Fender Standard Precision or Squier Classic Vibe?

Hey guys,

soooo I need some help with a buying decision.

I sold my old bass in order to get a P-Bass because I really love this smooth, 60/70, Motown-ish sound from players like Zach Dawes; some examples:

https://youtu.be/QO6VB6WRLSM?t=75

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cQloro92xA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynzMBJ-pEzA

I’m currently undecided between the Fender Standard Precision Bass:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Fender-Fender-Standard-Precision-Bass-MN-Lake-Placid-Blue/192512972404?hash=item2cd2aad674:g:eVIAAOSw42ta5zOI

or the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s:

Does anyone have any experience with those and could recommend which one comes closer to the sound?

Cheers and happy playing! Malte

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Hey Malte, I’d say either of those basses will probably work fine. Usually Fender instruments have higher quality hardware etc. than the Squier line since Squiers are meant to be “budget” instruments, but because Fender/Squier cranks out so much gear, it’s hard to say anything as blanketed as “Fender is always better than Squier.” I’ve played some great Squier instruments.

So since you can’t play the two and make up your mind that way (which is ideal), I’d say pick the one you like the paint job on the best. :slight_smile:

And there’s a lot you can do with string choice to tweak the exact P-bass sound you’re getting. Like if you want the sound in that first video, I’m guessing flatwounds with a pick will get you there. And flatwounds + fingers = the James Jamerson / Motown setup (with some foam in the bridge for full effect).

Hope you end up with the P-bass of your dreams!

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If money is no object, have you looked at the Fender American Elite? You kind of get the best of both worlds with both P and J pick ups. Great range of tones to play just about any kind of music

I love mine.

Mark

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My budget is around 800 - thats what I’m selling my current Gretsch for. Regarding the strings - already got some LaBella Deep Talking to put on there. Thanks guys! :slight_smile:

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I have one too. Love it.

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What did you decide on?

Wow. Everyone knows instrument weight can vary a lot in the same model due to wood variance, often swinging by a few ounces either way.

But damn Squier, this is impressively loose:

a pound and a half between the top and bottom out of just those four :rofl:

Not at all unusual

A pound is a lot, sure, but I was thinking 23 ounces was a bit much :slight_smile:

I spent about 30 seconds looking.

I am sure there are more. Fender J-basses are notorious for this, as are Ricks. That doesn’t make it any better :slight_smile:

Nope. Caveat emptor

I do wish more sites would list the weights of the instrument you are buying

I know, this is an awesome bonus for Sweetwater.

I just checked Revstars and they only vary by about an ounce. Then again much of their body is carved out.

They didn’t have any BB’s I am interested in in stock, unfortunately.