Understanding the P Bass ...

[Rib 13]

There is no "P Bass®" that ISN'T a Fender product.

Historically, in communication syntax among bass players (and many musicians/industry folks, in general), Precision Bass is a Fender product but P-bass is a format (based on the original Fender Precision), regardless if made by Fender.....Its always been like that, even if Fender trademarked "P-bass".....

 

[sludgetail]

Man, for me, I figure go with the original Fender if it's a Fender-based instrument we're talking about... I know that there are a ton of luthiers/private builders who do their own take on the instrument, but if it's a Fender-style, I'll just save to go with Fender themselves.

Even their new moderately priced Player Series guitars and basses are made well and are a great platform for future mods if desired. As for the question posed, is the USA Fender the way to go, for me, while it's Fender for sure on a Precision style bass, I wouldn't discount the MIJ or MIM models.

For me, I recently picked up two P-Basses... well, 3 (the 5'er was sold here on TB):

1. Fender Japan Limited Midnight Black 60's Traditional P (Basswood, but boy does she thump, grabbed some AV Atlas Pickups for her, yet to be installed)

2. Fender American Elite Precision Bass (albeit with a J in the bridge), she's bad and tons of options

3. Fender American Professional Precision-V (sold, but sounded amazing when tested, only play a 5 with the band)

Here's some Bassporn [pics/vids of each]

 

[edbass]

Historically, in communication syntax among bass players (and many musicians/industry folks, in general), Precision Bass is a Fender product but P-bass is a format (based on the original Fender Precision), regardless if made by Fender.....

Maybe historically in communication syntax among hobbyist talkbass posters. Walk into a major pro studio for a scale session, or show up to audition for a touring gig with a nationally recognized signed artist and tell them you have a "P Bass", then pull out a Peavey and see what if that qualifies as a "P Bass" to those "industry folks" you reference.
Of course there's also that pesky registered trademark thing.

Regardless, I don't see the problem with referring to Fender knockoff basses by whatever it actually is - or using the term "P style", "J style", etc.

 

[Rib 13]

Maybe historically in communication syntax among hobbyist talkbass posters. Walk into a major pro studio for a scale session, or show up to audition for a touring gig with a nationally recognized signed artist and tell them you have a "P Bass", then pull out a Peavey and see what if that qualifies as a "P Bass" to those "industry folks" you reference.
Of course there's also that pesky registered trademark thing.

Regardless, I don't see the problem with referring to Fender knockoff basses by whatever it actually is - or using the term "P style", "J style", etc.

Ive worked in both minor and major studios over the past three decades (Union and non-Union -- it used to be a huge part of my income in decades past)....its always been this way...... As far as what bass to use where,I bring many - with different string types and pickup configs. Bass selection is usually my choice. I understand that some folks here have worked in studios where the producer (or whoever is paying them) says "Play a Fender" or "Use a P-bass"...Thats never ever happened to me in thirty years... They will ask for something stringy, less stringy, more round, more punchy, use a pick, use your fingers, slap this part, or make it sound like a banana,or whatever...often, they will just say "I want a sound similar to <insert song>" and off I go......

 

[Mediocrity Man]

I own and have owned a bunch of basses but my Fender MIJ P is just right for any occasion. And the build quality is excellent. The pups and bridge are upgraded but otherwise this thing sings. The most stable neck out of all of them too.

 

[Bulky Bass]

I think the appeal of the Precision is that you know what you are getting. Simplicity at its finest. If I ever needed to use another bassist’s bass at a gig for whatever reason and he/she pulled out a P Bass as opposed to an Ibanez or some exotic thing with tons of knobs I would breath a sigh of relief. Not saying other basses are bad, but if you need to dial up a sound quickly, chances are the Precision will make it less of a headache for you.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I think I've posted before how I had* a Squier 60s CV Precision (Chromes flats), and a 2000 MIM Fender Precision (Fender 7250M rounds) that were two of my favourite basses ever.
I tried using the Chromes on the MIM, and rounds on the CV, but the magic wasn't there.
Switchcraft jacks, CTS pots, Sprague cap were added, but that's all I did other than set them up with a 5/32" action. Both were those basses that 'spoke to me.' Stock pickups weren't 'fine.' They sounded great.
I've played a lot of P-Basses, and these two were special ones.




[*Past tense as lost in fire]

 

[FirewalZ]

I think the appeal of the Precision is that you know what you are getting. Simplicity at its finest. If I ever needed to use another bassist’s bass at a gig for whatever reason and he/she pulled out a P Bass as opposed to an Ibanez or some exotic thing with tons of knobs I would breath a sigh of relief. Not saying other basses are bad, but if you need to dial up a sound quickly, chances are the Precision will make it less of a headache for you.

I’m the same way about amps, as simple and as few knobs as possible. I remember doing a gig and the back line was some old SWR with like 25 knobs....and on a dark stage

 

[AngelCrusher]

Matters what Fender. I have a Sadowsky p/j and it is amazing. But i still play my avri 63 pbass just as much. They are both fantastic.

I wouldn't get too focused on what is better than the other. It boils down to what you like.

 

[juggahnaught]

I'm sure P Bass purists will disagree with me on this, but to me a P Bass sounds like a P Bass no matter who makes it or whether it cost you $200 or $2000. I have owned and played dozens of P Basses in my life. The main differences are in weight, and quality of materials. But the tone varies only slightly. I'm not sure why anyone would spend more than $1000 on a P Bass. The best one I've ever played was a CAR American Special with a maple fretboard, and that was mostly because it weighed about 8 pounds, but it sounded like just about every other P Bass I've ever played.

It's true. Fundamentally, a P bass is a P bass is a P bass. Seeing people compare them and talk about the differences always reminds me of this scene from American Psycho:

 

[Ric Vice]

I was fortunate enough to purchase this bass, in 1975. It really has one sound and that one sound is beautiful.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I see a TON of people make P Basses. Can it be assumed the American made Fender is the ultimate in sound and playability?
Are there any other P Basses for less, which equal a Fender? And are there P Basses even better than the Fender? Curiosity kills me. Thanks

I own an American P-Bass Deluxe which I currently gig and record with. I also have done a significant amount of the same with a mid 70s Am PB. Are they the end all be all? Not so sure about that, but I will say both record very well (especially with a fresh set of quality strings) producing a very natural predictable result.

And even today, it’s still considered the definitive electric bass sound. But it’s not the only sound. Keep in mind a bass is a voice, and that voice varies from bass to bass, manufacturer to manufacturer. The key is, you bass should be the right voice for the material you are playing. What would think if Chris Squire played a PB with 20 year old strings? It was a great bass set up for Duck Dunn, right? Let your ears be your guide.

 

[Cullen G]

" A P Bass is a P Bass" same as another you say? I found that not to be true for me.
I have ZERO clue how to describe myself as a bass player. I am NOT a bass player technically. I can play a little bass though. I plan on learning a ton more. But at this time, even though I have owned 7 basses in my life. I have not played enough to be considered a bass player at all. I took a hiatus from bass around 95, and just bought a new one last year. I do NOT know what you guys do. I would not be able to discern all of the differences in basses you guys would at a Guitar Center.
BUT, I do know there are two reasons I love an American Fender P Bass. This one is really important … when I was only about a year in to playing bass, I went to a big guitar store and tried them all. Not knowing anything about them at all. What I found, was I could play the songs I knew easier on a particular neck, on a particular bass. And it as the MIA P Bass by Fender. I was better on the Fender for some reason.
It was only then, I found out it was also the bass my idol plays. So I am trying to decide if I could live with anything less than my dream bass. What I have found is, I definitely could do without it being a Fender, IF I could get it in the Fender Royal Blue Sparkle color. AKA, a Steve Harris mimic.
This is my most important follow up as the OP. I am now just looking for that color. All else has been answered.
Does anyone know anyone making them in that color, other than Moolon?
Thanks so much guys. I am learning a lot from your replies.

 

[Cullen G]

I really do not want to make another thread asking this … so, short of buying an actual Steve Harris bass I can not afford at all, what would be my best way of making a clone of this? Does ANYONE paint the blue sparkle I could hire maybe ? If so, many options open up.

 

[MynameisMe]

3D printer?

 

[SJan3]

View attachment 3387224

That's a honey.

 

[dmt]

I really do not want to make another thread asking this … so, short of buying an actual Steve Harris bass I can not afford at all, what would be my best way of making a clone of this? Does ANYONE paint the blue sparkle I could hire maybe ? If so, many options open up.

View attachment 3388003

Honestly, the best thing would be to start a new thread now that you’ve honed in on you’re exact question. Lots of people will only read the first page or 3 and maybe the last page before posting. Others will only read the title before posting! Accordingly, most responders are gonna comment without ever having seen your post on page 5 that you’ve now honed your question down to a matter of paint job. Further, a new post with a title specifically about blue sparkle paint will attract those who know about paint but might not have any knowledge of "Understanding the P bass". Meanwhile, the debate on what is and what is not a P will rage on

 

[Cullen G]

Thanks for the good advice, dmt. I will do just that.

 

[Marcus Willett]

I get what you mean and partly agree, but on the other hand that is what is the P’bass sound. Anything else may have a much more even response and sound great (J-bass) but it won’t sound traditional P, and that’s what a lot of people define as ‘the electric bass sound’. Not me though. I like it for some stuff but not everything.

It’s close enough that it doesn’t matter. I’ve heard wider deviations from the “traditional “ P bass sound just between different Fender models or even just different strings. I’ve had engineers tell me my 5 stringers sound like a P with the front pickup soloed and approaching it like a P.

The difference with the reversed setup isn’t huge, it’s mostly noticeable on the top 2 strings where we (generally) don’t spend too much time, especially on a P.

 

[Deleted member 339551]

I don't play my Jazz Bass because it has too many knobs.

What's the reason for that? Don't you like knobs?