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What P Bass should I get?

#81
I just got myself a Carvin PB4 from the classifieds here on TB. Highly recommend it. 100% USA made. Great electronics, fretwork, craftsmanship, etc. And this particular one only weighs 8.7 lbs. They can be had used for pretty cheap.

I also agree that the G&L LB100 is an amazing bass.
 
#82
Love GK said:
Sounds like you know what your doing! I've never put one together I should pull the trigger!
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Those sound like famous last words: "Look, I know what I'm doing!"

Anyway, assembling a bass isn't rocket science. there's all manner of info online, and help even here on TB if you get stuck. Buy good quality parts and use your head. You can even get prewired passive electronics now from BBG. Couldn't be easier if you ask me. But then...

I am building a Jazz using a body and neck from a company new to me - USA Custom Guitars. So far, really nice stuff. But I always get stuck at some point, which was yesterday... I ordered the bass with no control holes drilled, and I agonized over the weekend over where to put them (5 of 'em). Pulled the trigger today and like what I did. taking a break at the moment from wiring it up. But so far so good.

A side note on why I chose USACG - They were ably to supply me with a neck that is stable, super lightweight, has graphite rods, and has any radius I want. I chose 16", which I love. Warmoth is great too, but you have a lot fewer choices, and their necks, whicle stable as a rock, are quite heavy, which causes neck dive.
 
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#83
Well just an update:

I've visited a few music shops locally and a bit further out of town. I've played quite a few different p-basses -Squiers, Mexicans. But I have to say that I was blown away by the American Standard P bass. Man I think I'm in love!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a gear snob, and some of the Squiers and Mex P basses were good, but as soon as I had the American Standard P Bass in my hand it was a different animal. From the feel of the neck, the fretboard, but more importantly the TONE. It was like like hot butter on my fingers and smooth chocolate in my ears.

It was great that I was able to play through the same amp and head as I run on stage so I was able to get an accurate representation of the sound.

I'm debating whether to save up and buy new or buy used and save myself some cash. But one things for certain. I'm getting an American P!!!!
 
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#85
SafeHands83 said:
Well just an update:

I've visited a few music shops locally and a bit further out of town. I've played quite a few different p-basses -Squiers, Mexicans. But I have to say that I was blown away by the American Standard P bass. Man I think I'm in love!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a gear snob, and some of the Squiers and Mex P basses were good, but as soon as I had the American Standard P Bass in my hand it was a different animal. From the feel of the neck, the fretboard, but more importantly the TONE. It was like like hot butter on my fingers and smooth chocolate in my ears.

It was great that I was able to play through the same amp and head as I run on stage so I was able to get an accurate representation of the sound.

I'm debating whether to save up and buy new or buy used and save myself some cash. But one things for certain. I'm getting an American P!!!!
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You probably ought to try to buy that exact one. basses vary, sometimes by a good bit. I myself am in the market for a jazz bass. This weekend I played a mexi-standard, a mexi-deluxe, and an american standard. the mexi standard was dramatically the best of them all - they all played about the same, but the mexi standard was a good bit lighter in weight than the others, but sounded better than the other two - had a really nice growl not in the other two.

good luck!
 
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#87
SafeHands83 said:
Ok so I play a Fender J Bass in a full time cover band. It is an absolute workhorse and caters to all genres that we play. But I recently played a friend's P bass clone and I loved it. I was warned off a P bass when buying my J bass as I was told it wasn't versatile enough to cover the genres we do. As I was new to playing bass I took the advise as gospel and opted for the J bass instead.

Anyway, now im a bit wiser I'm looking to add a P bass to the family but I'm not sure what one to get. Unfortunately there's not a big choice of P basses in our local music stores to demo before buying.

I've watched a lot of youtube reviews but I'm still no better off. I love the gritty sound of the Mark Hoppus P bass but I'm not sure how it would sit in the mix of a corporate band.

If anyone could provide some help on what type of P bass will suit all music styles for my band, I'm all ears.

Thanks
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Whatever one you decide on, just don't get this.
fnsj61.jpg

Too many people have been buying them as it is!
 
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#89
SafeHands83 said:
Well just an update:

I've visited a few music shops locally and a bit further out of town. I've played quite a few different p-basses -Squiers, Mexicans. But I have to say that I was blown away by the American Standard P bass. Man I think I'm in love!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a gear snob, and some of the Squiers and Mex P basses were good, but as soon as I had the American Standard P Bass in my hand it was a different animal. From the feel of the neck, the fretboard, but more importantly the TONE. It was like like hot butter on my fingers and smooth chocolate in my ears.

It was great that I was able to play through the same amp and head as I run on stage so I was able to get an accurate representation of the sound.

I'm debating whether to save up and buy new or buy used and save myself some cash. But one things for certain. I'm getting an American P!!!!
Click to expand...


Don't make the mistake of thinking every American P wills sound, look, and feel like this one .

If you find one that fits, that's the one you buy. One size does not fit all!! You need to try before you buy or purchase from a store with a good no questions asked return policy.
 

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