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Post subject: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:11 pm
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Hi,all!
Never posted in this section before , because i don't own a P-bass, and I am not a bass player .
But occasionally I do play the bass, and kind of like it. I have a Squier J-bass I intend to sell away, because I'm not too satisfied with the sound of it. As I intend to get a new bass , I feel like a Precision would suit my sound better.
My problem is that I now live in a relatively small town where 2 of the better instrument stores has closed down. I was just into the best of the 'surviving' shops , wanting to try a P. They did not have ONE model to try . They talked about ordering one. But that's not sufficient for me , as I want to explore which would suit me! OK- I know I should get to another town and try out some, and i guess that is what I will do. But I am pretty eager to find out about them , and would like to ask you guys a couple of questions :

1. Is it a big difference between the models necks ? Shape and feel......
2. Is there a big difference tone wise ?
3. Are the American Std preferable over MIM std? Big difference?
4. The American Special - is that any better than MIMs? Is it much lower quality than Am. Std?
5. The Roger Waters model- any better than average MIM std?
Thank you for reading this, and thanks in advance for any answers. They might help me making a decision , even ordering one without trying..... :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:36 pm
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asgeirman wrote:
Hi,all!
Never posted in this section before , because i don't own a P-bass, and I am not a bass player .
But occasionally I do play the bass, and kind of like it. I have a Squier J-bass I intend to sell away, because I'm not too satisfied with the sound of it. As I intend to get a new bass , I feel like a Precision would suit my sound better.
My problem is that I now live in a relatively small town where 2 of the better instrument stores has closed down. I was just into the best of the 'surviving' shops , wanting to try a P. They did not have ONE model to try . They talked about ordering one. But that's not sufficient for me , as I want to explore which would suit me! OK- I know I should get to another town and try out some, and i guess that is what I will do. But I am pretty eager to find out about them , and would like to ask you guys a couple of questions :

1. Is it a big difference between the models necks ? Shape and feel......


Between the J and P? HUGE. Between P basses? It's huge for me, but others will not think so much.

I prefer a vintage radius, B width neck. These are found on early 50's RI basses. (The 51Ri and Sting Signature) Then there is the C width vintage radius. (MIM Classic 50 Series P, Roadworn P, Steve Harris P bass, AVS 57 and 62 P bass) Then there's the modern radius necks which are featured on all Standard, Blacktop, Deluxe, and Select series basses. No matter where they are made.



Quote:
2. Is there a big difference tone wise ?


This is a bit of a loaded question. To a non-bassist musician? There's some. To a non-musician? very little. To a bassist? HUGE.

There are Single Coil P basses, Split Coil P basses of a few different varieties on top of wether you're talking modern or vintage and there are even different pick ups there. Then on top of that there are your specialty P basses. With P/J pups, the Mark Hoppus with reversed pups, and then you "big block" style humbuckers.



Quote:
3. Are the American Std preferable over MIM std? Big difference?


They are preferable for many. Mainly finer materials and tighter QC standards. However, the Ensenada factory puts out some really amazing work for the money. Especially the Classic and Roadworn series P basses. For the money you'd spend on an AMStd. you could get a Steve Harris P bass or MIM Roadworn P and save a little money. In my opinion I'd prefer either of those basses over the AmStd, but that's me. To me there isn't an American made P worth looking at until you get to the American Vintage Series basses. That is a LOT of money for an instrument. Especially one that isn't your main instrument.

Quote:
4. The American Special - is that any better than MIMs? Is it much lower quality than Am. Std?


Higher quality...in theory, then the MIMs. Probably exactly on par with the AmStds, to be honest.

Quote:
5. The Roger Waters model- any better than average MIM std?


Yes, it'd likely be on par with any other American made Fender P. Has lot's of extras that some might like.


Quote:
Thank you for reading this, and thanks in advance for any answers. They might help me making a decision , even ordering one without trying..... :wink:



Honestly, the only advice I can give you is to be honest with yourself on how much you are willing to spend and then pick a P that features things you like. If you want my honest opinion? If you want a great barebones P bass that is the best deal for the money get a Classic Series MIM. If you want a loaded up P bass that is the best deal for the money get a Steve Harris P bass. If you want to go all out and spend a lot of money on a top shelf P bass? Get an American Vintage Series. However, those are my preferences. Yours may vary.

The best advice, and I realize it's tough to do in your locale, is to get out and play a bunch. Sorry. :(

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 2:34 pm
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Thank you very much for your answer (and effort!) I have seen there are plenty of variations within the P-'family' . You just got me more sure that i HAVE to test out a bunch, as you suggest.
As goes for my q no 1 & 2 : I have not explained proper enough what i asked: Both questions was regarding the Precision family :) But I think I got your points anyway ; you answered quite adequately :wink:
I guess it should not be necessary to reach the top shelf - just get a simple , nice sounding bass with a neck I like. I think your proposition of a Classic Series , might fit me well , as I have good experience with that series; I own a Strat Classic 50's and a Tele Thinline '69 Classic. And they both suits me perfectly. They do exactly what they are supposed to do in a superior way- and I am 100% satisfied (perhaps with the exception that I would have loved a nitro finish :( ) So I guess that is a place to start :)
I believe it was you who had those P + J '62 I read about in another thread ? Congrats on that !

