What P bass should I buy ?

[anton72]

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...

another vote for Olinto, the best 60s P-bass re-make tone-wise and just top notch quality IMO. Mas Hino is the man. I used to own Olinto P5 bass and it was the only 5 string P-bass I ever tried that sounded as good as 4 string one.

 

[Thundertips]

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.

American Performer P-Basses are good.

 

[wheelsup247]

The Fender USA American Standard Precision (believe the years are 2012-2016) are really nice basses with custom shop pickups and an approximate price point around $1000 Plus at this time from those owners motivated to sell quick. I am very happy with my 2015. Also, the 2011 USA Fender 60th Anniversary Precisions (Blackguard Blonde) are really great Basses if you can find one (see pic).

 

[magnaton]

Are you keeping your MIM? Maybe something vintage-ish then. Can probably find something interesting in the 70's that's been fussed with. Just watch out for weight.

I have a few pre-CBS Fenders that are lovely and a MIJ PB-70 that honestly plays way better but doesn't excite me the way the older ones do. If you'll always have the reliability of the MIM for gigging, now could be a great time to dip your toe in the vintage world

 

[Hounddog409]

That is not an elaboration.

By definition, yes it is.

 

[JakobT]

By definition, yes it is.

By definition, yes it is.

Not much of one.

elaboration noun
/iˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
addition of more information to or an explanation of something that you have said:
This point needs greater elaboration.

 

[lbbc]

I had a G&L LB100...great bass but sold it to buy my Carvin (which I absolutely love!)

 

[Bass Buckaroo]

Consider a Fender Precision Ultra. I moved from a MIM P to this and the differences aren't minor. The best neck I've ever played, well balanced instrument. Nice palette of tones.

 

[FunkHead]

Even this would be a sweet option.
For Sale - 1989 Fender Precision MIJ

 

[Andy Daventry]

I have a MIM fretless jazz neck, an old standard, on my P bass. The pickup is a Original 62. All the rest of the bass is Squier. The only issue I have with the bass is that the edges of the neck aren't rolled. As a couple of people upthread have said, you upgrade for a reason. So what's the reason? "General better quality" is not a reason. If you do that you're very likely to end up with a higher quality bass which will simply dissatisfy you for more money.

The time to upgrade is when you know what that specific reason is. Not before.

 

[hardtop]

My favorites, that I've been able to play or own, in order are:
Sandberg
Lakland
G&L
Fender

 

[Huw Phillips]

Thank you one and all for the positive responses you have given me, I will most likely buy second hand or a deal from a floor model, I like the idea of Warmoth, I have built 3 basses so no problem there, but like the idea of a bass that's pretty much plug and play also having gone through building basses, in an apartment with a patient wife !! I will receive a sum of money soon and figured to up grade that's my motivation thanks for all your input very very much appreciated h

 

[LUCE]

G&L LB-100. Great bridge, and a great P-type bass.

 

[4andnomore]

I've owned a bunch and my two favorites are the AVRI '62 (not to be confused with the AV '63) and the 60th anniversary lacquer/blackguard. So much of its personal preference though. Good Luck!

 

[jd56hawk]

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.

Good thing I already have my P bass because this one's danned hard to resist!

 

[Chrome Dome]

Project,MIM Fender Precision neck,with MFD SB-1 pickups,BadAssII bridge. Nice Keeper!

 

[_Obra_]

It depends on the price you can afford.
Considering my experience with vintage and new ones, if You can choose, Fender Custom Shop Postmodern is currently the best choice of P basses, but the price is not negligible.

 

[707GK]

If you can find an FGN Neo Classic, they are wonderful instruments and priced within the range you've mentioned.

The build quality is a cut above the rest, and it nails a 60's P bass tone IMO.