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Suddenly undecided as to which Precision I should buy

Papalampraina

Papalampraina

Need.More.Fez.
May 13, 2009
1,034
830
48
Athens, Greece
#1
Hey guys. I am currently in the search for a really good split-coil, 4-string Precision. My first and only choice was the Am. Std. Fender, but I've been checking the Lakland Skyline series (specifically the 44-51) and I've read only good things about them, plus a lot of people say that they are on par with the American Fenders. I like Fender but I'm open to any suggestions. Can you please give me a bit of help? Any suggestion about other brands, where their P-basses stand in terms of tone, build quality, etc.
 
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#8
I went the Lakland route a while back with a 44-64 and came to the conclusion that if I wanted a Fender, I should have just got a Fender. My MIM Classic 50's P that I throught would be easily replaced by the Lakland just going by the hype, was superior in just about every way imaginable and that's ignoring the different specs. There was nothing about the bass in my mind that put it on the level of an AmStd, in fact I was kind of let down upon realizing my MIM was put together just as well and was an overall better player. I know that my experience doesn't reflect the majority here, but that's my experience. I wound up selling it and grabbing another Classic P. What I will say though is that Lakland is a great company that cares about its customers. Mine came from Bass Central with electronics that were dead on arrival and a case with a broken latch. John P paid shipping to and from Chicago and replaced the case (which was a $120 up charge). Unfortunately the bass came back still not working and he paid the tab to have my local guy do it again, which I appreciated. I've since learned how to do my own electronic work, so that's something I'd now overlook if the bass was right for me otherwise.
 
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#9
petrus61 said:
I went the Lakland route a while back with a 44-64 and came to the conclusion that if I wanted a Fender, I should have just got a Fender. My MIM Classic 50's P that I throught would be easily replaced by the Lakland just going by the hype, was superior in just about every way imaginable and that's ignoring the different specs. There was nothing about the bass in my mind that put it on the level of an AmStd, in fact I was kind of let down upon realizing my MIM was put together just as well and was an overall better player. I know that my experience doesn't reflect the majority here, but that's my experience. I wound up selling it and grabbing another Classic P. What I will say though is that Lakland is a great company that cares about its customers. Mine came from Bass Central with electronics that were dead on arrival and a case with a broken latch. John P paid shipping to and from Chicago and replaced the case (which was a $120 up charge). Unfortunately the bass came back still not working and he paid the tab to have my local guy do it again, which I appreciated. I've since learned how to do my own electronic work, so that's something I'd now overlook if the bass was right for me otherwise.
Click to expand...

Agree. The Classic 50's P is fantastic. I have that and an AVRI. Love both. I think I am going to modern up my 50's tone a little and put a Dimarzzio Split P in it, since the AVRI already gives me an incredible classic tone.
 
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#11
If you can afford it, get a real deal 1957 to 1974 Fender Precision Bass.

If not, the AVRI '63 is pretty damn nice!

Used Fender Custom Shop Ps pop up on TalkBass for decent prices. (Really nice basses the CS!)

Sometimes Music123, Musicians Friend, American Music Supply, Sweetwater, Zzsounds, etc have returns and blems for around the $1,600 range.

Fender American Vintage '63 Precision Bass
 
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#12
Have you had a chance to compare their specs? Just glancing at each page, they are rather different. The Lakland has vintage sized frets (.041/.085), while the Fender has medium jumbos (.036/.106). Also, most Laklands are Ash bodies, while the Am Pros are Alder.

I much prefer the feel of Laklands, and have yet to play a single bad one. I can't say that about fender.
Another thing to note is that Lakland offers a P bass with each common nut width (The 44-64 Custom has a 1.5", the 51 has a 1.625, and the normal 64 has a 1.75").
 
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#13
First of all, thank you all for the input.
One, I haven't had the chance to play a Lakland, but I had several Fenders. I agree that the post-2012 AmStd is great and I love its aggressive sound.
Second, I prefer ash bodies, but I go mostly with weight, so the lighter the better, due to back problems. I like painted bodies, so the grain is not something that plays a big role to me.
Also, I like the Lakland bridges, they are aesthetically unique, so no problem there.
One of the issues is the nut width, that is why I limit my Skyline options to the 44-51, because it is the only one with 1.625" width. In general, the Fender necks are what I like.

Now, I'm beginning to wonder, why did I even start this thread, when I'm a Fender guy. :)
Still, if anyone else wants to chip in, I will be more than glad to read your personal opinions and experiences. If not, I'm still ok and thankful for all those that did reply.
 
#16
Any P bass with tort is the one you should buy. Immediately install flats after your purchase.

Pickguard_Tortoise_62_P-bass.jpg
 
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#20
IME, the Skyline is right there with the American Standard in terms of fit and finish (country of origin does not determine quality), and Lakland's customer service is superb.

I haven't been able to try the Professional series yet, but that P does cost $360 more (though the Skyline doesn't have a case).
 
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