omikin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 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: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I love mine so much. Got to string through body though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omikin Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 I have been nervous about stringing these flats through the body. They're La Bella 760FS (45-105) but I have had flats (different ones) start to crack when they've been strung through. Anyone strung these flats through this bass? I suppose I could put the E through the bridge and the rest through the body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 precisions are the T34 of the bass world - they [i]just [/i]work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I'm not envious... really I'm not... *sob* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) Happiness is a wam P I just picked up a lovely American Special. Super light, really lovely neck, pure P bass [b]TONE[/b] Not wishing to hijack the thread, but want to share the P love.... [b][/b] Edited July 2, 2014 by walbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 [quote name='omikin' timestamp='1404312293' post='2491476'] I have been nervous about stringing these flats through the body. They're La Bella 760FS (45-105) but I have had flats (different ones) start to crack when they've been strung through. Anyone strung these flats through this bass? I suppose I could put the E through the bridge and the rest through the body. [/quote] I have those exact strings on my USA p and it's strung through body, no issues thus far and it's racked up a good few practise hours and a gig so far... sweet bass by the way matey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 [quote name='omikin' timestamp='1404312293' post='2491476'] I have been nervous about stringing these flats through the body. They're La Bella 760FS (45-105) but I have had flats (different ones) start to crack when they've been strung through. Anyone strung these flats through this bass? I suppose I could put the E through the bridge and the rest through the body. [/quote] La Bella make special flats specifically for through-body stringing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omikin Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 I'm going to be braver when I replace these strings (I would string these through but I already trimmed them...) although as these are flats that might be sometime next year... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) Ok if we are all sharing! this was mine brand new, all I had done was swap the plate, still has the tape on the pups! [url="http://s30.photobucket.com/user/throwoff/media/20130809_103420_zps46d86cbc.jpg.html"][/url] Edited July 2, 2014 by throwoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntLockyer Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I have had deep talkin flats on my string though P for about 5 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I have had EB Group III Flats on my 2009 P AS P Bass and they still have some bit, and feel lovely. The latest 2008 and 2012 onwards P and J basses are really really good. The best they've made in a long time. Zero mods required. Just get a good one and you are set. My P and J are in the 2008 versions of the cases, big SKB cases, the best cases I've ever owned if I'm being honest. Apparently Fender stopped dealing with SKB - possibly a fall out. They then started providing the ABS plastic cases which are great, but these are now for the American Deluxes models only. They now offer the more classic black Pro cases...which is still a good case! I'm about to get a 2013/14 Strat and Tele because I've resisted for years and now I've sold an old Tele, its time to strike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Mine has a big SKB, one of the last to come with them as they where residual left handed cases they supplied with the new models even though the righties had switched to ABS. Great case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I see myself owning an Am Std P some time in the future and yours would be the exact combo I'd go for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spongebob Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I agree with the sentiments from the posts above, the 2008 onwards Precisions are great. I`ve had 5, and all were incredibly good. If I could have afforded to keep them, the last 3 I had would still be with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 That is just lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planer Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Beautiful. Great color / pickguard combo, and that bridge is immense! I hope you really took it to bed with you. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Absolutely stunning bass! Love that colour combo. I bet it sounds great with that Custom Shop Vintage P pickup too. Enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bh2 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Beautiful P bass... as much as I love the old BBOT these new style bridges look superb! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsgbass Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Congrats! Great looking PBass. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/lPcodIX.gif[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guybrush threepwood Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Absolutely gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 [quote name='bh2' timestamp='1404333959' post='2491748'] Beautiful P bass... as much as I love the old BBOT these new style bridges look superb! [/quote] The new bridge was what sold me on the bass to be completely honest. It is so well made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1404312862' post='2491493'] Happiness is a wam P I just picked up a lovely American Special. Super light, really lovely neck, pure P bass [b]TONE[/b] Not wishing to hijack the thread, but want to share the P love.... [b][/b] [/quote] That is an exceptional looking instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Valdemar Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 [quote name='omikin' timestamp='1404311351' post='2491457'] 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: [/quote] What a stunning bass. I think Fender's current colour range is desperately uninspiring but that sir is something else entirely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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