What is a "true" P-Bass?

[Gbass75]

There are those who would say that only a Fender manufactured "Precision Bass" is an honest-to-God, legit, "P-Bass."

Others suggest that any bass with the split-coil pick up can be defined as a "P-Bass."

But then, just to muddy the waters, there are the various Fender-made "Precision" basses that have other sorts of pickups in them...

So what are your thoughts? Are the original single and split-coil, Leo Fender designed basses the only TRUE Precision Basses?!?

 

[shawshank72]

Isnt this kind of like saying that only hamburgers made at wendys are true hamburgers?

 

[mongo2]

Those other than Fender/FMIC are simply copies.

 

[electracoyote]

Others suggest that any bass with the split-coil pick up can be defined as a "P-Bass."

Yep, that's me, if it has a P-Bass split coil pickup in it, 1 tone and 1 volume, and no other details distinguishing it from what Fender has been offering for over 50 years, it's a "P-Bass."

 

[Gbass75]

Isnt this kind of like saying that only hamburgers made at wendys are true hamburgers?

...aren't they?

;-)

 

[shawshank72]

...aren't they?

;-)

lol They are good but there is better.

 

[Gbass75]

lol They are good but there is better.

Oh, Shawshank... PLEASE don't say In-and-Out! Those burgers are a hot mess (literally and figuratively)!!!

 

[landau roof]

Oh, Shawshank... PLEASE don't say In-and-Out! Those burgers are a hot mess (literally and figuratively)!!!

You're out your 'cot damn mind!

 

[jwj1701]

I sat 5 Guys is the only true hamburger (although I love Hardee's commercials). And it doesn't matter if it's single or split, Leo's fenders are the true P basses.

 

[Febs]

Isnt this kind of like saying that only hamburgers made at wendys are true hamburgers?

P-Bass is a registered trademark of FMIC, so it's more like saying that only Old Fashioned Hamburgers® made at Wendy's are true Old Fashioned Hamburgers®.

 

[landau roof]

P-Bass is a registered trademark of FMIC, so it's more like saying that only Old Fashioned Hamburgers® made at Wendy's are true Old Fashioned Hamburgers®.

What if you put a Fender P pickup in a Tokai Hard Puncher?

Is that kinda like a Wendy's patty in a Lotteria burger?

 

[ROOTSnFIFTHS]

I think if it has the name "Fender Precision" then that is a "P bass...".

Now there are P bass styled basses as well as J bass style but they are copied,styled after Leo Fender's original concept. Now these 'copies', if you will may be worse or much better than true Fender Precision bass but they are not a true Fender Precision.

When I hear 'P bass' I want to see Fender on the headstock. Done. Don't care what others say but a Precision is a Precision and it is made by Fender.

And please don't want others getting their panties in a wad, but it is my opinion. As far as I am concerned I don't want to see a single coil in the bridge position on a stock Fender bass and see "Precision" on the headstock. Yes, maybe more versatile, but I like the original design.

And yes I have heard and played Precision and Jazz styled basses (you all know the brands out there) that woop 'real' Fender P or J's butt, but they are not Precision or Jazz basses in my head.

 

[BornboreD]

Generally speaking... Passive, split coil in "the spot", volume and tone control only.

And more specifically the above made by Fender, Sunburst and sporting a Tort guard.

 

[smcd]

Isnt this kind of like saying that only hamburgers made at wendys are true hamburgers?

If Wendys invented the hamburger, and copyrighted the name "Hamburger", then yes - under those circumstances, only Wendys hamburgers would be "true" hamburgers.



Same with P-basses. Only Fender makes "true" P-basses. All others are copies. Others may make copies that are superior instruments, but only Fender makes "true" P-basses.

 

[hsech]

Those other than Fender/FMIC are simply copies.

+1

 

[hsech]

What if you put a Fender P pickup in a Tokai Hard Puncher?

Is that kinda like a Wendy's patty in a Lotteria burger?

A Tokai is still a copy.

 

[FretNoMore]

I think if it has the name "Fender Precision" then that is a "P bass...".
...

This. I believe both "Precision Bass" and "P Bass" are trademarks owned by Fender, so ...

(Invalid Link Removed)

 

[RoadRanger]

Dunno what yous guys are talking about - this is an "original" Precision with its stock single coil pickup:

 

[Gaolee]

I can't define pornography, but I sure know it when I see it. -Thurgood Marshall

 

[LazyGecko]

I can't define pornography, but I sure know it when I see it. -Thurgood Marshall

This.