So many P basses - but what to choose?

[jg42]

Ok, looks like it's time to get one. Now, there are so many! What to look for and what to avoid? From what I understood browsing numerous threads here: basswood is to be avoided (or not?) Squier is ok but weighs a ton (or not?) MiM or MiJ are a good idea (or not?) I'm kind of lost. And then there are also P(ish) basses from other manufacturers (Yamaha, Ibanez, etc). I'm budgeting around 500 - 600 US max.

What I really am looking for is that typical P-bass "thump". From my experience at the closest guitar store not far away from me, just putting a split P bass pickup in the bass doesn't guarantee that it will deliver this "P-ness".

P.S. Looking for smaller (Not chunky) neck.

Thank you!

 

[Camaro69]

Dont read the name on the headstock.

Buy what ever sounds and feels the best.

I would look used to get the most bang for your buck.




Having said all that, CV and VM Squiers, Peaveys, and Fenders will be your best bets

 

[Pocket4]

The Squier lines are a great choice. Necks cannot be described as chunky.

 

[shawshank72]

Ok, looks like it's time to get one. Now, there are so many! What to look for and what to avoid? From what I understood browsing numerous threads here: basswood is to be avoided (or not?) Squier is ok but weighs a ton (or not?) MiM or MiJ are a good idea (or not?) I'm kind of lost. And then there are also P(ish) basses from other manufacturers (Yamaha, Ibanez, etc). I'm budgeting around 500 - 600 US max.

What I really am looking for is that typical P-bass "thump". From my experience at the closest guitar store not far away from me, just putting a split P bass pickup in the bass doesn't guarantee that it will deliver this "P-ness".

P.S. Looking for smaller (Not chunky) neck.

Thank you!

Go find yourself a used Peavey Fury.
P bass with a thin jazz like neck.

 

[jd56hawk]

Fender FSR Jazz bass.

I picked mine up yesterday.
My first Fender.
Can't beat the price and it looks great in natural ash. Why does it cost $100 less than the Fender standard MIM jazz basses? Who knows, but I'm sure not complaining!
Nice to know Fender makes a few basses with smooth-feeling non-gloss necks.

 

[P Yoo]

I think your budget is what should determine what you buy. There are lots of good options all across the different price points.

 

[GeneralElectric]

Get a USA made peavey fury for $200 or less. Spend the rest of your funds on a VT bass deluxe.

 

[fretlessguy]

You can't have just one. You must have two (LOL). One for flats and one for rounds. Or, one fretless and one fretted. That being said, it doesn't matter in particular what brand or price point, as long as you can afford it and it sounds and feels good to you. Squier necks are less chunky than Fender ones, as Mr. Yoo said. Shop around first and try them out first if possible. I prefer Fenders, myself, but the new Carvin Ps look interesting and I also wouldn't mind having a Squier myself.

 

[phodg]

MIM Fender Precision. It's all you need.

 

[petrus61]

I would look for a used 50's Classic. Best bang for the buck in P's, IMO.

 

[drummer5359]

A used Fender American Special is right at the edge of you budget. If you take your time your should be able to find one for $600.

 

[BazzTard]

used MIA Fender, is there really any reason to ask? go get you one

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Go to your local shop and put your paws on everything in there. The "right one" will speak to you.

 

[superdick2112]

used MIA Fender, is there really any reason to ask? go get you one

I agree. MIA Standards come up on CL here in Denver - on a fairly regular basis - in the $600 - $700 range. Best P out there, at any price.

I've been searching for the perfect P for months now, and after playing many variants (and even purchasing & returning a few), I found my ultimate P-Bass in the Fender American Standard Precision Bass.
For me, it is the ultimate combination of tone, playability, and quality.

 

[Soonerbldr]

MusicMan Stingray...

 

[EriktheRed]

Fender FSR Jazz bass.

I picked mine up yesterday.
My first Fender.
Can't beat the price and it looks great in natural ash. Why does it cost $100 less than the Fender standard MIM jazz basses? Who knows, but I'm sure not complaining!
Nice to know Fender makes a few basses with smooth-feeling non-gloss necks.

Nice-looking bass, but this is a P-bass thread.

 

[EriktheRed]

MIM Fender Precision. It's all you need.

^^^^^^^^^^^

This.

You can get the regular kind with a single split-rail pickup or one of their Blacktop series with 2 humbuckers with controls like a J-bass.

 

[P Yoo]

Nice-looking bass, but this is a P-bass thread.

Yeah, and most of us in a listening only test would have a hard time telling a P bass from a J bass with neck pickup favored.

 

[wvbass]

Fender FSR Jazz bass.

I picked mine up yesterday.
My first Fender.
Can't beat the price and it looks great in natural ash. Why does it cost $100 less than the Fender standard MIM jazz basses? Who knows, but I'm sure not complaining!
Nice to know Fender makes a few basses with smooth-feeling non-gloss necks.

You P bass looks suspiciously like a Jazz bass.

OP, maybe take a look at a used Mendel P. You might need a pickup swap to get it where you wanted, but it has a nice, non-chunky neck. Most of the slender-necked P basses run a little more than $5-600.

 

[petrus61]

Yeah, and most of us in a listening only test would have a hard time telling a P bass from a J bass with neck pickup favored.

I'd take that Pepsi challenge any day of the week.