Precision Alternatives?

[allighatt0r]

What are the best mid priced precision alternatives out there? I want something that sounds like a precision, but doesn't look like a generic Fender (I am a thorough non-conformist, just like all the others! ) Currently i play a BB614, which gives me a great sound, although i would like a passive bass!


So basically, my wish list is:

1) sounds like a precision
2) doesn't look like a fender
3) is passive
4) and is mid-priced (300 to 500)

Any ideas will be much appreciated!

[Mr.T]

A bass for £500 that sounds like a Precision?
errr....
How about a Precision?

[yorick]

Yamaha BB414.... feels good, sounds good, looks good!!

[Kongo]

Only cheaper basses seem to do a Precission copy.
There are high end P-basses out there by other companies but they look like P-basses.
If you want the P-bass tone what's wrong with the look? As as the BB series was based on Fender shapes to begin with they ain't much different cept the fast the P-bass body will be slightly smaller w/scratchplate.

Only thing I could suggest is a MIM P-bass for that money...sounds and looks like a P-bass of course.

[josh3184]

[quote name='yorick' post='483438' date='May 8 2009, 11:59 PM']Yamaha BB414.... feels good, sounds good, looks good!![/quote]

+1!

[Rayman]

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-BB300-made-in-Japan-1980s-Bass-with-case_W0QQitemZ150343377574QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item150343377574&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-BB300-made-in...%3A1%7C294%3A50[/url]

Buy this mate, don't dither......just do it.

[Machines]

+2 on the Yamaha BB series.

[steve-soar]

[quote name='Rayman' post='484432' date='May 10 2009, 05:59 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-BB300-made-in-Japan-1980s-Bass-with-case_W0QQitemZ150343377574QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item150343377574&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-BB300-made-in...%3A1%7C294%3A50[/url]

Buy this mate, don't dither......just do it.[/quote]Do as he say's, or the puppy gets it.

[allighatt0r]

The only problem i have with the BBs is i already have one! But then again that could be a good plus point as it will feel very much the same... And i haven't tried a passive one yet....

[KevG]

I'd agree, just bought a Yamaha BB 415 yesterday, which though it's a 5 string, with the bridge pup off has a really authentic P-bass sound (I've also got a MIM 50's Classic Precision). Excellent sound.

[Rayman]

[quote name='allighatt0r' post='484470' date='May 10 2009, 06:47 PM']The only problem i have with the BBs is i already have one! But then again that could be a good plus point as it will feel very much the same... And i haven't tried a passive one yet....[/quote]


Until you've had one of the 70s/80s originals you haven't [i]really[/i] had one. I used to have quite a few old BBs and take my word for it, they're class, a future classic.

If you like Yams, and you want a Precision tone, that bass has your name on it..........trust me.

[allighatt0r]

[quote name='Rayman' post='484510' date='May 10 2009, 07:34 PM']Until you've had one of the 70s/80s originals you haven't [i]really[/i] had one. I used to have quite a few old BBs and take my word for it, they're class, a future classic.

If you like Yams, and you want a Precision tone, that bass has your name on it..........trust me.[/quote]

OK, so what should my price limit be for that? what's it really worth?

[Rayman]

That's worth.........maybe.............£170 top side, and worth every penny IMO. I personally wouldn't want to pay much more than that, but it [i]might[/i] reach 200 quid, any more than that is a stretch

I'm hoping BB2000 might chip in...........

[Shaggy]

BC Rich Eagle, especially the NT models - DiMarzio P p/ups which I [b]really[/b] rate, more balls than your average P, 24 frets, light weight, and a funky shape. As played by Bernard (Edwards) Gigging with mine loads these days.

[Rayman]

So did you buy the BB300? [i]AWSOME[/i] price, what a bloody [i]bargain[/i] !!!!

[OutToPlayJazz]

I was going to say Yamaha BB714BS, which does the Precision's 'nasal' honk really well with just the split coil operational & has biblical levels of bass frequency with the subwoofer pickup switched on as well.

[stingrayfan]

G&L L2000 Tribute. It's active but a flick of a switch and hey presto it's passive P or J bass!

[attachment=25063:G_L_L_2500_blk.jpg]

Should be able to get one s/h for around £350.

[leschirons]

[quote name='allighatt0r' post='483320' date='May 8 2009, 09:23 PM']What are the best mid priced precision alternatives out there? I want something that sounds like a precision, but doesn't look like a generic Fender (I am a thorough non-conformist, just like all the others! ) Currently i play a BB614, which gives me a great sound, although i would like a passive bass!


So basically, my wish list is:

1) sounds like a precision
2) doesn't look like a fender
3) is passive
4) and is mid-priced (300 to 500)

Any ideas will be much appreciated! [/quote]
Any premium quality cricket bat. That seem to fit all your criteria.

[chris_b]

If you want a Fender but don't want a Fender there's only one choice, G&L or [b]Lakland[/b].

[El_JimBob]

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='485405' date='May 11 2009, 10:50 PM']G&L L2000 Tribute. It's active but a flick of a switch and hey presto it's passive P or J bass!

[attachment=25063:G_L_L_2500_blk.jpg]

Should be able to get one s/h for around £350.[/quote]

yes, yes, yes and YES!

+1,000,000

[BigBeefChief]

What about one of these:

[url="http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=EG00795"]http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=EG00795[/url]

Never played one mind, but told they can do a passable precision?

Or, Beedster (who knows a thing or 2 about Precisions) said the best P sound he has heard from a non P was from a Shergold. Might be worth trying to pick up an old Modulator or something?

[Delberthot]

Ta da




No, I never get tired of posting pictures of it

[allighatt0r]

[quote name='BigBeefChief' post='485921' date='May 12 2009, 01:56 PM']What about one of these:

[url="http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=EG00795"]http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=EG00795[/url]

Never played one mind, but told they can do a passable precision?

Or, Beedster (who knows a thing or 2 about Precisions) said the best P sound he has heard from a non P was from a Shergold. Might be worth trying to pick up an old Modulator or something?[/quote]

Now THAT floats by boat. (so to speak)

Edited May 12, 2009 by allighatt0r

[Kongo]

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='485405' date='May 11 2009, 10:50 PM']G&L L2000 Tribute. It's active but a flick of a switch and hey presto it's passive P or J bass!

[attachment=25063:G_L_L_2500_blk.jpg]

Should be able to get one s/h for around £350.[/quote]

Give it to me NOW!!!
(Joking...I have no funds LOL!)

[nick]

Not even mid-priced, why not try a nice old (80's) Ibanez Blazer, preferably natural finish, ash body.
IMHO these certainly give a decent P-Bass a good run for the money.

[url="http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/product/Ibanez/Blazer+Bass/10/1"]Ibanez Blazer reviews[/url]