What Precision clone up to $300(used) could you recommend?

[Oleg BassPlayer]

Hi everybody, I'd like to ask you for a piece of advice.

Recently I came to understand that I definitely prefer P-bass sound. I already own an old East German clone by Musima, but it's quality isn't high - I can't fix the relief, it's damn heavy and the pickup is weak, and I'm reluctant to invest money in it's repair or upgrade. So I decided to get something more decent.

I can spend about $300 on it and I think I'll bye a used one. Could you give some broad direction to search? What are some popular P-bass clones with a good sound for this price?

 

[Runnerman]

Peavey Fury

 

[filmtex]

Hi everybody, I'd like to ask you for a piece of advice.

Recently I came to understand that I definitely prefer P-bass sound. I already own an old East German clone by Musima, but it's quality isn't high - I can't fix the relief, it's damn heavy and the pickup is weak, and I'm reluctant to invest money in it's repair or upgrade. So I decided to get something more decent.

I can spend about $300 on it and I think I'll bye a used one. Could you give some broad direction to search? What are some popular P-bass clones with a good sound for this price?

I played a Fury for many years-five nights a week-week after week, Never let me down, sounded pretty good and played well. Just a little too narrow at the nut for my big hands, but that never stopped it from making me money! I would also recommend Squier's- I bought a VM fretless P last year and got another compliment just last night about how good it sounds. So...

 

[Eilif]

New:
Ibanez TMB 100. It's got a nice active boost circut and it looks really cool. I think it's currently the best vintage-style bass you can buy at the $200 price point (not sure what the euro price is)

Used:
Peavey Fury. Great quality, USA made P-bass clone that's lighter than the original and (if you like that sort of thing) has a slimmer Jazz-style neck.

LTD Vintage 214 or Vintage-204. It's the most "clone" like of the batch. except for the headstock and 12th fret inlay, it's pretty much a strait P-bass clone with a P/J setup. Sounds great and better than the comparative Squire models. I loved mine. The main difference between the two models is that the 204 has a reliced finish. These are discontinued now, but I gather they were formerly fairly widely avaialble in europe.

 

[NicJimBass]

I'll echo the Peavey Fury. Be aware though that the neck is similar to a J-bass. Some people dig it, others don't. For a straight P-bass all around, the Squier Vintage Modified basses are really good, make a great modding platform, and can be had for less than $300 all day.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I would try to locate a used Classic Vibe 60's Precision
used Squier Matt Freeman Precision
new or used Squier Classic Vibe 70's Precision
Peavey Fury
Ibanez Roadster
used Mexico Fender Precision

 

[ZenG]

I would try out some Yamaha's.....I bought an RBX170 used (it's a P/J though).

This one weighs 7lb.13oz......but feels light for some reason

Mine came with Chromes on it....and although I'm not a fan of Chromes much, it still sounds "old school".

This is side by side with a Jag SS shorty.

Note how the Jag is almost longer than the Yamaha longscale.

 

[ajkula66]

Another vote for Fury.

How easy it would be to locate one in Ukraine within your price range is something that I'm positively clueless about.

 

[soflbass]

All good suggestions so far. The Squier Vintage Modified bass new checks your boxes. $300, free shipping, no tax.

Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass PJ - 3-Color Sunburst

 

[dr_gonzo]

I'll vouch for the 60's Vibe Squier Precision
I own one and they are a killer instrument. Mine is stock (just changed the strings to Jazz TI Flats) and it truly feels like a high end instrument, practically can't tell the difference between a Mexican Standard and this one.

 

[Pirate Captain]

I'd hunt down a Matsumoku made lawsuit era clone. (Aria, Univox, etc)

 

[AcridSaint]

I would look for an 80s Jackson or Charvel P if you want a seriously underrated bass in that price range. Otherwise, I would just go for the VM Squier as others have suggested.

 

[sikamikanico]

Yamaha, Ibanez, Squier... or, if you can find one for that little (not easy these days), late 70s or 80s Japanese basses. These might include Yamaha, Ibanez and Squier, but plenty others. Search around here and elsewhere to read about them...

Most importantly, try before you buy. And try anything in your price range if you can, you might find good ones with the most unusual names on the headstock. It's a P-bass, it doesn't take much to make a decent one.

 

[Wfrance3]

You could always go this route:

VINTAGE GLEN BURTON ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR | eBay

I actually don't recommend, having no experience with them, but they have been around for years. Even though they are super cheap looking, someone must be buying them....

 

[slobake]

Used? You can get a Mexican Fender Precision around here for $300 if you shop around. Don't know what it is like in the Ukraine.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

My first choice would be a Peavey Fury, but as others said, I don't know how available they are in Ukraine. Harley Benton seems to be budget brand that is common in Europe, or at least the UK.

 

[Rockin John]

Any Yamaha bass. Always good for the $$ (but not actually P bass shape, of course).

 

[Badwater]

Hi everybody, I'd like to ask you for a piece of advice.

Recently I came to understand that I definitely prefer P-bass sound. I already own an old East German clone by Musima, but it's quality isn't high - I can't fix the relief, it's damn heavy and the pickup is weak, and I'm reluctant to invest money in it's repair or upgrade. So I decided to get something more decent.

I can spend about $300 on it and I think I'll bye a used one. Could you give some broad direction to search? What are some popular P-bass clones with a good sound for this price?

For that kind of money, I would get the Squire Fretless P-Bass. Only because I want a fretless, and that ebonol neck feels amazing.

 

[Herrick]

I'd look for a Peavey Fury or a Squire.

 

[Jake Gerber]

For me this is a no brainer. Give yourself a little financial wiggle room. A Japanese Fender p bass, E series if possible. I have a 57 maple neck ( had frets filed off, as I play fretless ) and a 62 body. Action is high, flat wounds etc. Just about any " Made in Japan " will be a good bass. How you set it up is to your satisfaction. I intentionally have the action high, it makes you play more like a bass player,especially if fretless.
I too love the p bass. With that said, the early Japanese were better than ANY CBS period Fenders ,and are on par with the mid fifties to early sixties USA Fenders. A maple neck is a must for me, but that's just me. If you land a beat up ,but sound Japanese p bass, you can always put a pot-cap harness in it, at a later date. CTS pots with an paper-oil cap harness maybe $75.00 ... Pups another $50.00 . You would have the best of all worlds in my opinion. I would stay away from any other " knockoff " Japan was the only truly licensed Fender franchise,that made quality to be beat the band . I am biased. I think MIM Fenders are junk. I know that's a blanket statement . Too general. I wouldn't own one, but many players love them, and do very well with MIM . I guess it's what you see under the hood,the feel and the sound of course . Reverb is the place to buy,hands down. Check it out,if you have not done so yet. Reverb.com . ( No I have no interest in the company )
Good luck. Make $300. $400. and you'll be in the running. Also remember cosmetics mean NOTHINGS ! I'll never understand bass and guitar players paying for " distressed " instruments . The idea being, look like you've put in your 10,000 hours, when in fact you're just a poseur. Good luck .
Best
J