What P bass should I buy ?

[Huw Phillips]

I have been looking around at P basses of late and want to buy a better quality one than my MIM fender, I have had the fender about 3 years and I like it a lot, I have changed the pickup to a Curtis Novak pickup prior to that I had some 62s in it, my other basses are a p shaped bass with a BiSonic/Darkstar pickup, and a jazz bass with an Auder amp and Cutisi’s J pickups, I am not fond of the jazz body shape or sound.
I have looked high and low and the amount of available P is daunting, price range round $1000-2000 I like the look of Sadowsky metros and Sandberg any other makes I should look at ?
I play at home for the moment but want to start playing out when the C19 crisis is over, I play a wide range of music, reggae, blues, rock.

 

[Snakeman1066]

I tried a Lakland and that was that...I really like the 10" neck radius my hands love them....might give them a look

 

[Huw Phillips]

Sounds good I have look thanks

 

[Snakeman1066]

Sounds good I have look thanks

their customer service is second to none...and a great product...though some people seem to have aesthetic issues with the bridge...

 

[PJ Muzikmansky]

Huw, if your budget allows, look into a second hand Fender custom shop precision.

I have a CS '59 P and it scratches every P-bass itch I've ever had...and then some.

Also, check out the Yamaha BB series. Great sounding, very well constructed instruments that provide excellent bang for your buck. Though I've not played one, I've heard very good things about the BB434. It's actually a PJ so a little more versatile than a straight P - if that's your thing. It does a very good P bass sound and a good PJ blended sound for more pop-sounding stuff. Best part - it's cheap

{I recommend the Yamaha BB series of basses in general. I have an older BB2000 which is more jazz-like but it's the best bass I own}

 

[Jackcrow]

Used US-made G&L’s are great deals for the most part. Check out the LB-100, SB-1 or SB-2.

 

[Bassist30]

One of the vintage fender styles. Either the AO or AV P bass. Can get one used at a good price and in your budget. A AO (American Original) will be about 2000 new.

 

[TerenceE]

Lakland. G&l. Sandberg. Music man. Everyone has a
P style bass in that price range. Try a bunch if you can

 

[Huw Phillips]

Thanks for all the Info I will check out a few once we are able to go shopping again, stay safe everyone

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

If I was looking at getting another P and I wanted it to be high quality, I'd be looking at G&L SB-1 if I wanted a wide P style neck or an SB-2 if I wanted a Jazz neck. The other option I would look at would be building one from Warmoth. For me, both of these brands are outstanding examples of Leo's legacy. I've had several MM's over the years, to me their tone is a different flavor, enough that I don't consider them a "true" P.

If you can find one, a Peavey US made Fury is a great P bass. The "pinstripe" headstock years are especially good. I have one made at the end of the US production that I picked up off of Craig's List for $80 bucks maybe 10 years ago that sounds just as good of a P as my '77 is, much lighter weight and faster to play. (The neck is a Jazz profile on most Fury's)

Tom

 

[Bruiser Stone]

Loving my new Fralin stock wound pickup. Sweet sounding with a little more low-end grunt than the ‘78’s were giving me. I think it would sound good in most any instrument.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Tony Franklins are very well liked. I got a used fretless. Sold the neck and put on a neck of my choice, which was 2019 rosewood Fender Pro from stratosphere. Couldnt be happier. That new blue fretless is now very tempting.

 

[Pings Bass]

What do you need that your MiM isn't providing?

 

[buldog5151bass]

TB classified.

 

[Huw Phillips]

I just feel that I want something that’s higher quality all round, the MIM is great but it’s a little heavier than I like and it’s all a bit clunky for example the tuners compared with Hipshot ultras are less smooth, I guess I can afford a better bass and think I deserve one would be the honest answer

 

[taylor16]

If it's a passive Precision-style bass, I can't recommend LA BELLA OLINTO enough. Although new is going to run well above $2000, you should be able to find one 2nd hand for around that. I don't understand why anyone would want an active-P so...

 

[buldog5151bass]

I just feel that I want something that’s higher quality all round, the MIM is great but it’s a little heavier than I like and it’s all a bit clunky for example the tuners compared with Hipshot ultras are less smooth, I guess I can afford a better bass and think I deserve one would be the honest answer

Then I wouldn't rush, or buy without trying. I've seen MIA, or even custom shop models approaching 10 pounds. My fretless jazz is a MIM with upgraded tuners and pickups.

 

[roller]

How 'bout a Serek Armitage? It's their take on the P-Bass.

Serek Basses - Armitage

Serek's other basses have some P-ish elements as well.

I have been looking around at P basses of late and want to buy a better quality one than my MIM fender, I have had the fender about 3 years and I like it a lot, I have changed the pickup to a Curtis Novak pickup prior to that I had some 62s in it, my other basses are a p shaped bass with a BiSonic/Darkstar pickup, and a jazz bass with an Auder amp and Cutisi’s J pickups, I am not fond of the jazz body shape or sound.
I have looked high and low and the amount of available P is daunting, price range round $1000-2000 I like the look of Sadowsky metros and Sandberg any other makes I should look at ?
I play at home for the moment but want to start playing out when the C19 crisis is over, I play a wide range of music, reggae, blues, rock.

 

[cnltb]

What P bass should I buy ?
At this point specifically but in general also I'd go to my favourite builder and commission one.
I know I'll get a good instrument, exactly what I want and support someone who can really do with the support at the same time.
I think you 'll be likely to not pay more either, doing it this way.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

There is a Muckelroy p available for $1000 in our own TB classifieds that would be on its way to me if not for my self imposed restraint due to the current situation. Checks all my boxes. Great bass. Great price. I have no affiliation with the seller or builder. Just know a great bass when I see one.