Would this be really a downgrade ?

[Bobbadfinger]

With my recent love with a Danelectro Longhorn, my 89 MIJ Std Precision is not seeing much action, but will be kept in the arsenal nonetheless.

I didn't found the thump I want with this bass (just did it on the Dano).
Maybe other strings (already on the way); maybe the pickups.
Lent some USA ones from a friend (bevelled poles, not sure its model), and definitely tone improved some (less hollow sounding than the japan counterparts), but not quite there.
I'm not saying it's a lemon either (last week I played a 75 on my luthier, what a piece of junk, would easily pick the japan between the two).
I'm really more experienced with guitars, and usually the japan reissues are the stuff to get, not so with standard models. I'm thinking maybe that's the case on the bass world also...

Heard great things about those Squier Classic Vibe Ps, and loved everything about the 70's model: walnut/maple combo, block inlays, bold logo (and presumably skinner necks, which I prefer).

I'm wondering if eventually this Squier can be actually better tonewise than my Precision Japan, with the added bonus of cashing some dough in the trade.

Opinions ?

 

[fretno]

I'm convinced the pickup plays a big part , with a p bass it's easy just pop one in . I recently popped in a Duncan "60's Pride" in my #1 and it nailed the tone of my friends '63 . Just like that !

 

[msb]

I was an old Pbass guy that fell for a Dano Longhorn .
Still have three Pbasses , but they don't see much use . The Dano goes out the door just about every time I have a gig .
I mostly play shortscales now .

 

[René_Julien]

My main bass is a Fender Precision Tony Franklin fretless.

Last days I've been playing my Danelectro Longhorn a lot, that's why I also have it in my arsenal.

Don't overthink this.

Keep the ones you like, sell the ones you don't. And buy another if you have a chance to try them and fall in love with them. (And if you can afford them obviously.)

In the meanwhile, nothing wrong with the Longhorn as your main axe. And they look hella cool. (Yeah, I said hella.)

 

[P. Aaron]

I also use a Dano Longhorn. It’s a fine bass especially at its price point and it pays for itself on stage. Still, my Precision V just has that something deeper within it that the Dano lacks.

I still rotate them: the Dano, Precision and the Dimension.

 

[Bobbadfinger]

Please keep'em coming. Actually it's not about the Dano, but 70's CV versus P japan...

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

If I were in your position, I would probably just try changing the pickups.

But there something to be said about having an instrument that you do not feel the need to modify.

 

[JW56789]

I'd only say that the VintMod and ClassicVibe basses are terrific values for the money, and the current CV Precision has a real alnico pickup.

But . . . . . this is all very personal and subjective, so you'll just have to play one and decide if it's for you.

I've bought three Squiers in the last two years and don't feel downgraded in the least. I laugh at how much fun I have with them for so little money.

 

[Outbush]

Go mad - try a Nordstrand big blade it it and see what happens. But read some reviews & listen to some sound clips first!! I have a Nordstand P pickup (not a big blade though) & it gets along.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

If you switch the pickup on your Japanese Pbass and it still doesn’t do it for you , get the Classic Vibe Squier.
I have a CV 60’s Pbass . Don’t feel the need to upgrade. If the Pbass was my main player, I’d surely want a more expensive model like an American Vintage Reissue. But I’m playing Jazz Basses 80% of the time. For those times when I want what the Pbass delivers , I have it.

I also recently sold my Fender Elite Jazz V in favor of a bass that cost 1/3 the price. The Carvin SB5000 smoked my Fender in every way. Put money back in my account and I’m very pleased.
Now my American Fender Geddy Lee is the 70’s Jazz Bass I’ve always wanted. At times I’ve considered buying a vintage early 70’s model or maybe even “ upgrading “ to something boutique like Sadowsky or Sanberg. To be honest , I don’t feel the need to do so .
I happen to think that there are great basses to be found at every price point . If it gives me what I want I’m not downgrading . I’m achieving my goals at a lower cost.

 

[obimark]

With my recent love with a Danelectro Longhorn, my 89 MIJ Std Precision is not seeing much action, but will be kept in the arsenal nonetheless.

I didn't found the thump I want with this bass (just did it on the Dano).
Maybe other strings (already on the way); maybe the pickups.
Lent some USA ones from a friend (bevelled poles, not sure its model), and definitely tone improved some (less hollow sounding than the japan counterparts), but not quite there.
I'm not saying it's a lemon either (last week I played a 75 on my luthier, what a piece of junk, would easily pick the japan between the two).
I'm really more experienced with guitars, and usually the japan reissues are the stuff to get, not so with standard models. I'm thinking maybe that's the case on the bass world also...

Heard great things about those Squier Classic Vibe Ps, and loved everything about the 70's model: walnut/maple combo, block inlays, bold logo (and presumably skinner necks, which I prefer).

I'm wondering if eventually this Squier can be actually better tonewise than my Precision Japan, with the added bonus of cashing some dough in the trade.

Opinions ?

Geddy played some of his best songs through a beat up pawnshop Jazz. Dont worry about the headstock.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The issue is not so much tone, but finish and playability, especially long term. I bought a used parts Fender back in '83, still (other than the weight) almost perfect, and requires a minor adjustment about once per decade. Had my Lull 15, with one minor adjustment. Necks, especially on the Lull, are flawless.

Most of the Squiers I've seen have been decent instruments, but I doubt they would hold up like that.

 

[Jack Butler]

Sometimes it's just a matter of what you kind of bond with. I played a MIJ P bass in a shop once that still haunts me, I bonded with it instantly. It was a few years back, and clean ones were going for around $700. The shop was firm at 950 plus tax and while it was nice, it had definitely seen its share of gigs, so I just couldn't bring myself to overpay by that much, but still think about how that bass felt like an extension of my body. My only point is that what you like is what you like. If the Dano is what you prefer, it's an upgrade(to you.)

 

[msb]

Check your pickup height before you buy another pickup .

 

[tvbop]

Most of the Squiers I've seen have been decent instruments, but I doubt they would hold up like that.

Hmmm.....Im in the middle of a deep love affair with my new walnut 70's CV P bass. I have to tell you its quality is equal to or better than most of the vintage P's Ive owned over the years.....Squier are finally giving Fender something to be very worried about......It is very solid with an E string which is thunderous...very unlike a normal P bass.

 

[Thundertips]

With my recent love with a Danelectro Longhorn, my 89 MIJ Std Precision is not seeing much action, but will be kept in the arsenal nonetheless.

I didn't found the thump I want with this bass (just did it on the Dano).
Maybe other strings (already on the way); maybe the pickups.
Lent some USA ones from a friend (bevelled poles, not sure its model), and definitely tone improved some (less hollow sounding than the japan counterparts), but not quite there.
I'm not saying it's a lemon either (last week I played a 75 on my luthier, what a piece of junk, would easily pick the japan between the two).
I'm really more experienced with guitars, and usually the japan reissues are the stuff to get, not so with standard models. I'm thinking maybe that's the case on the bass world also...

Heard great things about those Squier Classic Vibe Ps, and loved everything about the 70's model: walnut/maple combo, block inlays, bold logo (and presumably skinner necks, which I prefer).

I'm wondering if eventually this Squier can be actually better tonewise than my Precision Japan, with the added bonus of cashing some dough in the trade.

Opinions ?

I have the Black Squier CV 70's P and it sounds and plays amazing right out of the box. It looks great too, with the orange tinted neck and the black blocks.

 

[Bobbadfinger]

I bought a used parts Fender back in '83, still (other than the weight) almost perfect...
Most of the Squiers I've seen have been decent instruments, but I doubt they would hold up like that.

Honestly don't think I will hold up more 40 years, not an issue really...

Check your pickup height before you buy another pickup .

Oh, did that already. Adjusted as close as possible without starting to distort things, pickup really lack some balls.
Almost pulled the trigger on a Dimarzio P (dig the tones on youtube and love cream covers), but then started thinking if a US$400 bass (that really pleases me cosmetically speaking and have rave reviews) would be a better investment, since I can sell this MIJ for double the price of 70's CV...

 

[Hammerfield]

I played a lot with a squier VM Precision and I swapped it for a Fender Japan RI 57.
Main differences I found are those to be expected, (tuners, bridge etc) but the most important reason the Japan is better, its beacuse it has a MARVELOUS neck. It's a perfect neck
That doesnt mean the squier was bad, it was pretty awesome, and the Duncan Designed pickup really rocked.
Had You tried La Bellas Flats with the P? Some basses need the perfect string fit

 

[Bobbadfinger]

I played a lot with a squier VM Precision and I swapped it for a Fender Japan RI 57.
Main differences I found are those to be expected, (tuners, bridge etc) but the most important reason the Japan is better, its beacuse it has a MARVELOUS neck. It's a perfect neck
That doesnt mean the squier was bad, it was pretty awesome, and the Duncan Designed pickup really rocked.
Had You tried La Bellas Flats with the P? Some basses need the perfect string fit

Neck is very well cut and confy indeed. But since this 70's CV seems to have a narrower neck, it got my interest.
I'm still working on strings; after some trauma due to Chromes (thought I hate flats, but in fact love them - my Dano has Roto flats - just hate Addarios), I'm struggling to get the sound I'm after with TI rounds. I have some GHS Pressurewounds on the way though, maybe they will change my perception of this P...

I tried once some La Bellas in a 51 P, great tone but bridge cables I can't cope with. Maybe some LTFs in a future...

 

[Nunovsky]

With my recent love with a Danelectro Longhorn, my 89 MIJ Std Precision is not seeing much action, but will be kept in the arsenal nonetheless.

I didn't found the thump I want with this bass (just did it on the Dano).
Maybe other strings (already on the way); maybe the pickups.
Lent some USA ones from a friend (bevelled poles, not sure its model), and definitely tone improved some (less hollow sounding than the japan counterparts), but not quite there.
I'm not saying it's a lemon either (last week I played a 75 on my luthier, what a piece of junk, would easily pick the japan between the two).
I'm really more experienced with guitars, and usually the japan reissues are the stuff to get, not so with standard models. I'm thinking maybe that's the case on the bass world also...

Heard great things about those Squier Classic Vibe Ps, and loved everything about the 70's model: walnut/maple combo, block inlays, bold logo (and presumably skinner necks, which I prefer).

I'm wondering if eventually this Squier can be actually better tonewise than my Precision Japan, with the added bonus of cashing some dough in the trade.

Opinions ?

If I were you, I would first try the Squier to see if the tone is up to your expectations. Then it'll be easier to decide what to do. I'll also advise you to try a Yamaha BB 434 along with the Squier.

Obviously, a MIJ and a Squier have diferent values specially if you want to re-sell it but tone wise it's only a downgrade if you feel and hear the instrument as inferior when compared to the other.

Honestly, for me what really matters is not what it says in the headstock but how it feels in your hands and how it sounds to your ears.