I don’t think anyone can help you choose as colour is such a personal preference. That being said, in terms of thoughts - you want something that when you look at it, it makes you want to pick it up. Also, please do not rely upon the colours on a website - you need to ideally see them in person and on the instrument you want and with the maple neck you are after. If you can’t do that, can you see the same colour on another model. If you can’t see the colour in person, they look through different photos via a Google search and you should get a reasonable idea.
Additionally, if you were to go with something like the 3-colour sunburst, be aware that no two bass will look the exactly the same. Depending on how the wood grain underneath looks, you can either get a beauty or something that looks like two different instruments stuck together.
I have to say, @Barney has done an awesome job with his. That definitely has the “I want to play it” vibe for me.
I’d like candy apple red or sea foam green, but with maple neck (don’t like pau ferro).
I have to agree, the Pau Ferro Fender uses and the way they finish I don’t like. I’ve had basses with Pau Ferro that look like rosewood. Fender’s look cheap in person.
So I would avoid Candy Apple Red and Sea Foam if it were me. But because of the fretboard. Other than that, got nothing, personal choice.
If you do want red or green, look for a Sire P5. They’ve got a roasted maple neck that’s gorgeous
Yeah, no one can really help choose. For Fenders I am strongly biased towards pastel colors, maple necks and white pick guards - because subjectively to me, they look awesome. YMMV.
I do think one obvious truism though is that racing stripes make everything better
Personally I liked the stained clear wood the best where the grain shows through and you can hilite with stain and show off the wood grain, then finish with a clear coat, but if you like a paint color, then pick one you love and go for it. I just picked up a sea foam green that’s beautiful and zi love it. If it makes you happy that’s all that matters. And if you want to be unique then so much more,the fun.
If absolutely necessary, I would go with a primary color. Barring that, I’d go with white-ish first, then black.
Of course, I would never ignore nor negate a sunburst with tortoise pickguard. In fact, I’d prefer it over most other options, as Jamerson, et al, have done, historically.
Actually while we’re chatting about p-bass pickguards, does anyone know if the Squier P has the same template as a Fender P? i.e. I could get a custom Fender pickguard and put it on my Squier without drilling extra holes?
One thing to consider could be how you want to look on stage. With an all black bass and a Pau Ferro fretboard, you could be super low-key and have a mysterious vibe, with the all white you could be front and center visually. What makes you lean towards a black pickguard?
What makes you lean towards a black pickguard?