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Which is the better bass?
'51 P Bass Reissue - MIJ 88%  88%  [ 7 ]
90s P Bass Foto Flame - MIJ 0%  0%  [ 0 ]
Godin SD5 (Own one so thought I'd throw it in for laughs) 13%  13%  [ 1 ]
Total votes : 8
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Post subject: P bass vs P bass
Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:25 am
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Hi there. I've got an MIJ '51 P Bass reissue I picked up for about $400. I like it and have had some fun playing it. Recently came across a 90s MIJ foto flame (with maple neck) selling for about $600 (too much I think). I really liked the way the it played, felt and sounded, so I was thinking of doing some trade options. My 51 is flawless (no dings, always hard cased, never giged). The Foto flame is pretty nice, but has some really minor wear. What think? Am I trading diamonds for gravel? I'd love to hear what you think.


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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 11:46 am
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I've usually been one to put playability above looks/brand. I own several brands of basses and like them all for different reasons. One I don't own is a '51 style P-Bass although after playing a RI a few years back, I wish I did...it's just not in the cards right now.

That being said, look really hard at what you will be able to get for your RI in a trade in (if that's what you're leaning towards). Most stores will only give you 40-60% of what they will be selling it for...if the going rate for your RI is $400, then you will probably realize only $200, MAYBE $250 trade in value....you will always do better in a private sale if you can go that way.

Play what feels best for you...you will always play your best if you are "one with your instrument".

Good Luck

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The bass player is the house into which all the other players come to find shelter and have a good time. If you forget that responsibilty, you're leaving everyone without shelter.

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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:32 pm
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Save your money until you can afford to buy a new bass. There should be a poll to see how many of us regret selling our old equipment.


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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:03 pm
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oxfan,

You are dead right! I've not sold much of what I've owned, instrument or amp wise (much to my wife's chagrin), but the few things I have sold, I've later, very much regretted it.

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The bass player is the house into which all the other players come to find shelter and have a good time. If you forget that responsibilty, you're leaving everyone without shelter.

Abe Laboriel


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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:42 pm
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I voted for the 51 reissue. I have an love mine, great tone and playability. If you can find one used they can be had for pretty cheap too.


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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:02 pm
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I agree with what Ox said. The 51 RI is a whole different sound from a second generation bass. It sounds more like a Jazz but plays like a Precision which suits me just fine. I do have other basses but I play my two first-generation design basses a very large part of the time. Second most is a P/J. The first-generation basses sound unique and punchy. They have tone that a second-generation bass just doesn't have. I think if you sold it or traded it you would miss it. Finding another one for $400 in mint condition might not happen again.


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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:21 pm
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brotherdave wrote:
I agree with what Ox said. The 51 RI is a whole different sound from a second generation bass. It sounds more like a Jazz but plays like a Precision which suits me just fine. I do have other basses but I play my two first-generation design basses a very large part of the time. Second most is a P/J. The first-generation basses sound unique and punchy. They have tone that a second-generation bass just doesn't have. I think if you sold it or traded it you would miss it. Finding another one for $400 in mint condition might not happen again.


I find the tone from my single coil P has more bite and brighter, whereas the split coil more warmth and a little deeper tone.


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Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:33 am
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Mastermold wrote:

I find the tone from my single coil P has more bite and brighter, whereas the split coil more warmth and a little deeper tone.


That is pretty much what I meant when I said it sounds more like a Jazz but plays like a Precision. Well sort of like a Precision. I mean the neck radius is different. Still a very good neck on these. Good fretwork. Even though the frets are the small "vintage" frets (guitar frets really) I still like the neck.


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Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:17 am
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brotherdave wrote:
Mastermold wrote:

I find the tone from my single coil P has more bite and brighter, whereas the split coil more warmth and a little deeper tone.


That is pretty much what I meant when I said it sounds more like a Jazz but plays like a Precision. Well sort of like a Precision. I mean the neck radius is different. Still a very good neck on these. Good fretwork. Even though the frets are the small "vintage" frets (guitar frets really) I still like the neck.


Yeah I love the neck on my 51 reissue. The thin frets don't matter to me, all my Fenders are reissues so they've all got them. In fact, I spent some time a few months back playing some vintage 50s P-basses and thought the CIJ 51 reissue really held its own compared to the real deal. The only thing I'd change is the finish -- wish these came in nitrocellulose instead of polyurethane.


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