4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 A year or so ago I bought a Korean P off ebay (refinished in Surf - or possibly Seafoam - Green) for festivals and "dodgy" gigs so that I didn't have to use my vintage Rics. It sounded poor with the strings it came with but I restrung it with my preferred Rotos, 40-95, and was really surprised; it sounded great. In fact I use it an awful lot now and used it for all but 2 festival gigs this year. I replaced the loom with a KiOgon, tried a 70s DiMarzio but found it too ballsy (I can see the puzzled looks from here!) so put the original pickup back in, and got a BassDoc minty plate. I really like the neck and sound and it looks tremendous; the only downside is the truss rod is maxed. I've tried it against various other Ps from various eras and places of manufacture and so far the only ones I liked better were a '65 (lovely) and a '73 m/n (ditto), both in excess of 2 grand. Still, GAS is GAS and I've started thinking that I'd like a "better" P. Due to a current absence of funds anything true vintage is out; I initially started thinking of a Classic Vibe 60s (heard good reports of those) but was concerned it wouldn't be much different, or a Nate Mendel (probably used), but then also started to think about Limelight, although that's at the top end funds-wise. The thing is I don't know if I'll prefer any of them to my bass, and I really don't need 2 P Basses. The last thing I want to do is spend money I don't need to, and I really do like mine, although the truss rod could do with sorting for the future. So, CV, Nate Mendel, Limelight, or stick with the Korean? The only one I can really get to play is the CV. FWIW I prefer a vintage, tinted gloss neck (or worn version of same), my preferred profile seems to be early 70s-ish - not too wide - and I seem to prefer medium/jumbo frets, although that isnt hard and fast. Oh, and it has to be light. Beyond that, it's all good(ish). Although not keen on the normal Mex or US ones, for some reason, they just don't do it for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 How about just changing the neck? MightyMite are pretty good, Warmouth or a 2nd hand? Example = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lic-by-Fender-70s-Maple-Precision-Bass-Neck-MM2907-/331356036454?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4d265bdd66 Cheerz, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 a blue one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1414501539' post='2589855'] How about just changing the neck? MightyMite are pretty good, Warmouth or a 2nd hand? Example = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lic-by-Fender-70s-Maple-Precision-Bass-Neck-MM2907-/331356036454?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4d265bdd66 Cheerz, John [/quote] Status graphite necks look rather splendid too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Have you considered a [i]play [/i]with [i]a Lakland Bob Glaub[/i]........? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehux Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 (edited) I put a Mighty MIte maple neck on a black MIJ Squier, bunged an SD Quarter Pounder in the engine room, and it looks and sounds fab Edited October 28, 2014 by davehux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MoJo Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 If it looks like a 'P', plays like a 'P' and sounds like a 'P', I'd say stick with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njr911 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 My issue with the Squier CV P's ( and a lot of basses in general) is the thick poly finish, nothing feels as nice to me as paper thin nitro. Therefor my vote would be Limelight or Roadworn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1414501539' post='2589855'] How about just changing the neck? MightyMite are pretty good, Warmouth or a 2nd hand? Example = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lic-by-Fender-70s-Maple-Precision-Bass-Neck-MM2907-/331356036454?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4d265bdd66 Cheerz, John [/quote] That's also been an ongoing consideration John. I'm naturally indecisive.:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Jap Fender? I love mine - it's the only P i've ever bonded with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='4000' timestamp='1414500824' post='2589839'] A year or so ago I bought a Korean P off ebay (refinished in Surf - or possibly Seafoam - Green) for festivals and "dodgy" gigs so that I didn't have to use my vintage Rics. It sounded poor with the strings it came with but I restrung it with my preferred Rotos, 40-95, and was really surprised; it sounded great. In fact I use it an awful lot now and used it for all but 2 festival gigs this year. I replaced the loom with a KiOgon, tried a 70s DiMarzio but found it too ballsy (I can see the puzzled looks from here!) so put the original pickup back in, and got a BassDoc minty plate. I really like the neck and sound and it looks tremendous; the only downside is the truss rod is maxed. I've tried it against various other Ps from various eras and places of manufacture and so far the only ones I liked better were a '65 (lovely) and a '73 m/n (ditto), both in excess of 2 grand. Still, GAS is GAS and I've started thinking that I'd like a "better" P. Due to a current absence of funds anything true vintage is out; I initially started thinking of a Classic Vibe 60s (heard good reports of those) but was concerned it wouldn't be much different, or a Nate Mendel (probably used), but then also started to think about Limelight, although that's at the top end funds-wise. The thing is I don't know if I'll prefer any of them to my bass, and I really don't need 2 P Basses. The last thing I want to do is spend money I don't need to, and I really do like mine, although the truss rod could do with sorting for the future. So, CV, Nate Mendel, Limelight, or stick with the Korean? The only one I can really get to play is the CV. FWIW I prefer a vintage, tinted gloss neck (or worn version of same), my preferred profile seems to be early 70s-ish - not too wide - and I seem to prefer medium/jumbo frets, although that isnt hard and fast. Oh, and it has to be light. Beyond that, it's all good(ish). Although not keen on the normal Mex or US ones, for some reason, they just don't do it for me. [/quote] I have a Nate Mendel and Limelight Precision and I love them both. Both offer great quality, playability and spec for the money but if I had to spend the same again Id get another limelight, simply because you get to spec it yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 If you like the Korean Squier take it to a luthier to get the truss rod sorted. Those MIKs have great necks and once the electrics are sorted are basses that punch well above their price-tags. I had one, foolishly sold it, so tracked another one down. Great players imo. That said, the Nate fits the bill re your neck-spec, and I`m yet to read anything bad about them, could be worth a try - and there`s one on Gumtree at present. