What P bass am I looking for?

[squeally dan]

I’ve been using an old Mike Dirnt P bass that I got used for $350. I’ve used it for my rock band, wedding band, instrumental. I really like the punchiness of it.

Now I’m looking for something somewhat similar. However would love it to be at least a little lighter, slightly smaller neck, and a bit better balanced across all strings.

I’m selling a telecaster, and looking to spend in the $1000-1200 range. What would you go with?

 

[michael_t]

... a bit better balanced across all strings...

How is the Mike Dirnt "unbalanced"?

 

[BioDriver]

Nate Mendel signature P immediately comes to mind. If you want to explore outside Fender, there's the Lakland Skyline 44-64, Yamaha BB series, Schecter P-4 and CV-4. If you're patient, you can also snag parts off Warmoth, drop in a Seymour Duncan quarter pound pickup, and hardware of your choice.

 

[squeally dan]

How is the Mike Dirnt "unbalanced"?

Just seems like the g string is more present than the low E and A. Mainly just looking for something lighter.

 

[michael_t]

Just seems like the g string is more present than the low E and A. Mainly just looking for something lighter.

G and D on a P bass are naturally brighter than E and A because of the traditional configuration of the two halves of the split single-coil. I was going to suggest a reverse P for better tonal balance.

 

[squeally dan]

Main thing is the weight.

 

[Sternodox]

Have you tried a Sire D5? You'll have enough for a hard case too. And flats. I like it better than any other other P I ever played that didn't cost thousands.

 

[Aidenn7]

Parts bass.. which is what I'm doing.. Jazz neck on pbass body.. I'm going for cost effective and light..

 

[squeally dan]

View attachment 5433906

Have you tried a Sire D5? You'll have enough for a hard case too. And flats. I like it better than any other other P I ever played that didn't cost thousands.

How’s the weight?

 

[Sternodox]

How’s the weight?

4.02 kilograms.

 

[tothemax]

My main bass is a 50's reissue P, Tele headstock but it weighs a ton... I've been keeping my eye open for a "J" that is light with a nice neck, cool finish, at a reasonable price (probably used, but not vintage). I'm a natural finish guy, so they are out there, US or MIM. You can always upgrade the electronics and strings...

 

[Mike Vee]

In that range? Something MIJ for sure. International/Traditional/Hybrid/Heritage Precision and do the SUPER EASY, solderless EMG Geezer pickup upgrade for $100. Will beat the feel of anything MIM or MIA at that price range.

 

[B String]

Parts bass.. which is what I'm doing.. Jazz neck on pbass body.. I'm going for cost effective and light..

The marriage of the neck and body is where the magic is. Parts basses are a major gamble. (in my opinion and experience) BUT!! I'm very picky

 

[squeally dan]

In that range? Something MIJ for sure. International/Traditional/Hybrid/Heritage Precision and do the SUPER EASY, solderless EMG Geezer pickup upgrade for $100. Will beat the feel of anything MIM or MIA at that price range.

I’ve had a MIA P in this price range that felt great. Wish I’d kept it.
I’m looking to buy used.

 

[jasper383]

Two Yamaha BB434s.

 

[maturanesa]

Just seems like the g string is more present than the low E and A. Mainly just looking for something lighter.

Any P will have more presence in the higher strings because the pickup is on the bridge side.
The only way to balance that is to use a non-split pickup

 

[JRA]

What would you go with?

i'm with @Adienn7, a parts bass. and with your budget = all premium parts, as you plan and choose!

The marriage of the neck and body is where the magic is. Parts basses are a major gamble. (in my opinion and experience) BUT!! I'm very picky

i'm with you on the neck/body union, but IME, a parts bass reduces the "gamble" --- one of the advantages! i'm as picky as they come re: feel.

 

[Mike Vee]

I’ve had a MIA P in this price range that felt great. Wish I’d kept it.
I’m looking to buy used.

If you must have USA and want to go used, Fender American Special is what you want. Nice slim neck and a no-frills US build. They are amazing.

Fender Bass Guitar - American Special Precision Bass - 2010 - Low Price on Reverb | Reverb

If you are into a PJ, the newer version of the Special, American Performer, is also pretty sweet. You should be able to snag one with a "best offer" on Reverb at the top of your price range.

 

[B String]

i'm with @Adienn7, a parts bass. and with your budget = all premium parts, as you plan and choose!


i'm with you on the neck/body union, but IME, a parts bass reduces the "gamble" --- one of the advantages! i'm as picky as they come re: feel.

What I meant with that statement was, you can buy a great body and a great neck, but you won't know how they work together till you string it up. Even (especially) if you don't have pickups installed.

 

[faulknersj]

Don’t sleep on Lakland 44-64