Seb_C Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I'm thinking about replacing my Cort 5 string with a Fender P, and was wondering what are the best bang-for-your-buck buys in terms of quality and playability? I don't really want anything new - Fender prices are a little bit OTT for what you get new, IMO. So, second hand: I really fancy a JV, but prices are frequently a bit silly (although I have spotted the odd bargain on here in old threads). The E series and SQ series Squiers seem to be gaining favour, but i get the feeling that's because JV prices have gotten a little rich for some people? I guess anything Japanese is a fairly safe bet. I've never been keen on the MIM Fender stuff - there's nothing wrong with any I've played (most Strats rather than Ps) but they've always been entirely bland and devoid of character! I've love a 70's P, but unless it's a real dog I don't think I can stretch that far. How much do later USA Ps go for (as a minimum)? The Fullertons look pretty good, and as with the JVs can be pricey but I've seen the odd bargain. Originality doesn't bother me too much - it's for playing, not collecting (and in some ways I'd rather something that had already been messed with a little and subsequently dropped some value, as then I wouldn't feel guilty putting a Wizard Pup in it). Dream spec - two-tone sunburst, nice and light body, nice rich aged wood tones, maple fingerboard, white pick guard, a real player but a bit tatty, with non-standard electrics so I don't feel guilty calling up Wizard! So, what should I be looking out for? Many thanks! Seb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjb Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote]I guess anything Japanese is a fairly safe bet.[/quote] They do seem to have a decent blend of playability and affordability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cetera Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='rjb' post='415259' date='Feb 20 2009, 01:23 PM']They do seem to have a decent blend of playability and affordability.[/quote] Big +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 My first thought would be Japanese too, second thought is put a post in the wanted section and buy it from the classifieds on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb_C Posted February 20, 2009 Author Share Posted February 20, 2009 Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on classifieds, although I only found this forum a couple of days ago! Any particular MIJ years/ranges/models to keep an eye out for? Over 25 years of Japanese Fender production to pick from... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='Hamster' post='415414' date='Feb 20 2009, 03:18 PM']second thought is put a post in the wanted section and buy it from the classifieds on here![/quote] Excellent advice - in fact this one looks cracking value [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=41709"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=41709[/url] But if you don't buy that, I would certainly look at some of the Japanese models. My 70s re-issue is a fantastic bass for the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='Seb_C' post='415251' date='Feb 20 2009, 01:20 PM']Dream spec - two-tone sunburst, nice and light body, nice rich aged wood tones, maple fingerboard, white pick guard, a real player but a bit tatty, with non-standard electrics so I don't feel guilty calling up Wizard![/quote] + 1 on the Made in Japan or Crafted in Japan (MIJ or CIJ) ones. MIJ are older than CIJ and tend to be less money. Then it's just down to your taste and the condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='simon1964' post='415428' date='Feb 20 2009, 03:28 PM']Excellent advice - in fact this one looks cracking value [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=41709"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=41709[/url] But if you don't buy that, I would certainly look at some of the Japanese models. My 70s re-issue is a fantastic bass for the money.[/quote] i'd seriously recommend going for that, i've played it, it's absolutely lovely. or like simon1964 says, his 70's reissue is great, so +1 for the japanese precisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I've never found a MIA or MIM that I've liked. Japanese Fenders are the bollocks. One of the only basses I ever regret selling was a Coral Pink P bass with a maple fretboard. f***ing fantastic bass. If I were to buy another Fender, it would only be a CIJ - whether one of the regular models or an import Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan_da_man Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Any Tokai MIJ Hard Puncher, mine is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjb Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 (edited) Just out of interest, are the current Fender Standards MIM these days? Edited February 21, 2009 by rjb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Burpster Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 2nd hand Highway 1.... Best VFM and bang for $ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 [quote name='rjb' post='415979' date='Feb 21 2009, 09:15 AM']Just out of interest, are the current Fender Standards MIM these days?[/quote] Yes - although you also have the "Amercian Standard", which obviously isn't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 [quote name='The Burpster' post='415983' date='Feb 21 2009, 09:20 AM']2nd hand Highway 1.... Best VFM and bang for $[/quote] Oh yes... I've played H1s that have thrashed MIAs before. And Tokais that kicked the MIAs while they were down. Everyone else in the shop agreed, too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Dave Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Reading the original post - you've already answered your own question. If you want a bit of confirmation that a used Jap is the way to go , you already have it several times and I'm happy to chuck my hat in too. I have 2 Jap Fenders , a 54P and a Strat. Both excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 pm thornybank, he has few things at the mo. andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 (edited) have you seen the newest edition of BGM? doesn't completely answer you're question, but there's a fender precision bass round up, comparing lots of fender's most popular precisions. i'm sure that'd be helpful. EDIT: that includes squiers, too Edited February 21, 2009 by LWTAIT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb_C Posted February 21, 2009 Author Share Posted February 21, 2009 sweet, i'll take a look in town later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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