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Post subject: Vintage vs. New? What are pros/cons of each?
Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:20 pm
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Hello All-
I'm brand new here......and relatively new to learning to play bass. I've got a new Fender Deluxe P. I'm definitely a better bass buyer than player, but thats fun too.
I have lots of questions about Fender bass guitars and hope y'all will weigh in with your insights and thoughts. I'm curious about any / all of the following:
1. Which bass (P vs. Jazz, etc) is generally preferred or more "popular" for someone playing blues/alternative rock/etc?
2. In laymens terms, what is the essential differences between the P-bass and Jazz bass?
3. I hear a good bit about the 1963 P-bass. Is the '63 (or any other) considered the holy grail of Fender basses? If yes, why?
4. From a players perspective, what advantage is there to playing an actual vintage bass as opposed to a re-issue of the same vintage year?? Are the vintage basses superior?
5. If there is such a thing as a holy grail bass, how would that look? (i.e. if there are various parts/components from different eras that would make the bass awesome, what would it be? In other words, IF you could actually build your holy grail bass from any parts in the world, what would make it special?

I'm trying to gain an appreciation for the vintage vs. new bass.....If you have the time, please weigh in with your thoughts to help educate me. Thanks all...


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Post subject: Re: Vintage vs. New? What are pros/cons of each?
Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:45 am
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samcglaw wrote:
Hello All-
I'm brand new here......and relatively new to learning to play bass. I've got a new Fender Deluxe P. I'm definitely a better bass buyer than player, but thats fun too.
I have lots of questions about Fender bass guitars and hope y'all will weigh in with your insights and thoughts. I'm curious about any / all of the following:
1. Which bass (P vs. Jazz, etc) is generally preferred or more "popular" for someone playing blues/alternative rock/etc?

Considering both basses have unique classic iconic tones, it is a matter of taste. if you are looking for versatility, the Jazz Bass has an advatge because of the 2 pick-up combo. Even with just the neck pick-up, it will not nail the classic P-bass tone. Although considering you have the Deluxe P Bass. You have the real P-pick-up with many other tonal variations similar to the Jazz Bass.

2. In laymens terms, what is the essential differences between the P-bass and Jazz bass?

The shape of the body, the width of the neck, and the dual single coil pick-ups in the Jazz vs. the single split hum-bucking pick-up in the P-bass.

3. I hear a good bit about the 1963 P-bass. Is the '63 (or any other) considered the holy grail of Fender basses? If yes, why?

In early 1965, Leo Fender sold his companies to the Columbia Broadcasting System. Not that there wasn't some quality instruments after that point. But the 63 is absolutely pre-CBS, and the P-bass had peaked in relation to refinements.

4. From a players perspective, what advantage is there to playing an actual vintage bass as opposed to a re-issue of the same vintage year?? Are the vintage basses superior?

Sonically you would think the actual vintage bass would be more resonant. Although if your bass has a wonderful resonant tone acoustically, the vintage bass could just be a collectors piece.

5. If there is such a thing as a holy grail bass, how would that look? (i.e. if there are various parts/components from different eras that would make the bass awesome, what would it be? In other words, IF you could actually build your holy grail bass from any parts in the world, what would make it special?

Cool book the Fender Basses....

http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bass-Illus ... 0634026402

You have arrived with the classic Fender tone. Other than small variations, there will not be massive adjustments.

I'm trying to gain an appreciation for the vintage vs. new bass.....If you have the time, please weigh in with your thoughts to help educate me. Thanks all...


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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:22 am
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Look, Im not one to brag or flaunt new stuff but I just gat a new American P Bass V. I am totally on cloud 9. I have a jazz bass (korean) that I bought last year new and there is a definite difference in quality. This does remind my of the Jazz bass i bought back in the mid 1970's from Manny's music. I know all about old stuff ( I'm almost 60) but this thing is totally worth the $1299. It comes shipped "squeaky -clean" new. For me this is my first 5 string bass and I'm totally impressed. Does a better instrument make you a better player, no but it gets you in the same room with other players which is important. I'm pro-new stuff, I bought a new $199 squire j. bass and it was worth it. I almost bought a road worn bass but I would rather go this route. The sound of a P bass is classic and it cuts through in my opinion. My jazz bass with the active pick-ups has a great sound, however all of the praise that the P Bass gets is well deserved........................................ :)


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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:54 am
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scottpro1 wrote:
Look, Im not one to brag or flaunt new stuff but I just gat a new American P Bass V. I am totally on cloud 9. I have a jazz bass (korean) that I bought last year new and there is a definite difference in quality. This does remind my of the Jazz bass i bought back in the mid 1970's from Manny's music. I know all about old stuff ( I'm almost 60) but this thing is totally worth the $1299. It comes shipped "squeaky -clean" new. For me this is my first 5 string bass and I'm totally impressed. Does a better instrument make you a better player, no but it gets you in the same room with other players which is important. I'm pro-new stuff, I bought a new $199 squire j. bass and it was worth it. I almost bought a road worn bass but I would rather go this route. The sound of a P bass is classic and it cuts through in my opinion. My jazz bass with the active pick-ups has a great sound, however all of the praise that the P Bass gets is well deserved........................................ :)


I am jealous. :cry: I own the Fender (passive) RB V. it has the classic sounds down with a 'killin' contra B. although, it does and can't nail the classic P sound with a 'killin' contra B...& you have it...congrats!!!!! with the new MIA P V along with my RB V passive jazz bass, I could put a fork in it, or have another with flats on it, then I am well done in the option for classic tones with extended booty.

Anyway...I totally agree.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:19 am
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The answer to your questions are all related to taste.

You have to decide if a vintage bass is a holy grail to you and if you must use one you have to weigh the risk of having it stolen or damaged as you play it.

I own some vintage Fender basses and some newer Fenders.

I can get a great tone out of either, so to me, it is not worth the risk of playing my vintage basses at gigs.

I save them for recording work or select concerts where I will be handling my own instrument for the evening.

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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:27 am
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+1

i'd say cheaper ones for gigs... or something that you won't really fired up when it gets dinged, scratched or maybe dropped... then save the vintage stuff for recording..

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:23 pm
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There is a difference between a vintage Fender bass and a newer reissue.

Some of these differences are too subtle to really describe but the total experience of playing a bass that is 50 to 60 years old is very profound.

I rec. that every bassplayer try out an old original Fender bass if you can get a chance to play one.
Just to say you did.

I got to play a restored 1953 Precision and the feel of the neck was incredible.


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