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Post subject: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:20 am
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I currently own a 1974 Fender Precision Bass. I for sure love it but it is time I retire it and stop gigging with it.

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I have been looking into a modern replacement and have narrowed it down to two models. The Fender Highway One and the 70's Precision Bass.

The price is right for either of those but my big issue is which has the neck that is closest to the original 1970's neck?

Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:13 am
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Your 74 and both of the models you mentioned have a 9.5 radius, but thickness is also part of it and those specs aren't on paper. Neither of the models you list will be an exact clone of your '74 neck but both are close.

I'm personally not a big fan of the Highway One models because I do not think they represent a significant value in the long run. Many people that buy Highway models do so with an eye toward immediate upgrades which is never going to deliver a return on the "investment" made for the upgrades. I think your money is better spent on an American Standard and leaving it stock.

Perhaps the best thing is to do whatever repairs or maintenance is required to keep the '74 in action. I don't know why you want to retire it, other than it is appreciating in value.

Yours has a maple board, but if you would be willing to try rosewood I'd strongly suggest looking at the AV 62. They sound mighty fine and play great. The American Standard & American Vintage '62 cost more money, but frankly in the long run either are worth it. The two models you mention are sort of a step down from where you are now, but maybe you'll like them fine. I'd head for the nearest big box store and try as many as possible. You might find another model you like better than any of the ideas you or I came up with. That has happened to me before. I would not trade away the '74 though. That has happened to me before too and the result can be lifelong remorse.


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:58 am
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Thanks very much for the reply and recommendations!!!!

I would never let go of old brownee but just don't want him to get so bad off he is unplayable.

I heard the H1's have been discontinued so I have been having problems putting my hands on one to play. Hopefully something near me (Tampa) will get in one of the 70s reissue ones.


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:29 pm
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Dude that's an "old wood" guitar. If you are used to it and it sounds really nice like my 74 does then you prob won't like an H1 or the other one you're talking about or maybe you would. The only basses I have that compare in sound and coolness AND you can think I'm nuts all day long BUT the basses that aren't USA that come close are the MIM Classic 50's and the MIM Roadworn. However to achieve the proper close -ness I installed the Dimarzio Model P 70's era pickups in them and that does the trick. It would be interesting to see how they sound with my 74 pickup. That's just interesting. I don't think I would do the swap.


My 74 refin with some non original parts- I played it to death and replaced alot over the years- I have the original PU in it now. In this pic a Dimarzio 1979
Image


Both with Dimarzio 70's era Pickups -
on left the Roadworn on right the classic 50's ( has the pickup that's in the 74 in the picture above)-

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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:14 am
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The previous posts were the best advice you could get without paying for it. I've yet to see either of them wrong. My next purchase will be an American Standard Precision.

By the way, nice bass.


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:29 am
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Ox- that was a nice thing to say. But you know how experience is a teacher. I go mostly by what I've experianced. I learn stuff from Bro Dave too. He's just plain out "in the know".


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:45 am
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Thanks again everyone.

I am considering just taking better care of my old friend and saving up to buy another 70's era p-bass I can punish over the next two decades.


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:11 pm
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stroker vance wrote:
Ox- that was a nice thing to say. But you know how experience is a teacher. I go mostly by what I've experianced. I learn stuff from Bro Dave too. He's just plain out "in the know".


Everything i know is a result of someone elses experience, guys like Dave and you were the pioneers who boldly took the wagons and women and rode west into the wilderness!

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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:43 pm
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Am I the guy on the horse or in the wagon? OH wait-- I'm in the wagon. ( I drove trucks for a living so I get the wagon!)


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:45 pm
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Broi!an wrote:
Thanks again everyone.

I am considering just taking better care of my old friend and saving up to buy another 70's era p-bass I can punish over the next two decades.



That's the best idea I've heard today.


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Post subject: Re: 1974 P-Bass Replacement
Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:06 pm
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Another happy ending! Oh, you were in the back of the wagon.


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