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When did American P basses get so good?

#21
This thread makes me so happy to be owner of a 2008 American Jazz. I've read so many places on this forum about people hating on fenders, and I just couldn't understand! Maybe they tried one from before 2008...
I love my jazz, and I've played it so much it's starting to get roadworn (naturally ofc)!
 
#22
Axxis said:
This thread makes me so happy to be owner of a 2008 American Jazz. I've read so many places on this forum about people hating on fenders, and I just couldn't understand! Maybe they tried one from before 2008...
I love my jazz, and I've played it so much it's starting to get roadworn (naturally ofc)!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I also have an '08 American Jazz - it's neck is literally perfection: the fret and nut work was perfect the day I got it, the rolled edges are very nice, and it's one of the most stable necks I've ever owned... The thinner body paint has probably helped it show wear faster than I'm accustomed to, but I don't really care about that, because I don't see myself parting with it, anyways... I put a Hipshot drop tuner and an S1 switch on mine, and it's about as versatile as a passive bass can be...


- georgestrings
 
#24
I got my new Jazz V back in 2010 and for me it's the biz. I was coming off the back of a fairly bad experience with a Lakland Skyline 55-01 so maybe that coloured my view in favour of the Fender a bit. Jazz is definitely a keeper though and I don't see myself using anything else now
 
#28
I also played a 2012 Am Std Precision V string . . . actually took it home for a week (family in the business) . . . anyway, fell in love with Fender again . . . the B string was outstanding . . . and those Fender strings were great . . . fit, finish, detail, playability . . . typical P bass thump . . . sounded amazing through my Eden rig. If it wasn't for the color, I probably would have kept it . . . well, paid for it and kept it!
 
#30
I have a 2011 Am Std Pbass and have loved every minute I've had it. I own a couple of other basses as well, and after playing one of my others, then picking the pbass back up, I'm floored by how good it sounds...all over again :)

Chris
 
#31
I received about a week ago one of the 2012 MIA hand-stained mahogany P basses. This bass is fantastic!

Perfect finish, arrived with a great setup, no finish flaws, nice light and very resonant body.

The bass sounds, plays and looks awesome......no complaints, only praise!

Way to go Fender!!
 
#34
vince a said:
How did you manage to get a non-standard finish . . . I don't see that one listed???
Click to expand...

Fender ran a FSR (Factory Special Run) of P and J MIA basses for 2012.

Read about it here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/nbd-fender-mahogany-stained-p-bass-879486/

A couple of notes on these 2012 FSR's, they do not have the Custom Shop pups like the other 2012's and each model is limited to 150 worldwide. Oh, one other thing, these models have the 2011 pricing!

You can read / see my experience here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/nbd-fender-mahogany-stained-p-bass-879486/
 
#36
I just played one that was 3 grand the other day at guitar center. I think it was called a pbass select or something like that. Maple board and beautiful flamed sunburst finish.

Didn't get it, but it is worth every penny.
 
#37
gfaulkner said:
In 1995 really started paying more attention to their line of basses and in '98 the new Corona plant opened with even more improvements.I have a Precision made in late '98-early '99 that I love and would sell everything else[12 basses] before it.
Click to expand...
Yep, the late nineties and even as late as 2002 and maybe 2003 Fender built some very nice basses.... but then something happened and they were spotty to say the least till '08.
 
#39
Axxis said:
This thread makes me so happy to be owner of a 2008 American Jazz. I've read so many places on this forum about people hating on fenders, and I just couldn't understand! Maybe they tried one from before 2008...
I love my jazz, and I've played it so much it's starting to get roadworn (naturally ofc)!
Click to expand...
Fender is definitely going thru a golden age and I think that since '08 their production instrument, especially the American stuff has been some of their best ever. It's been an excellent time to buy a new Fender.

I think that most of the 80's and up till the mid/late 90's Fender had no idea what they were doing. For that matter I think anything 3 bolt from Fender in the '70's are way overrated. The '70's Jazz may have a signature sound but the neck pockets were terrible, the bullet truss rod and necks were a joke and they were stupid heavy. While I have played some that were great that is the exception rather than the rule. Heck, I'll put my $119 SX J up against any '70's Jazz I've ever owned or played for quality and playability.

I've seen some great basses made from '98 to '02 but almost every American Fender I've owned or played from '04 to '07 was a dog. Some super thick finishes and super lousy necks. I had a '04 Jazz that was beautiful but the most ugly, lifeless sounding bass I've ever owned.

Monday I played a American FSR Jazz and P with the stained finish.... WOW! Those are just amazing, the feel of that satin laquer body is just awesome! if I could have swung another purchase that Jazz would have come home with me, great bass...
 
#40
Boot Soul said:
When did American P basses get so good?

Around 1951
Click to expand...
I would have to disagree that all the old basses (and guitars)were great in fit, playability, and finish.

I currently own the following Fenders:
1960 P
3ea early to mid 70's P basses (one bought new in 1973)
2ea. mid 70's J basses
all 4 bolt necks
These were all bought back in the day and averaged $150 to 250 ea, except the 1960 which was $400 used. Pretty sure the 73 was about $230 out the door when new.

All of them have sentimental value; only the 60 is REALLY good although the neck is super wide and very flat; a bit too big for my hands; wish it was a 57 / early 58

The issues I've had with the 70's are that they are often times too heavy, just OK fit (neck pocket, string allignment over the pups, etc.), fret work, and the biggest issue being ski jumped necks even when new

The bass I played (CAR w/ a maple neck) was:
* Very light
* Perfect neck, it played like butter, rolled edges, very nice fret work, the action was too low for my tastes right off the rack which is great
* Fit and finish were really good
* Very nice tone; sounded like a P bass should (did have one jazz that had the bridge pup died and another jazz that was switched to Dimarzio's in the 70's as the original pups sounded thin and extra noisy; never had a 70's P that needed pups)

Always liked the used 70's basses as the resale stays strong
If these new American P's are approximately $1K new; what do they sell for used?

BTW, if a bass cost $250 in 1973, the inflation calculator I used says it would cost $1,210 in 2010; if true, they have actually gone down in price from 1973. Great time to be buying gear!
Great time to be a player with the gear being so good and fairly priced.
 

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