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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:03 pm
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My Roadworn P bass is a very good bass. I put the Dimarzios in it and it's just done a great job at any gig- it's an MIM.


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:02 am
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Location: Albemarle, NC
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......
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:


1. Yes. Also some vintage reissues have vintage frets, which are basically guitar frets. This sort of makes up for the honking huge B width necks on them. Sweet playing but less there to work with long term so steer clear of roundwounds on these vintage frets. They are all C shape necks, but the width and thickness varies a lot even from year to year on older Fenders. Many guitar players who double on bass seem to prefer the narrower neck of the Jazz Bass models, but not all of them.

2. As pointed out, probably not to the drummer but to the bassist yes. But you didn't specify what exactly to compare here. Single Coil basses (Jazz and pre-57 P-Basses) can be more noise prone. Split coil (57 and up P-Bass) can lack the upper mids of the Single Coil pickups but are more immune to RFI (buzz, interference, hum, etc). The 57-up P-Bass is still the most recorded bass in history in spite of what some see as tonal limitations.

3. Yes and yes. However the MIM's are very respectable instruments too. The MIM Standard is a better instrument than it is often given credit for being. Especially the 2001 to 2009 or so ones. Among these are some really sweet sounding basses. The American Standard is all around a better instrument than the MIM counterpart. There are also Japanese Fenders. My opinion on them is that they look great and play great but the electronics are not up to even MIM standards much less USA. Your mileage may vary, but I think the Chinese Squiers have electronics equal or even superior to the Japanese Fenders. I would not suggest a Japanese Fender unless you do some electronic upgrades.

4. Fender USA grades the incoming wood blanks, this is what is going to become necks and bodies. They used to send the lower graded raw material to Mexico. They stopped that and began using basswood bodies in Mexico. Then the lower grade blanks started piling up at Corona. Therefore Fender introduced the American Special which is where this lower graded wood probably goes now along with the less expensive hardware formerly used on the Highway One models. I'd spring the extra few dollars, it isn't all that much, for the American Standard. The swell ATA SKB hardcase is worth $150 alone. I would not even consider an American Special. The American Special is absolutely NOT the equal of the American Standard in wood, hardware or electronics. Just spend the few extra dollars for the American Standard or go with an MIM. The pre-basswood bodied MIM Standard is closer to the American Special than the American Special is to the American Standard.

5. The Waters is different. Different is not always better for everyone. Nice instrument though and some people find it perfect for their needs. I think feature-wise it offers a significant value. But then again all the MIM stuff is a good value. The Waters already has several of the most player popular upgrades done for you. I'm just not crazy about black instruments. I have a black bass, but I'm not crazy about black.


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?
Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:05 pm
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Dalembic wrote:
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.

Interesting.Thanks for info , and welcome back, Chef :)
stroker vance wrote:
My Roadworn P bass is a very good bass. I put the Dimarzios in it and it's just done a great job at any gig- it's an MIM.

Yes , I hear they are quite popular- that's a great possible buy...
brotherdave wrote:
1. Yes. Also some vintage reissues have vintage frets, which are basically guitar frets. This sort of makes up for the honking huge B width necks on them. Sweet playing but less there to work with long term so steer clear of roundwounds on these vintage frets. They are all C shape necks, but the width and thickness varies a lot even from year to year on older Fenders. Many guitar players who double on bass seem to prefer the narrower neck of the Jazz Bass models, but not all of them.

2. As pointed out, probably not to the drummer but to the bassist yes. But you didn't specify what exactly to compare here. Single Coil basses (Jazz and pre-57 P-Basses) can be more noise prone. Split coil (57 and up P-Bass) can lack the upper mids of the Single Coil pickups but are more immune to RFI (buzz, interference, hum, etc). The 57-up P-Bass is still the most recorded bass in history in spite of what some see as tonal limitations.

3. Yes and yes. However the MIM's are very respectable instruments too. The MIM Standard is a better instrument than it is often given credit for being. Especially the 2001 to 2009 or so ones. Among these are some really sweet sounding basses. The American Standard is all around a better instrument than the MIM counterpart. There are also Japanese Fenders. My opinion on them is that they look great and play great but the electronics are not up to even MIM standards much less USA. Your mileage may vary, but I think the Chinese Squiers have electronics equal or even superior to the Japanese Fenders. I would not suggest a Japanese Fender unless you do some electronic upgrades.

