Which FENDER P to buy?

[mdogs]

The thing is, there is almost zero chance that this bass would move to the top of my P list. Currently at the top are my Nash PB-63 PJ and a Mexican Frankenfender with an Aguilar Hot P that was put together by Nino Valenti and is spectacular. But I want a pure bred Fender and the ones that have been really intriguing me lately are the Vintera II nitros, really love a good nitro finish. But, I must not be 00% sold since I have not pulled the trigger yet.

 

[tb-player]

I own an American Vintage II. When I got it, I decided to replace the pickups with Lollars. I ended up swapping them right back out. The AV II is perfect just the way it is. Wide spacing and a relatively thin neck. If you want a great pickup and a smoother feeling neck, go with the Am Pro II precision. They're incredible.

 

[39-Bassist]

I voted AM Classic...but if it were me I would buy Fender MIJ...good luck on your decision if you buy any...

 

[Lowbrow]

Given my choice it would be an American Vintage, but I’d want to try several which ain’t easy. I have a Player 2 also which is nice. As much as I like my Am Pro II, the wood is great but the pickup had to go.

But my honest recommendation would be get a Fender Japan 62.

 

[MovingPitchers]

I bought a 2014 Am Std P for $1350 CAD 2 weeks ago. Swapped out the pickup for EMG GZR but swapped right back. In a band mix, pickup brand/type doesn't matter anymore. It'll sound like a P no matter what, I find.

And 99% of the audience doesn't give a hoot if it's a stock pickup or Lollars anyways

I own an American Vintage II. When I got it, I decided to replace the pickups with Lollars. I ended up swapping them right back out. The AV II is perfect just the way it is. Wide spacing and a relatively thin neck. If you want a great pickup and a smoother feeling neck, go with the Am Pro II precision. They're incredible.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Used American Standard or American Special. If passive works for you.

 

[Kingofrock43]

No love for Ultras? Nice deal on one just posted in the classifieds.

 

[DTF]

vintera 2 rw are awesome , if price isnt an issue CS used is the way

 

[gr8avocado]

The thing is, there is almost zero chance that this bass would move to the top of my P list. Currently at the top are my Nash PB-63 PJ and a Mexican Frankenfender with an Aguilar Hot P that was put together by Nino Valenti and is spectacular. But I want a pure bred Fender and the ones that have been really intriguing me lately are the Vintera II nitros, really love a good nitro finish. But, I must not be 00% sold since I have not pulled the trigger yet.

I voted custom shop(gotta live vicariously) but, the Vintera 2 RW would be my second choice. I have the Charcoal Frost one and I love it. It's become the bass I just automatically pick up when I want to play.

 

[LowTorque]

They all will give you a decent pbass tone. If money doesn't matter go with the one that feels and sounds best to your hands and ears. anything else is irrelevant.

 

[DTF]

The thing is, there is almost zero chance that this bass would move to the top of my P list. Currently at the top are my Nash PB-63 PJ and a Mexican Frankenfender with an Aguilar Hot P that was put together by Nino Valenti and is spectacular. But I want a pure bred Fender and the ones that have been really intriguing me lately are the Vintera II nitros, really love a good nitro finish. But, I must not be 00% sold since I have not pulled the trigger yet.

Pull the trigger only thing I dont like is the dyed finger board , and the 1D tort pickguard neck feels great otherwise body finish is really done well the pickups that come with them sound very good , and they run pretty good weight wise

 

[mdogs]

No love for Ultras? Nice deal on one just posted in the classifieds.

2 things Fender should not do, 5 strings and active.

 

[Kingofrock43]

2 things Fender should not do, 5 strings and active.

Point taken. I own a few and almost always play in passive mode. Just like their build quality and feel. YMMV.

 

[blastoff]

theres no option for "precision bass"

 

[andymac]

I like them all. They are all different, so it depends a lot on what you want.

I think the best value for money are the Vinteras. They are IMO every bit as good as the American Vintage. Kind of the sweet spot, the lower-priced ones feel a bit cheap, (though can be great!), and there are diminishing returns with the higher-priced models. But you have to like the vintage specs.

 

[MovingPitchers]

I like Fender’s active basses but not enough to want one. Less controls on the bass, the better for me.

I do agree their 5-string models are kind of garbage. Floppy B string and nearly hard to hear anyways. Never had issues with Ibanez or Stingrays…

 

[wolffire99]

Vintera Road Worn or a used Custom Shop. I don’t like the way poly basses feel. Personal preference and probably all in my head but after my first nitro bass I couldn’t go back. Feels more alive.

 

[Yahboy]

I vote CIC Squier by FENDER !

 

[Camaro69]

I like Fender’s active basses but not enough to want one. Less controls on the bass, the better for me.

I do agree their 5-string models are kind of garbage. Floppy B string and nearly hard to hear anyways. Never had issues with Ibanez or Stingrays…

Every time I own one, I seem to find one setting and never mess with it.
I liked the L2000, but every bass I own now follows this:

2 things Fender should not do, 5 strings and active.

 

[MovingPitchers]

Every time I own one, I seem to find one setting and never mess with it.
I liked the L2000, but every bass I own now follows this:

The Player II Modifieds are a nice line tbh. I’m not sold on the Ultra IIs.

I work at an instrument store so I had plenty of time to play all these different brands. I really didn’t like the Ultra IIs or the AVIIs. Just felt odd.