I had a similar P bass moment at the studio last week. I've owned various P basses in my time, a US 78, a 70s CIJ and a 51 and found them all missing something in a live situation. BUT at the studio I played a mexican 50s P and I loved it. I don't think it will replace my T-40 live but I was blown away by the recorded tone. The balance was off on this particular one though with the body being too light.