I just sold my J bass because I was looking to buy my first P bass. I know a J bass is more versatile but every time I do a small gig or jam sesh with my band I find myself craving that classic P bass sound. While I was searching for one I noticed that Fender moved the standard line to Indonesia and the Squier sonic P bass was only $250 vs the new Fender Standard tier at $650. Both basses appear to be made of the same wood and it appears the same factory. I tried them both out at guitar center and honestly I can’t tell the difference. Is fender just charging $400 dollars extra for a name plate lol?
You skipped a few lines there. For a gigging muso the classic vibe series is perfect. Sonic is way way too entry level for a main axe. Consider finding a used classic vibe or better yet a 40th anniversary models. They are just too delicious.
I recently caught the p-bass fever. So much so that im considering selling my g&l jb-2. Versatility schmersitility.
4 strings + 2 knobs + 1 pickup = The truth
OK maybe a little bit of hyperbole. The real truth is, when I first started 9 months ago, I figured I’d get a J-bass for versatility because I honestly didn’t know any better. I chose the J because it was sexy. It worked, id walk by, pick it up and practice. As I fell into the world of all things bass, I realized a lot of people I wanted to sound like, were playing P’s at some point.
Sure, I can get close to the sound of a P on a J. After playing the P for a month or so, I realized there was more to it than just the sound. Turns out, I prefer the neck profile of the P over the J. I prefer the simplicity of the P. Both knobs at 75% and forget about it. No more mucking around balancing the 2 volume knobs to balance the tone with the noise.
I’ll probably change my mind 20 times or more over the years but this is where im living right now.
I ended up going with an open box Squier classic vibe 70s p bass. Its honestly insane value for the price. You get the alnico pick up, maple fretboard all for around $400 bucks. Honestly similar specs to the 2022 Player J bass that I sold except of course no fender name plate.
I have both, I do like the G&L very much. That said it’s going to become the backup and a barter tool if I can find a nice telecaster bass and a willing trade partner. My springer approves.
I wish their Fallout is shorter overall, I love everything about that bass the bridge, the pickup, the tone, but it’s the same size as the L1000 almost.
If you can vet good deal on the contemporary grab them. Insane value (for active). Roasted maple neck, narrow tall frets, carved neck pocket, if they put Fender badge on it and charge $2000 as is, well maybe different tuners and bridge, I’d believe them.
Costs more than my player pbass did though 
