FinnDave Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 (edited) I've read a bit about the Fender Precision 62 RI from Japan and it's all been good...are they really all they're cracked up to be? I ask because a bunch of blokes from my bike club dropped by to cheer me up in my convalescent state yesterday and one asked if I was interested in buying one as he has it and doesn't really play anymore. Sunburst, rosewood, tort...hard case, ticks all the right boxes, but....another bass...I've bought two and a neck this year already. I willingly let my head be placed in the noose and asked him to send some pics. I'm a sucker for sunburst Fenders, but have never had a sunburst P. Gigged my sunburst 60s classic J twice over the weekend, can't help thinking they'd make a great pair, but something would have to go, I'm running out of space! This would make it 60s (repro) Jazz and P, modern Jazz and P, Squier fretless P and the Epiphone Casady all competing for space in our little house. Plus amps, of course. Decisions, decisions..... Edited April 6, 2015 by FinnDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inate_hex Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 I have got an American 62 RI P bass. The neck is wider compared to the MIM standard that I used to own. I bought an aftermarket Mighty Mite neck, which is the same width as the American standards and much more manageable for me. Sound wise it just sounds great. It is definitely a keeper. I like the nitro finish to. It is wearing away around the forearm contour but I think natural wear looks good. Good luck with your dilemma! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booboo Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 There are 3 'levels' of 62 RI from Japan - I've heard good things about them all. The basic 62 RI - Basswood bodies, non vintage correct hardware, poly finish 62 RI-US Alder bodies 62 RI-VPS- just the same as AVRI with the reverse tuners, vintage style/voiced (US?) pickups. Essentially a AVRI 62P at 2/3 of the price with more reliable build quality. I'd be interested to hear other BC'rs comments about the actual difference in quality between them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted April 7, 2015 Author Share Posted April 7, 2015 Thanks for that, Booboo, I'll make a note of that for when I take a look at the bass. Do you have any idea what sort of prices each of those is likely to attract? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booboo Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 About £300 - £600 depending on which on you go for - you can then factor in another %20-25 once shipping/insurance/import duty are tagged on. There used to be quite a few one man operations importing the MIJ stuff and I think one or two are still going. I'm not sure how the economics of importing work out but I'm sure someone on here will have done it. I'd imagine the exchange rate between the pound and yen will throw in yet another variable to consider. It would be good to hear from experienced importers if it's worth doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njr911 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Are the [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]62 RI-VPS nitro ?[/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 The bass under consideration is a 2004/5 Crafted in Japan version. Very close to saying yes on this, just need to find space! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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