4. Fender USA grades the incoming wood blanks, this is what is going to become necks and bodies. They used to send the lower graded raw material to Mexico. They stopped that and began using basswood bodies in Mexico. Then the lower grade blanks started piling up at Corona. Therefore Fender introduced the American Special which is where this lower graded wood probably goes now along with the less expensive hardware formerly used on the Highway One models. I'd spring the extra few dollars, it isn't all that much, for the American Standard. The swell ATA SKB hardcase is worth $150 alone. I would not even consider an American Special. The American Special is absolutely NOT the equal of the American Standard in wood, hardware or electronics. Just spend the few extra dollars for the American Standard or go with an MIM. The pre-basswood bodied MIM Standard is closer to the American Special than the American Special is to the American Standard.

5. The Waters is different. Different is not always better for everyone. Nice instrument though and some people find it perfect for their needs. I think feature-wise it offers a significant value. But then again all the MIM stuff is a good value. The Waters already has several of the most player popular upgrades done for you. I'm just not crazy about black instruments. I have a black bass, but I'm not crazy about black.

Thank you. Very good answers! They are enlightening me towards a decision . Unfortunately , I have not been able visit another town to try some out , due to house painting and work. But I came across one that looked interesting , (on local variation of e-bay) It is a precision -92, MIM.
He/she claims that at that time ,the Mexico plant were using bodies and necks from the US , because of a fire in the plant. Everything else is changed on that bass:
Quote:
Seymore Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounder pickups.
Schaller 3D bridge.
All eletronics are changed to original Fender USA.
Originale Fender tuners.
Chrome tone- og volume knobs.

Asking price , around the price of a new MIM. I think I'll send a mail...

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ?-BOUGHT !! NGD !! NBD? Pics!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 9:03 am
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Was in Oslo (capital here) last week - got the chance to try out some basses. Really liked the Roger Waters signature. Did not buy - until today :D Went to a local e-store which is possible to enter for ''normal'' shopping - tried it out on a decent amp . Right out of the box - never been played before. Nice , low setup - still almost in tune . Love that big ,wide neck - and it has a nice zzing to the sound when tone control increases , due to the brass nut I, I guess .
Image

Image

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Image

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Image

Excuse me - got to play :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 12:14 pm
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Nice choice! I'm also a fan of what I can see of your furniture and space. I have a pair of Norwegian Westnova chairs and ottoman that I love. Still need to make it to your part of the world sometime.

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 2:49 pm
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garbanzo wrote:
Nice choice! I'm also a fan of what I can see of your furniture and space. I have a pair of Norwegian Westnova chairs and ottoman that I love. Still need to make it to your part of the world sometime.

Thank you , man :D I wasn't aware of revealing that much of my home :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 4:17 pm
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Very nice! Beware the Bass they are addicting..and I have no clue why..I hope you enjoy it for a long long time!

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:03 pm
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Monalst wrote:
Very nice! Beware the Bass they are addicting..and I have no clue why..I hope you enjoy it for a long long time!

Thank you , Mona :D This one is definitely more addicting than my Squier J . So clear and accurate in most aspects. Really a joy ! :D

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:12 pm
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Very nice bass. If I had just bought one of those, I'd certainly have to play along to the double bass guitar track "One Of These Days" first thing.


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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:45 pm
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CONGRATS!!

Welcome to the bottom end! Harmony & rhythm in one sweet place! :D :D :D

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:40 pm
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:arrow: Congratulations A-Man! :D

Great Choice! Welcome to the Low End.

8) Groovy ZoomBa! 8)

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Post subject: Re: Which one to buy ? -BOUGHT !! NGD !! PICS !! NBD !!
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:25 am
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Hi everyone who has contributed to this thread , and sharing your knowledge and wisdom - making me able to understand how to get a good bass! I am very satisfied - though Brother Dave is not crazy about black basses , I don't mind too much about the color. Black is fine :D I might have chosen a sunburst with a RW fretboard, but I found the Roger Waters model to fit me , and I think it is very nice with the SD -pups , brass-nut and wide C-neck . I also have to admit that I like Roger Waters/Pink Floyd very much , but I think I am too old to try to look/sound like my idols , so those facts really does not matter . I feel I've got a very good bass for an OK price. Very clear and thunderlike sound :mrgreen:
Dalembic wrote:
Very nice bass. If I had just bought one of those, I'd certainly have to play along to the double bass guitar track "One Of These Days" first thing.

Excellent idea :D I'll have to do that - the sound is very authentic to that track !

slidewaysracing wrote:
CONGRATS!!

Welcome to the bottom end! Harmony & rhythm in one sweet place! :D :D :D

Thanks :wink:

linnin wrote:
:arrow: Congratulations A-Man! :D

Great Choice! Welcome to the Low End.

8) Groovy ZoomBa! 8)

Thank you :)

To remove this pick guard protection was a bit tedious !
Image

-had to remove both jack-in and pots :(
Image

But it was nice to get rid of it :!:
Image

Image

A-man :wink:

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