Which P does what...?

[cnltb]

Hi,
I'm looking into getting a P bass.
And looking on various shops' websites I'm getting confused.. Standard P, American Stabndard, Highway one,MIA,MIM,MIJ, Classic series, modified, sting,etc,etc...I guess you know what's coming...

What are the differences between all these P basses?
Somethings are obvious, but some are not ( to me anyways).
What are the differences, for example between the MIA,MIM,and MIJ P basses.
I don't mind where the instrument is made as long as it's done well.
Are there however any technical differences, or in terms of the materials used etc?
All I want is a P bass.
I like the single pickup ones, but that is not in any way important.

Thanks for any input!
C

 

[René_Julien]

Hi,
I'm looking into getting a P bass.

Hurray,
First step in the right direction.

And looking on various shops' websites I'm getting confused.. Standard P, American Stabndard, Highway one,MIA,MIM,MIJ, Classic series, modified, sting,etc,etc...I guess you know what's coming...

Yeah, I know... I'll hold on and try to bare with you.

What are the differences between all these P basses?

One is for punk, one is for classic rock, one is for studio work only, one is for metal, one is for barfights, one is to pick up chicks, one is for Motown,...

Somethings are obvious, but some are not ( to me anyways).
What are the differences, for example between the MIA,MIM,and MIJ P basses.

Where they were made firstly... but also other policies on what materials used, what electronics, what kind of quality control.

I don't mind where the instrument is made as long as it's done well.

I like my American, but my made in China Squier also gets the job done.

Are there however any technical differences, or in terms of the materials used etc?

Yes, compare the specs given on the Fender and Squier website.

All I want is a P bass.

Now now, that can't be true.

How about a pony?

I like the single pickup ones, but that is not in any way important.

Yup me to.
I am so OCD about the one pickup thing that I removed the J pup from my expensive Tony Franklin and left an empty cavity as a statement.

Thanks for any input!
C

Sorry for my input. :scowl:






It comes down on what you are willing to spend and what you happen to like.
More expensive does not equal better per sé.

It's love at first sight.

What you're asking us to do is help you pick a mail-order bride.
Go out there and flirt.

 

[cnltb]

Thanks!
Ok I'm gonna condense the whole thing into...
Which one of the currently in production is closest to those sold in the days when there was only one?

 

[René_Julien]

Thanks!
Ok I'm gonna condense the whole thing into...
Which one of the currently in production is closest to those sold in the days when there was only one?

The 51 RI maybe?

 

[J. Crawford]

The 51 RI maybe?

Remember your post about trying to be sarcastic? You succeed.

Go with a MIA Standard Pbass. The Standard in its name is there for a reason.

 

[waynobass]

The Standard USA or the Standard MIM.

The difference is: Do you want to pay $800-1000, or $300-500?

 

[René_Julien]

Remember your post about trying to be sarcastic? You succeed.

I'm going to try to beat mike_v_s in the field of sarcasm.
For that I am taking lessons in diminishing my flamboyant behaviour.

Go with a MIA Standard Pbass. The Standard in its name is there for a reason.

uhhhmmm.... that would have been my second suggestion.

The MIA standard is just the "standard" precision bass being improved years after 2 years after 2 years after 2 years...


Or a MIM standard is also a good quality regular P bass like the OP needs.


Or the Classic Vibe 60s... is like a pre CBS when there was only one.


There can be only one!


I'm not helping the OP I suspects.

Sorry man.

 

[J. Crawford]

The Standard USA or the Standard MIM.

The difference is: Do you want to pay $800-1000, or $300-500?

But you need to remember, the words Fender and MIA make the bass sound better.

 

[totallyfrozen]

I haven't touched a MIM instrument in a decade. I used to be that the quality, fit & finish of those instruments was noticeably below the level of the MIA instruments. I don't know what the case is now. I see alot of peeps on here using the MIM. I know it's less expensive and that's a big reason why. If the everything else is equal, then it may just come down to price for you...unless you consider yourself to be ultra patriotic, then you'd want to get the MIA.
If it was me, I'd get a Fender American Standard P-bass (for what you want).

However, it's best if you can go handle them in person. Is it possible to get to a music store where you can try them out? You want to be able to at least run your hands over it and makes sure it's the right size and fit for you. You'll also want to at least check to make sure it doesn't have any sharp frets, sloppy/loose connections or joints, check the paint job, etc.
Don't worry about being able to play anything when you go to the store. No one really cares.

 

[LCW]

The only thing those have in common is they are made of wood, metal and plastic there are alot of diiffernces.

Sound, feel, PRICE, and quality.

What can you afford? Give us a number to work with

 

[cnltb]

I am not sure yet as to how much I can spend.
If and when I have decided on the instrument I may just have to ave up for a month or two.
I've just heard tho that the American standard has a graphite re inforced neck...can that be?? Kind of a "no no" for me I recon.

 

[zacharyk88]

buy a decent one, im not the guy you should ask i dont know crap about the difference either but its the bassist not the bass

 

[LCW]

Yes the neck is reinforced with graphite.