I’ve been going through the Beginner to Badass using my acoustic six-string guitar, and have convinced myself that I am enjoying it, I’m going to stick with it, and really want to join a band. I’m 57 years old. I am going to Sweetwater this Saturday (2 hrs away) to test out what they have and probably pick one up, assuming all goes well. The default choice is a Fender Precision Player II Bass. I know there are many options, and they are overwhelming to say the LEAST, but I figure I cannot go wrong with the P-Bass. I am aiming at classic rock, which is a wide category. If you have some “You HAVE to try THIS …” suggestions, I will certainly do so while at the store.
Seconding that you can’t go wrong with a P-bass. Though really, you can’t go wrong with almost anything. Keep in mind too, aside from Fender, other makers like Yamaha and Ibanez offer Precision style basses and you might like their look or feel better.
If you want a second option, check out a Jazz or P/J style as well. Different weight, neck style, and tone.
My advice is to not overthink it. Buy a bass in good condition, that feels good in your hands, looks good, and fits your budget. As long as you’re gonna look at it on its stand and want to pick it up and play it, you’re good.
Normally I’d say be a little wary with a P, you’ll either love the width of the fretboard or not, but tbh… coming from guitar it’s about the same width at the nut as a 6 string but with only 4 strings. You should be good there. For giggles, I would suggest sitting down and getting the feel of the Fender P and comparing it to the feel of the Sire P5 or P5R (which is a standard P bass config).
I did not know that others made a Precision bass. It makes sense, though. I will do some research on those brands and see if they catch my eye and ear. Thanks!
I REALLY like the look of those Yamaha’s! That’s the brand of my digital piano so it’s known to me, outside of my motorcycle when I was 13. I may not end up with one, but I thank you for pointing them out. I’ll look at the Ibanez’s as well, of course.
Take a look at the Sire as well. I love mine and they seem to be universally well liked. It’s a J but the have a P as well. Purchased from SW so they should have them.
Yeah, I’d defintely also consider the Sire P5 or P5R or a Yamaha BB434 (a P/J). They are excellent Basses and cost a little less than the Fender Precision Player II
Wow! I looked at the Sire and the P7 is in the same price category as the Fender Player II’s I was looking at, and the P5 is of course what you said it is. I think I’ll back off of wanting a Fender P-Bass and say “I like the P-Bass standard”, which can be gotten to through Sire or Yamaha as well.
It’s how I judge my six-string guitars and my digital keyboard as well. However, I will say I like to get input from people such as this forum, it allows me to walk into the store a bit more informed.
The Yamaha’s are P/J style basses rather than a true P bass. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, I have a 435 and 734 and my 734 is my favorite bass, and right in the price range of the Player II. It’s an active bass (onboard preamp) and has a great P bass sound when you roll the pickup knob all the way clockwise. Very versatile with what you can do sound wise and the build quality, fit and finish feel like a bass double the price imo.
I bought a jazz 1st, but caught the p bug. Buy the p. Don’t fear used. I recently found a fender japan in excellent condition for $800. The used market is very soft right now and and a sick deal might be out there. No worries if you dont like the bass because the original buyer ate the depreciation and you’ll recover most of what you spent should you decide to sell for something else.
I like G&L and Fender. Both have budget to full custom offerings. G&L is a relatively small company compared to the Fenders and Yamahas of the world if that factors in to the equation. Have fun shopping.
Sterling stingray 24CA - My stage bass that I just can’t quit. Cuts through the mix, active EQ and feels great.
MIM Fender jazz bass - I don’t like P basses and much prefer the sound of the jazz basses I’ve tried. This one is great
Sire Marcus miller P7 - P/J bass these basses punch well above their weight for the price and that’s what most people online say too. Great feel and electronics. the V version which is a jazz bass has a really thick neck otherwise I’d snap one up on a heart beat. Still really nice.
My crappy Ibanez 5 string from the 90s that I payed $100 for and had to repair. I actually really love the tone of the old Ibanez basses. They are garbage for most folks but it’s a trailer park trophy for me.
Yamaha TRBX304 - My 2nd stage bass it’s nice but sounds a little too synthetic for me. A great bass but it’s for sale.
Steinberger Spirit XT - bought this little bass so I could fly to music and nature camp. It’s nice and small and sounds ok but I’m a big guy so it’s awkward
I also have a fender squire bronco bass which is the size of a guitar but I’m on the process of swapping the pickups so I’ve pretty much never played it.
All that being said pretty much all of my basses were acquired for <$500.
While I enjoy fixing up basses I’ve made a lot of good trades and purchases on FB marketplace. Most of the prices are right too. Just be careful you might inherit someone else’s problem. I’ve gotten great at setups and minor repairs so it’s been good to me.
My advice would be save money on your bass, buy cheap and trade until you find what you REALLY like. If you are thinking you want to play gigs if save money on the bass and get a 200w amp to start with. That will cover a lot of gig territory without breaking the bank.
I would shoot for mid range bass around $500 which can buy you a lot used.