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 2:41 pm
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1.Not a big difference. If you have little hands or if you find out you are picky it may be a big diff to you. You may find out after awhile that your hand gets sore but be sure you know why because it may not be the necks' fault.

2.Tone is the luck of the draw. The P basses all sound similar but you can get one that has more "it" than another one. If you get one that doesn't have "it" for you--- then you get to join in with a million bass players and throw a bunch of bucks on strings, bridges, all different pickups, little deals you clip to the headstock, capacitors, pots, just everything. We've all done it.

3.YES as far as Standard goes-- go USA always.

4.Don't know-

5.Personally I have not been all that impressed with the signature models I've tried. That is confined to Jedi Lee and Sting and just a few others-- as you may know the signature basses never sound like the guy who's signature is on it. I think allot of the tone a player gets is in his hands and the technique used.


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 3:02 pm
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Thank you for your input , SV ! Getting more points of views to remember!

stroker vance wrote:
I think allot of the tone a player gets is in his hands and the technique used.

This goes for guitars , as well. I think it's a good bottom-line! The reason I asked particularly about the Waters model , is that I (of course) know his sound , and that this seemed to be an upgraded version from Mexico , and if it really was worth the higher price than the Std.

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 3:25 pm
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stroker vance wrote:
2.Tone is the luck of the draw. The P basses all sound similar...



Do you really believe that? A Sting or a 51RI sounds similar to something like a 62 RI P to you? Hell, I can tell the difference between a Raised A 57 pick up and a 60's pick up. The tones and the way the basses sit in a mix are different enough between a SCPB and a Split Coil are enough that I play with slightly different attacks and approach songs differently with them. Sorry, I'm not trying to call you out, but I find it hard to believe that anyone would think that all P basses sound similar. Then again, maybe I'm crazy.

I'd think that'd be like saying an Esquire sounds the same as a Tele. I'm sure that wouldn't go over too well in the guitar section...

:shock:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:09 pm
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Yes I do think all P basses sound similar-- notice the use of the word "similar". I did not say "alike". You have a really good ear to be able to tell what kind of pickup is in a bass. (without looking at it)---I can't do that. I think someone should pay me big bucks if I could.

I don't know if you are crazy..... I thought I was once, way back in the 70's. I won't say what I was doing at the time.

I made the "tone is the luck of the draw" statement pertaining to the deal where I've had a whole bunch or so basses. There were way more that had decent to not so good tone as apposed to great honkin' ,ringin', sustaining, tone-straight out of the box without putting parts on them. Just stock." Decent to not so good" meaning overall sound. Once I had a Fender bass that just tore my face off-- stockwize- I started comparing other basses to it. What else could I do? Ya' know?

I think an Esquire does sound like a Tele -- or I'm sure the Esquire can be "Chicken Picked" back near the bridge the same way you can do a Tele and have a really close to the same sound or even closer.

I don't go over to the guitar section. Too many "SuperStars".

BTW I did not read your original post with the quotes and stuff . I still haven't read it. So I'm not biased by anything you wrote- meaning I wasn't slamming you or anything.


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 5:39 am
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stroker vance wrote:
Yes I do think all P basses sound similar-- notice the use of the word "similar". I did not say "alike". You have a really good ear to be able to tell what kind of pickup is in a bass. (without looking at it)---I can't do that. I think someone should pay me big bucks if I could.

I don't know if you are crazy..... I thought I was once, way back in the 70's. I won't say what I was doing at the time.

I made the "tone is the luck of the draw" statement pertaining to the deal where I've had a whole bunch or so basses. There were way more that had decent to not so good tone as apposed to great honkin' ,ringin', sustaining, tone-straight out of the box without putting parts on them. Just stock." Decent to not so good" meaning overall sound. Once I had a Fender bass that just tore my face off-- stockwize- I started comparing other basses to it. What else could I do? Ya' know?

I think an Esquire does sound like a Tele -- or I'm sure the Esquire can be "Chicken Picked" back near the bridge the same way you can do a Tele and have a really close to the same sound or even closer.

I don't go over to the guitar section. Too many "SuperStars".

BTW I did not read your original post with the quotes and stuff . I still haven't read it. So I'm not biased by anything you wrote- meaning I wasn't slamming you or anything.


I get your drift. I'm thinking we also may be using "tone" differently. I use it to describe the way a bass sounds, it's voice. Not the quality of it, but the characteristics of it. Is it throaty, fat, tight, heavy, thin, smooth, aggressive, punchy, that sort of thing.

Now to say the quality of the bass you pick up in terms of it's sound is luck of the draw I completely agree with. Mass production, for all the engineering they put into it to make every bass perfectly identical. Well, there is no such thing as perfect. Some basses sound dead, some don't. That's really a crapshoot. You can pick up a Classic Series MIM P Bass that will blow your mind and the next one will be very ho-hum. In terms of mitigating the risk of ending up with a dog, going American made is definitely a good way to do that. The tighter QC standards should ensure that a lower percentage of dogs make it out the door.

