Torn. American Pro II Precision V or 1974 4 Bolt P?

[rawchuck]

I’m torn. I’m all set to buy a P bass but having trouble deciding between a brand new Pro2 P V or a 74 P.

The Am Professional 2 is a five stringer, brand new. I am open to messing around with it, swapping parts if needed, in order to get the sound I’m looking for. It’s also about $1K cheaper than the ‘74. I like the idea of a V stringer, as it will be 100% a studio bass, used only for recording.

But, I’m also drawn to a 74 P I found online. It’s a 4 stringer, but looks to have been played a lot over the years, and definitely has some mojo. 4 bolt neck pocket. I’ve heard some of the 70s basses are duds, though. I wouldn’t buy a vintage bass just to swap out parts, so this one would remain stock. I’m willing to give up that low B string to get a guitar with some mojo.

just looking for some inspiration to point me in one direction or the other. I have the budget for either one.

 

[Ghastly]

I'm leaning towards the Pro ll, but that's coming from a guy whose #1 is a '73 p bass. The 70's basses can be a roll of the dice and you've not tried out the one in question. The Pro ll will likely be perfect. If not, send it back and exchange it.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I would get the Pro II V.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I wouldn't buy a 70s Fender without playing it.

 

[MobileHolmes]

I'd be pretty hesitant to buy a vintage bass sight unseen unless it comes with an approval period, and this goes double for the 70s ones. I've played some 70s ones that were pretty good (but not, to me, worth the vintage premium) and some that were absolute trash. I think your odds of getting a pretty good bass are better with a new one.

Also, a 4 vs 5 string is a pretty big difference. I'd figure out what you really want first.

 

[Ant B 2021]

Agree with the comments that you should try the '74 / get an approval period if possible. That said, my '73 is 8.6lbs, looks great, plays great and sounds out of this world. There are good ones out there!

 

[darwin-bass]

...I’m willing to give up that low B string to get a guitar with some mojo.

So what is mojo? I say it is a combination of two things.

1. Unrepaired damage, usually to the finish, caused by normal wear & tear.
2. Improvement in tone and/or playability due to aging.

Item 1 is easily observable. Item 2 is nearly impossible to observe objectively. Does old wood actually sound better than young wood? If it sounds better is it due to the damage or just due to age? Is it real or imagined? Very hard to tell.

Wanting mojo because you like the looks makes sense. Wanting mojo because of a belief that the instrument will somehow be better seems pretty risky to me.

 

[Minimalist]

I wouldn't buy a 70s Fender without playing it.

I wouldn't buy any bass without playing it. Unless I was filthy rich and a collector. But I am neither.

 

[ToddB1963]

Hmmm...

I love a good precision and I like the idea of a 5-string version in principle, but on every demo I've heard the low B struggles, be it spongy, flubby, whatever. I think a 5 string bass needs a bridge pickup for the low B to really speak well.

YMMV of course

 

[Callused Finger]

I think it’s more about considering whether or not you really want a 5 string.

 

[GreyBeard]

I have the Pro V (I) strung with flats. If you need the B string and that p-bass tone then it will give you this. I changed out the bridge for a hipshot as I just didn't like the Fender bridge but, that's just me.

 

[forrestlaw]

I wouldn't buy a 70s Fender without playing it.

Same. Vintage Fenders can be pretty hit or miss.

I think it’s more about considering whether or not you really want a 5 string.

This. Do you want/need a fiver? If not, another good deal will almost always come along.

 

[J Wilson]

A current production five vs. a 50-year old four string is no question for me, I'd get the five-string.

While not all 70's Fender basses were duds . . . . that was when I started playing, and it was totally common for good players to try every one at every store they could go to trying to find 'a good one'. This is WAY before CNC and CAD/CAM, and sometimes you got a prize, and sometimes you got a sled. Everyone I tried had a neck that was obviously from subcontracting them out to Louisville Slugger. But again, there are good ones out there.

BTW, mojo means NOTHING to me. I want something solid, quiet, and sounds good, especially if it were strictly a recording axe.

And then of course, there are great live basses that suck in a studio, and vice-versa. A fair amount of homework may be involved with this purchase . . . .

 

[Albert Ross]

Vintage basses will only get scarcer and more expensive. If you’ve found one you like and can afford - grab it! Brand new basses are easy to find.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I wouldn't buy a 70s Fender without playing it.

this, all day

 

[Chrisk-K]

Mojo is just wear and tear.

 

[Medicine Man]

I prefer that cheater string, easy choice.

 

[rawchuck]

I have the Pro V (I) strung with flats. If you need the B string and that p-bass tone then it will give you this. I changed out the bridge for a hipshot as I just didn't like the Fender bridge but, that's just me.

Which Hipshot did you get? The A model? Was it a direct fit?

 

[rawchuck]

I appreciate everybody’s insight. I’ve crossed the 74 off the list, as I can’t try it first.

I think I do want a 5 stringer. As I said, this will be a studio bass, so I’m trying to cover as much ground as possible.

that being said….I also discovered the Sadowsky Metroline P/J 5 string today. Anybody have experience with these vs an Am Pro P V? I’m guessing the Sadowsky is most comparable to a custom shop Fender? Maybe better?

 

[bobdabilder]

I would start a new thread on the metroline. I'm interested as well. Good luck.

I appreciate everybody’s insight. I’ve crossed the 74 off the list, as I can’t try it first.

I think I do want a 5 stringer. As I said, this will be a studio bass, so I’m trying to cover as much ground as possible.

that being said….I also discovered the Sadowsky Metroline P/J 5 string today. Anybody have experience with these vs an Am Pro P V? I’m guessing the Sadowsky is most comparable to a custom shop Fender? Maybe better?