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 If you can handle not having a 'traditional' looking P the Road Worn Mike Dirnt signature bass is one of the nicest Precisions I've ever played, and is retailing around the £8-900 mark on Thomann. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1414501584' post='2589859'] a blue one... [/quote] Definitely, or a red one, or a black one, or a sunburst one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrammeFriday Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='MoJo' timestamp='1414515351' post='2590119'] If it looks like a 'P', plays like a 'P' and sounds like a 'P', I'd say stick with it [/quote] ^This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I don't know how much a truss rod costs to repair but I would certainly second recommendations for a Mighty Mite neck. I have one on a MIJ Precision body (in my case a Jazz neck) and it is great - they cost around £100 on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Anthony Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I'll third the recommendations for mighty mite necks. I used one for my bitsa P, and it's the most comfortable neck I've ever played. Granted that's not out of a lot, but even still. Bought mine from the same seller linked above back in March. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 The only negative thing you have to say about your bass is it's neck, so I would simply replace that. If the budget allows, go for a Status graphite neck ! Looks awesome with a seafoam green body too. THe MIghty mite necks are decent for the money, it all depends what your budget is. A Status neck is in a different league though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1414513729' post='2590087'] Have you considered a [i]play [/i]with [i]a Lakland Bob Glaub[/i]........? [/quote] I have as I've only heard good things about them, but am not overly keen on the headstock or non-ambered neck...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='skej21' timestamp='1414523051' post='2590254'] I have a Nate Mendel and Limelight Precision and I love them both. Both offer great quality, playability and spec for the money but if I had to spend the same again Id get another limelight, simply because you get to spec it yourself! [/quote] Yes, that is the tempting part :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1414523947' post='2590267'] If you like the Korean Squier take it to a luthier to get the truss rod sorted. Those MIKs have great necks and once the electrics are sorted are basses that punch well above their price-tags. I had one, foolishly sold it, so tracked another one down. Great players imo. That said, the Nate fits the bill re your neck-spec, and I`m yet to read anything bad about them, could be worth a try - and there`s one on Gumtree at present. [/quote] I must admit I've thought about getting the rod sorted, but was just worried it would be a lot of money relative to the value of the bass. I might consider taking it to the Gallery next time I'm down. I do love the bass; whilst it is what it is it does the job and does it with character. Thanks for the heads up re the NM BTW.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 [quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1414525791' post='2590309'] If you can handle not having a 'traditional' looking P the Road Worn Mike Dirnt signature bass is one of the nicest Precisions I've ever played, and is retailing around the £8-900 mark on Thomann. [/quote] Yep, that's another consideration! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 (edited) [quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1414532946' post='2590440'] The only negative thing you have to say about your bass is it's neck, so I would simply replace that. If the budget allows, go for a Status graphite neck ! Looks awesome with a seafoam green body too. THe MIghty mite necks are decent for the money, it all depends what your budget is. A Status neck is in a different league though. [/quote] Interesting to hear people's thoughts re the MM necks as in the US they seem to be less highly regarded. Puts my mind at rest a little. Re Status necks, I've never liked the sound of carbon fibre necks, and I've played a lot (and owned a few). Edited October 28, 2014 by 4000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameltoe Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 I guess you need to figure out what you like in a precision. Fat neck or skinny? Wide or slim? Rolled fingerboard? Light instrument or not bothered? Nitro or not bothered? Vintage p bass tones or more modern sounds? Maple or rosewood? I could recommend a Roadworn, as they are freakishly good, but you might not like wide necks and the vintage vibe. I'd also keep an eye out for an SQ series Squier, there was one for sale on here not long ago for a great price. Any MIJ should be a great instrument having said that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 [quote name='4000' timestamp='1414538416' post='2590558'] Re Status necks, I've never liked the sound of carbon fibre necks, and I've played a lot (and owned a few). [/quote] I am not convinced that graphite necks have a "sound". I have owned graphite-necked Statuses and now have a STatus neck on a traditional Jazz design. The Statuses sounded like Statuses (obviously !). The Jazz still sounds like a Jazz, just with a really rigid and resonant neck. There is no particular spike in any frequency range, or any other "graphite-ness" in the tone. It is unfortunate that people associate graphite necks with the type of sound that Status and Zon basses make. It has little to do with the neck on these basses and more to do with the general design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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