My 2006 mia p bass has a great tone, sans the s-1 switch. I have played numerous p basses over twenty years of playing, and my tone has great character. The recordings from the bass are really good too, nice grind, smooth, etc., and most importantly it plays well with others.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
When did American P basses get so good?
- Thread starter Jim C
- Start date
I have a '99 American Standard Precision that I really love. It seems like sometime in the early or mid 2000's Fender's quality control took a dip, but then came back. I haven't played any of the newer Fenders myself, though.
I am not a believer in 2008 changed the world of fender. There AV series has been really good the only time its been around I have played various years and not noticed a difference.
Also i had a usa 2004 P bass-great bass , i had a 2008 fender P bass in charcoal frost , crappy bass, i had a 2009 in oly white , great bass.
I think the 2008's really grabbed people due to the fact the case was sturdier , that doesnt apply to the bass tho , the tuners looked a little better on the back but still hipshot and then the thinner paint-well sonically thinner paint wont change the sound much at all.
Really I think fender came out with some new hardware and no S1 and thats what got people all over them , I really dont find them any better then early 2000s in terms of construction.
I also think the lower mass bridges on the pre 2008's were better looking.
Also i had a usa 2004 P bass-great bass , i had a 2008 fender P bass in charcoal frost , crappy bass, i had a 2009 in oly white , great bass.
I think the 2008's really grabbed people due to the fact the case was sturdier , that doesnt apply to the bass tho , the tuners looked a little better on the back but still hipshot and then the thinner paint-well sonically thinner paint wont change the sound much at all.
Really I think fender came out with some new hardware and no S1 and thats what got people all over them , I really dont find them any better then early 2000s in terms of construction.
I also think the lower mass bridges on the pre 2008's were better looking.
For me it was just post 08 features on the AS series. I played well built AS basses from 90s and 00s but hated the necks. I wasn't a fan of the S-1 system and didn't like the indestructible finishes. Both functionally and aesthetically I like the post 08. Love the feel of the whole bass as well as small features like gloss on headstock and thinner finishes. Tuners are great and the Candy Cola finish is a pretty thing.
All that said, I'm sure you can find a post 08 dog of a bass that feels like crap but my P bass is 8.3 lbs - feels, sounds and looks great. I'd like to try the newer American deluxe versions since they upgraded pickups and preamp too.
All that said, I'm sure you can find a post 08 dog of a bass that feels like crap but my P bass is 8.3 lbs - feels, sounds and looks great. I'd like to try the newer American deluxe versions since they upgraded pickups and preamp too.
I think Fenders, even with the new QC will still be hit or miss as far as getting that connection with an instrument. I have an 60th Anniversary Fender Jazz (2006) and its a perfect bass tone wise. Just perfect among all the boutique instruments I also own (Alleva Coppolo, Sadowsky, etc
) this bass might be the ONE I wouldnt let go out of my entire collection.
I think the key is finding a relatively light weight (9lb and under) one, and with fresh rounds on it and people are amazed at how full, round and punchy these $1K price range instruments sound.
I think the key is finding a relatively light weight (9lb and under) one, and with fresh rounds on it and people are amazed at how full, round and punchy these $1K price range instruments sound.
Im with you I have an 06 that is just the bomb.
I think Fenders issue is this most of their exposure is from Guitar Center experiences and we all know how that goes. Dead strings. Missing knobs. Horrible action. And the list goes on .
Mail order is a gamble too. Everything may be perfect with the bass, but you get a tank that weighs 10lbs and IMO this sucks the tone out of a bass.
It may take a little work, but you can find a gem out there if you really look. I lucked out at a local GC with one that was brand new, just taken out from the back and weighs 8.5lbs. Its just tone heaven and the standard I compare all my $2K + against. (crazy huh?)
I just bought my first American Vintage '62 Precision, roughly four weeks ago, and it's fantastic. I love the hell out of it. And play the hell of it. It's a high quality build.
Not sure of the exact build date (seriel # V203***)
Fender's website says you have to check the neck to get the exact date, but I have not removed the neck to check or for any other reason.
I've been buying, selling, servicing and playing them since the '60s and I'm still waiting.
They're eh to OK. The great ones are and always have been rarities, "accidents." Probably always will be.
"Quality in excess of consumer expectation is waste." True then, true now, true forever.
76Dub said:
That's pretty much the same thing that happened to me at the end of last year. Walked out with a 2011 that is just an amazing bass.
Just preaching to the choir here, but my 08 p just amazes me every time I pick it up. I couldnt picture one thing that would make it better (ok, maybe a refin in surf green)
I really want to pick up a new jazz now after reading this thread
I really want to pick up a new jazz now after reading this thread
I went to GC tonight to get a replacement mic cord, I love lifetime guarantees...
While I was there I wanted to try an American Standard Jazz with a maple neck. Happily for my wallet, they had none in stock. Actually, they didn't have any American Jazz basses.
While I was there I wanted to try an American Standard Jazz with a maple neck. Happily for my wallet, they had none in stock. Actually, they didn't have any American Jazz basses.