However, the way I was using tone had very little to do with where a bass was made and more to do with the type of pick up, materials and winding that went into it. I'm not sure which one of us is more accurate in our use of "tone" or if we're both wrong. Not that it matters.

So I think that's why I found even the "similar" comment to be ...odd. A single coil pick up that comes on a 51RI has a vastly different "voice" then a split coil. Even one on a 57RI. They sit very differently in a mix then a split coil, or even a Jazz bass with it's two lower powered single coils that can be used to buck each other. The reason they do this has nothing to do with luck, geography, or even quality control. It has to do with the characteristics of the pick ups, woods, electronics and strings used on the bass. That is what gives the bass it's "voice".

Now if it's made shoddily that will just ensure that it won't deliver that voice effectively. That can definitely be gauged by where a bass is made. That's not a knock on the Mexican craftsman, at all. They simply are given cheaper materials and less control over what makes it off the line then the American line.

Like I said, I wasn't trying to call you out, and I didn't think you were doing the same. The statement just struck me as...odd.

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 12:04 pm
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All I can say is if you can afford or want to spend a bit more cash buy a AVRI I just traded my American standard in for the 62 reissue and absolutely thrilled with it. The build,quality ans sound of course is fantastic. Nothing wrong with the American standard but this 62 is just awesome oh again the tolex case very COOL


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 12:19 pm
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62scott wrote:
All I can say is if you can afford or want to spend a bit more cash buy a AVRI I just traded my American standard in for the 62 reissue and absolutely thrilled with it. The build,quality ans sound of course is fantastic. Nothing wrong with the American standard but this 62 is just awesome oh again the tolex case very COOL



+1 The American Vintage Series Basses are amazing.

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 12:46 pm
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62scott wrote:
All I can say is if you can afford or want to spend a bit more cash buy a AVRI I just traded my American standard in for the 62 reissue and absolutely thrilled with it. The build,quality ans sound of course is fantastic. Nothing wrong with the American standard but this 62 is just awesome oh again the tolex case very COOL


+Totally Agree+ The '62 reissue Precision is the one that turns me on and is the closest to the my first Precision of 1972. Love the Sunburst with rosewood fretboard. Body is made of alder which is a superior tonewood in my opinion. To me, the rosewood fretboard is easier to play than the white neck and has a warmer & rounder tone to my ears. I have not played a '62 reissue, but am just talking about tonewood & rosewood fretboards in general in my past experience.

The Steve Harris signature is closest to my own hot-rodded '76. I put on a BadAss II bridge and Seymour Duncan Quarter-Pounders when they first came out in the mid-80's. I also have the 'white' neck on mine. I had heard of Iron Maiden, but had no idea who Steve Harris was. (I do now :wink: ) So this is the route I would go if you are considering a hot rod Precision straight from the Fender Factory.

The Standard Fender (MIM) Precision is certainly a good value. It must play well and sound like a Fender or no one would buy them and they would have a horrible reputation. It's also something you could hot rod later on.

The so called "Blacktop" Precision is one that intrigues me. Those two big block "Blacktop" Humbucking pick ups look very powerfully potent & virile to me. I would love to hear how it sounds. If it's very close to a G&L, I'd want one bad. G&L's run about $4,000 vs $900 for the Blacktop P.

I never had such choices. You went to a music store (no internet and hence no e-tailers) your choices would be: Fender Precision: Fender Jazz, Gibson EB-O or EB-3, and just maybe they might also have a Rickenbacker 4001. I bought a Fender Precision :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 1:16 pm
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linnin wrote:
I never had such choices. You went to a music store (no internet and hence no e-tailers) your choices would be: Fender Precision: Fender Jazz, Gibson EB-O or EB-3, and just maybe they might also have a Rickenbacker 4001. I bought a Fender Precision :mrgreen:

Yes , life was more easy in those days :lol: I guess the e-shops are the reason that many musical instrument shops has to shut down (at least where I live..) But the upside is though a better selection , and a wide range of prices. I guess I just have to try out some....
I've seen reviews on the Steve Harris- all seem to like that one! But the AVRI's are a bit high in the price tag for me :(
Anyways - nice to hear about your opinions and experiences. Thanks . Think I know a place to go tomorrow ... :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:50 pm
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If you end up with the Steve Harris, post it. I've been lusting for a while, and must wait another year until I can even start to think of getting one.

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 3:00 am
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thebassopotomous wrote:
If you end up with the Steve Harris, post it. I've been lusting for a while, and must wait another year until I can even start to think of getting one.

Yes :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 4:05 pm
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It's really about the wood. I think the 2001-2007 MIM's are Alder bodies. Since you're not a full time bassist..this would be you're best bet. You can play any gig with a MIM Precision Bass.

Another great deal from Mexico are the Fender Special Run basses. They sometimes make those with Ash bodies.


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