Fender. The differences may be subtle (like Yamaha BB) or significant (like Sandberg) but nothing "feels" quite like a Fender IMO. With Fender Custom Shop you should at least avoid "the Fender lottery" as CS should have much tighter quality control than regular Fender production models. But it's still hideously expensive for what you're getting IMO.
I think “Neither” is covered by simply not replying or voting.
I voted Hurley, as I like the bridge mute, and strongly dislike Fiesta Red, but in truth I don’t want a 1.75” width 4-string bass, and I currently own four Fender P basses - so now I’m hunting across Yamaha BB’s. Despite never liking their wide circular body shape, all the way back to the early 80s, it’s now finally growing on me, thanks to Nathan East.
How about CIC Squier Classic Vibe 60sP as poor man pino P.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,793
- Disclosures
- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
I'd ultimately go with the Hurley. As a matter of fact I'm pretty much gassing for one as we speak
They're Fender Custom shop, so that's what they cost. I agree though, give me a 63 AVRI and tell me these are 2x as good? I also agree that if I'm paying 5k and it's not actually from the 60s, I don't want to have to take the neck off to move the truss.
Nailed it.
Not voting, not commenting, not showing any interest.
What a concept. And one I dearly I wish I could adhere to.
I'm the opposite - I like the wider spacing and (as these $5k examples show) it's darn-near impossible to find an affordable P-bass with the 1.75" nut.
None of the above.
I've seen other Custom Shop Ps that I'd like much better.
Of the two, the Pino but it is soooo over priced for what it is!
The Hurley seems to be about the mute. Mute? Foam. Right hand palm. Other.
I've seen other Custom Shop Ps that I'd like much better.
Of the two, the Pino but it is soooo over priced for what it is!
The Hurley seems to be about the mute. Mute? Foam. Right hand palm. Other.
Last edited:
Holy smokes I’ve never even looked at those models as they’ve just been prohibitively out my budget.
At least the Pino listed on SW is 8lbs 12oz - an ounce lighter than my Am Std P which is actually a pretty comfortable weight.
But man for $5k any of those basses better play itself on my set breaks or somethin.
At least the Pino listed on SW is 8lbs 12oz - an ounce lighter than my Am Std P which is actually a pretty comfortable weight.
But man for $5k any of those basses better play itself on my set breaks or somethin.
In my case, the answer would be... neither of them. Aside from the fact that a "signature" model anything leaves me cold? 1) those basses are right hand only - and I'm not; and 2) I've had my left handed, "A-spec" necked '78 Fender P-Bass for 36 years, now - and have no need/desire for another one.
But, that's me. Far as a bass for you is concerned? Buy the one that's named after the bass player that you like the most...
But, that's me. Far as a bass for you is concerned? Buy the one that's named after the bass player that you like the most...
1. I wouldn't because I built my own.
2. What's the difference?
(Yeah, I know the minor differences... it's a rhetorical question... but really, from a practical standpoint what's the difference? This is all a matter of personal preferences.)
3. Here's an idea: Choose the neck profile that fits you like your golden slipper.
2. What's the difference?
(Yeah, I know the minor differences... it's a rhetorical question... but really, from a practical standpoint what's the difference? This is all a matter of personal preferences.)
3. Here's an idea: Choose the neck profile that fits you like your golden slipper.
Last edited:
