So this thread has been nearly two months coming. I have been a P-bass fan for about 4 years having never really liked Fender stuff until I actually played one, and it just worked for me. Since then I have been through a number of P's (one MIM std, one Nate Mendel sig, one 1997 Am Std ["road worn" by previous owner], and now this one) in parallel with several other models which have come and gone.
One of my most recent disposals (a Rick 4001 via ebay) was immediately followed by a visit to PMT where I tried a number of basses (Gibsone and Epi thunderbirds, Gibson SG) and finally I spotted this Am Std p-bass.
I had initially ignored the Am Std P-basses as I wasn't really aware of what had changed since the 1997 version kicking around at home. It was immediately apparent that a lot had changed, however. Apart from having the best setup off the shelf of any of the basses I played, this one also just felt right straight off the bat. I don't know if it's the rolled fingerboard or the custom shop pups or what, but there is something special about this bass. Anyway, I put it back on the wall and walked out, as I'd just [i]sold[/i] a bass, right? I sure as hell wasn't about to [i]buy[/i] one, especially not one costing more than a grand.
But it knawed away at me and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I even posted a thread on here about the best place to buy one as I have never been over-impressed with PMT, but a lot of the advice was along the lines of "if you've found one that feels just right then go for it as the quality can vary". So I did.
I had assumed that they came in one of those moulded plastic cases, but actually it's a really nice black tolex case with more of a vintage look to it. Would probably not be as hardwearing as one of the plastic ones, but I think for now it will be the other bass I'll be taking to gigs...
Anyway - I have never played a bass as often or for so long as I have this one. It just feels so perfect. I have always loved rosewood fretboards but this one is maple and I couldn't be happier. The tort pickguard is great too - a step above any aftermarket tort I have bought. And I have never been at all bothered by bridges one way or another, but that hi-mass bridge is beautiful. Wonderful to look at and rest the heel of your hand on, and great sustain.
The tone? Really full and warm. I can't quite explain how it differs from my 97 P but it does. I'm not sure if it's an "authentic" vintage tone but strung with flats it absolutely gives me the sound in my head.
So now let me give you some pics so you can see for yourself: