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Post subject: 51 Precision Bass
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:47 pm
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I've been eyballing the fender 51 Precision Bass, but ive never actually had the opportunity to wrap my hands around one, i have a few questions that i hope someone can answer. First off, ive heard that the tone is noting like a split coil P, so then how does it sound? Is it not as punchy? Also, I would like to know how the neck shape compares that that of the newer American standard models


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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:59 pm
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There's alot to consider here...


As far as tone..

A Single Coil P bass sounds almost like a cross between a Split Coil P and a Jazz Bass. It will be punchy, but not cold like a split coil, less attack more blossom. It will be ALOT more growly then a Jazz bass, especially with the stock rounds. It's kind of a hard bass to describe, but it's amazing. I love mine...best bass I have ever own, and I've owned some really nice Fenders.

Neck profile..

The 51 much like the Sting bass has the early 50's B width Precision neck. Which means that it's the same width at the nut as the AS Precision. However, that is where the similarities pretty much end. The AS P has rolled fingerboard edges and the modern 9.5" fretboard radius. Some players like the modern necks, some don't, and some don't care either way. For me nothing beats the original P bass neck. Also, the vintage 50's B width necks are chunky, meaning that they are usually very thick, front to back. Modern AS P necks are more shallow.

A few more things...

Something to also keep in mind is that the 51RI P bass is a slab body. Meaning it has no contours. Many people find that this feature makes the bass "unplayable" for them. Also, the old SCPB's come stock with the old two saddle bridge, which means you need to be patient when it comes to getting them intonated. It can be done, maybe not perfectly, but very very close, but you will need patience. Though a four saddle replacement is easily found in either the BAIII, or the American Series or AS Deluxe Bass bridges.

All that being said, if you get a chance to play a 51RI and find the slab to not agree with you, the Sting bass is a 53 model. So it's very much like a 51 with countours. Very nice basses. As the original P basses aren't really for everyone I would definitely recommend playing one first, if at all possible. You may make the switch and never look back...or you may walk away thankful that Leo listened to all those other bassists way back in the 50's.

Me? I think he nailed it the first time. Another thought to consider if you want some vintag-ey goodness, but still want the split coil sound, comfort, but don't want to go broke is the Classic 50's P bass out of Ensenada. I've played several and all were players. Great basses, and easy on the wallet.



D

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Post subject: Re: 51 Precision Bass
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:15 pm
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Conaanthebarbarian wrote:
I've been eyballing the fender 51 Precision Bass, but ive never actually had the opportunity to wrap my hands around one, i have a few questions that i hope someone can answer. First off, ive heard that the tone is noting like a split coil P, so then how does it sound? Is it not as punchy? Also, I would like to know how the neck shape compares that that of the newer American standard models


HELLO
I am a proud owner of a 1951 Fender Precision. The tone is nothing like a split coil because its not a split coil. Its a single . Its a very warm sounding bass, best sounding for the blues. The neck is wide and a little meaty.

I am currently looking to sell this bass. The only thing not original is the actual pick-up which is a fender stock re-issue and the pickguard which as one knows after you take off an old pickguard for awhile it never matches the screw holes and is common to warp over the years.

I have pictures of the bass in pieces and in whole. I am looking for $20,000
for it. It doe not have an original case, (but has a case)but this baby "is" one of the fewest and the oldest living '51 out there. All original they go for in the mid $30,000's.

If interested in seeing pics please email me at genesimmons77@aol.com

thanks...and I hope I answered your questions.


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:26 pm
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My ears aren't good enough to tell the difference between my SCPB and my DCPB. By the time I dial in my amp the two basses sound pretty close.

BUT, I do notice when playing up closer to the neck, I can get more of a URB sound on the SCPB.

I have LaBella tapewounds on my 2003 '51 RI.
The slab body doesn't really bother me, nor does the thicker-wider neck, and I've been playing an A-neck for years!

It's a beautiful bass IMHO. I don't mind the "school bus yellow" as some call it, though I prefer to call it "mango". :lol:
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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:23 pm
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bass-flyer wrote:
My ears aren't good enough to tell the difference between my SCPB and my DCPB. By the time I dial in my amp the two basses sound pretty close.

With flatwounds, I couldn't tell any tonal difference to save my life.


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Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:41 pm
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Sorry i didn't read the last guys review. but i have been looking at getting the same guitar and ive played it several times and loved it every time i picked it up (still saving up). The neck is kind of small and feels great just when you go to guitar center demand someone to get it in stock (don't worry they will do it) or just tell them to get it from the top rack of the store. Just get your hands on it anyway you can.

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