UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45
Fender Precision Basses. Please can some explain all the different models past and present?
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Hi chaps,
Well, I'm hooked on bass. So, the inevitable GAS has kicked in and I'm looking around for a used/vintage Precision. Something will have to go either in trade or sale to get there, but that's ok.
Now, what is holding me back are ALL the numerous lines/versions that have been or are being produced. It's hard to know where to start.
I'm probably OK with understanding the vintage stuff, ie '"73 Precision Bass" etc, as that's basically all they did back then. But when we get into the 80's/90's/2000's, there are so many models that I don't know where to start.
As an indicator of where I'm heading, I really would like a late 60's / early 70's Precision, preferably rosewood board (don't ask me why as I don't really know, I just like the feel of rosewood on guitars, so I reckon it's the same for basses).
Looking at new basses, I really like the idea of the new American Original series. Basically a recreation of a vintage bass.
But, what's in between, what am I missing, what should I be looking at?
Help!
Rob
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The modern Fender American Standard/Original/Professional instruments are easier to play than the "vintage correct" models but that is not always the best option.
FWIIW, I have tried the Fender American Deluxe/Elite models and found them disappointing - especially for the money. The instruments are slick to play but, in my opinion, their sound is spoiled by the onboard active EQ. Specifically, the EQ band frequency bands are not where I would want them.
I would cheerfully gig on a MIM or MIJ Fender bass with a Duncan Antiquity pickup and, maybe, a John East pre-amp.
FWIW I built one with MJT about a year ago and I love it to bits; I went with a medium nut so still feels mostly like a P but without the ridiculous heft of an old one. Lollar makes a great P pickup if you need one.
Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the nut width differences! I've just measured the cheap Squire P-Bass I've been using and the nut is bang on 41mm. I think the extra 3 mm of the American Original series might be too much, but obviously I need to try one. My local shop Promenade Music have an AO Precision, but it's a maple board one, although it could give me an idea of just how much wider it actually feels. I'm not optimistic though, I thought I was already playing a guitar with vintage precision nut width!
The American Professional II range look nice though, but I was hoping for something vintage vibey.
What do people feel about MIJ Precisions, and what are the nut widths on those?
Cheers chaps,
Rob
Am I right in thinking a ‘73 I’m looking at would be 41mm?
A-1 1/2 in.
B- 1 5/8 in.
C- 1 3/4 in
I'm waiting for a reply on my offer of a trade, but either way, the bass is now "on hold" for me and I expect to close the deal today or tomorrow.
Rather exciting times!
Thanks for all your input chaps, much appreciated.
Rob
Not at the advertised price I might add.
I don’t get on with the original wide necks at all, admittedly - but the later medium-width ones are fine. Nor am I a fan of the original reverse-gear tuners, they’re just an anachronism that’s (in my opinion) pointless to reproduce for the sake of it. But aside from that, just find one you like and you can’t go wrong. There’s only one minor design flaw - the pickguard-mounted jack can be a bit fragile if the lead gets tugged - but using a right-angle plug and running the cable through the strap fixes that.
Probably Leo Fender’s single greatest invention. (Which is saying quite a lot.)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson
I’ve known Mike for a few years and met him a couple of times. He’s one of the good guys.
He was very good to deal with in this instance, I didn’t haggle, he just offered me a good price straight off, and I accepted.
Thanks for all your help on this,
Rob
Luckily mine has the 'wavy' Grovers. At least, luckily until one of them breaks and I have to pay about £200 for a replacement set...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson