Which "current" PASSIVE Fender P-Bass would you buy today

The one with tort

 

Nash.

 

let me be the first:

 

American Original. Thinking about suicide on the way home, 'cause I didn't buy a used American Vintage Series Precision.

 

If I didn't already have what I need, buying new, it would be the Vintera '50s P. If I was buying pre-owned, I might try to hunt down a discontinued Chinese-made Squier Classic Vibe P in Fiesta Red. You can see/hear the Squier in action here and here.

 

Road Worn

 

Honestly, meh. While I am looking to add P-bass tone to my toolbox for the first time in a very long time, I've looked over Fender's admittedly extensive selection, and nothing really rings my bell. My next bass will be a 5-string P/J with defeatable active preamp, and there are only 3 such models I'm aware of in current production, none Fenders.

 

I'd go with the Nate Mendel sig because it's the closest current production bass to having the neck profile I want without a j pickup at the bridge... that said, I'd probably just rather spend the money on parts from Warmoth to make exactly what I want.

 

Player because I'm a sucker and it would make me feel good to have a P bass with 'Fender' on the headstock.

Professional because it's the only one that can come with 5 strings, though the cost is currently too much for me.

 

way too many choices for me..My head explodes!.....i'd have to play every one of them in depth to decide, and even still it's gonna sound like "a bass"....rather parts build my own, more satisfying imo. But neck comfort, weight and good tone is important. With a good amp and how i attack the strings, one can get basically any tone they want.

 

Squiers. I’m looking at a 50s scpb , as well as tracking down a mic jazz with the pearl blocks. Squier from me all t he way , after a lifetime of vintage fenders.

 

You left out the Tony Franklin sig, for the FL geeks...

But I voted the AP and AU for the money-no-object options. Both for the relatively simple reason that they're fitted with lighter tuning machines so the balance is going to be a little better. So they'd be probably a little easier to gig with because of that. The Tony Franklin, of course, has really bad neck dive, but it's still my preferred P bass because its fretless.

I also like the compound radius on the Ultra necks, which has several benefits all rolled into one...

L

 

My .02 cents:

The American vintage series was the best, but not on your list.

Try to find a used 62 or 63 AVRI and you’ll be set.

If you’re going to go the Duff route, the original (‘85/6) MIJ Jazz Bass Special is the ticket.

 

I voted for the American Original mainly because they don't have CNC holes or string through in the body. Is there really that much difference between all these different P basses? I know that a lot of this is mainly personal preference (which means a lot) and you would need to play the bass to see if it fits your needs. I have played some Custom Shop basses that I thought were horrible and a couple of Squire's that I thought were fantastic.

 

American original or custom shop,nitro finish and one pickup classic.

 

G&L

 

Like the OP, I’m really considering a P bass. I’ve been asking myself what the real return on investment is for one. At the end of the day, a P is about as straight forward as it gets, and although I would love to own an AO I just can’t imagine them being significantly better than a CV or a Players. It reminds me when I bought my Tele guitar. I ended up with the Squier because it was good enough for what it was.

 

NOS American Elite Precision. Compound radius fingerboard and spoke-wheel truss adjustment is what life's all about. The Elites are, in my opinion, the best non-custom Fenders ever made. I'd still probably change at least the pickups, maybe the preamp.