dmc79 Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 Hi, Just wanting some thoughts from anyone who owns or has played one of the ‘American Special’ P basses from the 2010s. A bit of searching and it seems they were kind of somewhere inbetween a MIM and an MIA. Top loading bridge & a slimmer neck than a P normally has, but no rolled fretboard edges and not quite the usual MIA refinements. I saw a rig rundown featuring Mark Shue of Guided By Voices and he raved about the necks on the American Specials. He likes that neck so much that he went to the trouble of upgrading the tuners, bridge and pickups, and uses it as his main bass with an American Standard as a backup. Really curious about these, so thanks in advance for any input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 I really liked them. If a candy Apple Red one came up in good Nick, I’d do my best to get it. The necks were nice, slim but not scrawny. And the “American made Mexican standard” is fair enough assumption. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 Not played one myself but I’m yet to encounter anyone who has that doesn’t like them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmc79 Posted January 16, 2022 Author Share Posted January 16, 2022 Thanks for the replies. I haven’t noticed any come up on here or eBay recently though haven’t exactly been looking for long. Not sure if that indicates that it was a limited run or that they’re so good that owners don’t want to part with them. Just been reading some threads elsewhere too and the popular opinion was that those who tried both would take a used American Standard over a new American Special. Oh well, just a bit of GAS / gear lust curiosity on my part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moving Pictures Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 One of the few basses I regret selling. I had the Candy Apple Red one. Great necks and good sounding. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 Played one for a bit in GAK once, it was nice but didn’t scream “buy me” enough for me to leave with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassix Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 I had one, the neck felt great, really shouldn't have sold it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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