I might get flamed for this because everyone likes the vintage sounds that came from the precbs days, but I think the 2008 through updated 2012 american standards (the whole line) are among the best instruments they've produced. I've yet to play a 2008 model or newer am standard that I didn't like, strat, tele, or bass.
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When did American P basses get so good?
- Thread starter Jim C
- Start date
While I've got a captive audience ... Anyone else love/miss the grey threaded strings that came on the 08s with the taper wound e string? I've been wanting to find something similar since they switched up their string production.
cant complain about my 60th anniversary P. Plays and sounds amazing like a P bass should and if you are willing to buy a P, go with the American ones. Preferably with the 08 and up models like everyone is suggesting. they are a huge upgrade from the previous models with the S-1 switching IMO
I could understand fit and finish, but isn't the tone purely a function of different pups as they rest of the materials seem identical?
Just not up on all the specs and the Fender sight is ultra slow right now.
Just not up on all the specs and the Fender sight is ultra slow right now.
They're not making those anymore? Dang. I bought a brand new Am. Std. Precision 5-string in 2010 and it's still got the factory strings on it, with the taper wound B and E. Great strings, and I was planning on replacing them with a new set of the same at some point soon. I really dug the .110 gauge on the E, too.
And to echo the comments on stability, I haven't needed to make a single neck or bridge adjustment in two and a half years. The bass still plays as beautifully as the day I bought it. Truly one of the finest basses I've owned.
Dave Siff said:
They technically still make the model of strings but from what I've heard they are pretty different. I have also changed strings about 200 times for heavy flats to light rounds and never have adjusted the neck or bridge.
The latest Fender strings feel cheap and look cheap compared to the nice tapered ones they had on the 08 release basses.
The rolled edges and fret work started with the '08 models..... actually at the end of '07. The rods have been a feature since the mid '90's.
I really think the '08 and '09 years were about the best. My '08 Am Std P is incredible. It's so nice, that I started looking at a new Am Std jazz last year, however.......
I have to disagree with the better fretwork today. I haven't played anything new this year, but the fretwork, especially up high, was shoddy on many of the instruments passing through my local shop in '11. I think they got a bit lax at the end of '10 and into the next year. One particular brand new '11 Am Std jazz had two low frets.... the 16th and 17th..... both had no crown on the top (filed almost to a point), and were a good 64th of an inch lower than the other frets. It buzzed and choked out like mad...... it looked like Stevie Wonder did some final fretwork on it before it left the factory.
Generally speaking, I think that since late '07 QC has been better, but I still think you need to check it out before you buy.
Totally agree!!!
Like I need this further "prompting" when all 6 of my perfectly good yet each in their unique special way Fender Precisions (disclaimer, two are parts basses one with a Warmoth body, one with a Warmoth neck) aren't enough!!!!
Whaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Oh well, something to further "strive for"!!!!
I too was a non-Fender player for years due to CBS and early FMIC quality, but studio work demands a good Precision most of the time, so I bought a brand new 2011 AmStd P last year. I am still amazed at how good it looks, feels, and sounds.
I cannot vouch for 2008+ Fender perfection, but I will say mine rivals my StingRay in every aspect, considering they are apples to oranges in the electronics dept. I will also say it beats every other Fender I've ever owned or played, regardless of what era it was made, including pre-CBS.
I cannot vouch for 2008+ Fender perfection, but I will say mine rivals my StingRay in every aspect, considering they are apples to oranges in the electronics dept. I will also say it beats every other Fender I've ever owned or played, regardless of what era it was made, including pre-CBS.
I would love to find the gray E-tapered strings also. Can't believe they discontinued those. Still running the original ones on my 09. Kinda like dead rounds.
