Cheap p basses

[sellisnba]

Probably a bit of a ramble but I was just thinking where are all the cheap p basses.
It seems to be that there is quite a few decent cheap jazz basses (j&d, harley benton, Squier vm) with some really cool finish's. Take the squier vm series for instance, great basses. Without wanting to upset anyone but I feel the squier vm p bass isn't in the same league. What really bugs me about cheap p basses is, why are they always black?

[Billy Apple]

Black covers the sin best in cheap wood.

[sellisnba]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1441830065' post='2862202']
Black covers the sin best in cheap wood.
[/quote]

This is indeed true. But when you can get a natural finish jazz copy with a lovely grain it makes me wonder why the makers can't do the same on a precision copy. Seems odd.

[Mykesbass]

When I tried out a bunch of Squiers a couple of years back the winners were the CVs rather than the VMs - here's a beaut:

[url="http://www.reidys.com/pr/electric-guitars/squier-classic-vibe-p-bass-butterscotch-blonde-12267/?&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=PriceComparison&catargetid=120170320000003002&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwsb-vBRCLj7TvqpGx_MoBEiQALgFGnu9_1HCIlD-67_BHHouxpIJm03gmERJgkJ6W3vpxUBYaAvlf8P8HAQ"]http://www.reidys.co...xUBYaAvlf8P8HAQ[/url]

Edited September 9, 2015 by Mykesbass

[Billy Apple]

[quote name='sellisnba' timestamp='1441830243' post='2862205']
This is indeed true. But when you can get a natural finish jazz copy with a lovely grain it makes me wonder why the makers can't do the same on a precision copy. Seems odd.
[/quote]

Maybe it's how the manufacturers see the target audience?

J basses for pipe-smoking duffers with an appreciation of the grain.
P basses for black-clad upstarts.

[alyctes]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pb_50_sb_vintage_series.htm

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hot_rod_bass.htm

[DarkHeart]

I bought a second hand `Redwood` pbass (£60) cos I wanted a white bass and was very surprised in how good it sounded (£129 new) ive popped a maple /maple neck on it (£36 from china) and it is a really good bass now.

[Conan]

What are the Jack and Danny P basses like? The Js are exceptionally good for the money...

[LewisK1975]

Friend of mine had one of the 60's CV squiers, like this one: -

[attachment=200442:Capture.JPG]

Got to say it was excellent. And I have a very nice '78 P, and a sunburst Roadworn.

[bassmachine2112]

Don,t forget Vintage V4,great bass,Usa Peavey Patriot,T20 or Fury

[Happy Jack]

What we really need is for a chain of Charity Shops to launch their own brand of P-bass ...

[Bass_Guardian]

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1442396157' post='2866571']
What we really need is for a chain of Charity Shops to launch their own brand of P-bass ...
[/quote]

And we'll call the shop Rue Syder?

[Conan]

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1442396157' post='2866571']
What we really need is for a chain of Charity Shops to launch their own brand of P-bass ...
[/quote]

Naaah... surely that kind of cheap publicity stunt would be seen through be the educated Basschat members?

[tom1946]

Just bought one of these again although they only do it as a kit

http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_squier_affinity_p_bass_set_bb.htm

beautifully made with a big thump.

[rockmanrock]

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1442851849' post='2870000']
Just bought one of these again although they only do it as a kit

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_squier_affinity_p_bass_set_bb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...bass_set_bb.htm[/url]

beautifully made with a big thump.
[/quote]

They could have picked a better one to take a photo of!

Edited September 21, 2015 by rockmanrock

[lowhand_mike]

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1442851849' post='2870000']
Just bought one of these again although they only do it as a kit

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_squier_affinity_p_bass_set_bb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...bass_set_bb.htm[/url]

beautifully made with a big thump.
[/quote]
+1, although i have the jazz version, but it is really well made (photo ignored) big output from the pups and cheap, tad heavy

[tom1946]

[quote name='rockmanrock' timestamp='1442853622' post='2870026']
They could have picked a better one to take a photo of.
[/quote]

haha you're right there, this is actually a Vintage Modified P bass lumped in with the Affinities so I'm happy.

[Twigman]

[quote name='rockmanrock' timestamp='1442853622' post='2870026']
They could have picked a better one to take a photo of!


[/quote]
How wonky is that neck plate?

[rockmanrock]

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1442906572' post='2870311'] haha you're right there, this is actually a Vintage Modified P bass lumped in with the Affinities so I'm happy. [/quote]

Yes, I think it's the same with the Teles in the packs, you get an Indonesian one (with full thickness body, string-through body and an extra fret) rather than the usual Chinese Affinity product. I think Fender are just cranking out products from whichever subcontrator has the capacity and best deal for them. Thomann have got Chinese and Indonesian Squier Bullet strats all jumbled together in their range too.