Fender 62' RI P-Bass

[LowWatt]

I'm grabbing a bass in the new year. My price range is up to $1800. I'm after a late 60s/early 70s Stax records sort of soul bass tone. I'm leaning towards the Fender 62' RI P-Bass. The price is decent, it feels amazing, and it sounds great. Is there anything good or bad anyone can share about this? Are there basses better suited to my needs I should be looking at? Keep in mind that I'm only looking for new. I will be buying on credit at my regular guitar store (the only place where my credit is flawless) and need to stick to Fender/Rickenbacker/Gibson/Warwick type major brands.

[tkozal]

I own one. Great bass. Very good P sound. You might want to go with flats to get the sound you are after.

[LowWatt]

I own one. Great bass. Very good P sound. You might want to go with flats to get the sound you are after.

It will definitely be getting flats on it the day I get it. I've never liked the tone or feel of roundwounds on a bass.

[alanbass1]

I've got an original '63 P bass and it nails the sound you are looking for so I would guess the '62 re-issue will be as close as can be. Another serious consideration would be a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub or Duck Dunn which really has that '60's P-Bass vibe (if your store does these) and these can be had for around $1000 (the US versions typically sell for $2400).

[LowWatt]

I've got an original '63 P bass and it nails the sound you are looking for so I would guess the '62 re-issue will be as close as can be. Another serious consideration would be a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub or Duck Dunn which really has that '60's P-Bass vibe (if your store does these) and these can be had for around $1000 (the US versions typically sell for $2400).

I wish they did. A Skyline Duck Dunn bass would be a nice fit.

[dougb415]

My wife and I went into the local store this afternoon and they had a brand new AV '62 Precision reissue, just arrived within the past week. Plays silky smooth, sounds wonderful. My wife said "Let's get it" so into layaway it went; it's going to make a great Valentine's Day present! I have flats on my lo-budget P-clone, and this bad boy will be getting flats as well. Psyched!

[TimmyP]

Before spending that kind of money on an RI, I'd go on eBay and get an 80's Fender Japanese P. Those instruments are about as good as any that have ever had the Fender name on them.

[LowWatt]

Before spending that kind of money on an RI, I'd go on eBay and get an 80's Fender Japanese P. Those instruments are about as good as any that have ever had the Fender name on them.

Definitely great advice, and the japanese basses are great value, but I'm not willing to buy a guitar or bass without playing it first. I found a used AV62 at my local store for a great price and grabbed it. I couldn't be happier with it.

[ricoh]

Before spending that kind of money on an RI, I'd go on eBay and get an 80's Fender Japanese P. Those instruments are about as good as any that have ever had the Fender name on them.

yep.............I paid 125.00 for mine years ago. Records great