Groove Mama Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Last week I noticed a MIM 4-string P bass marked down from $599 to $475 at the studio where I take lessons. Brand-spankin' new...and a beautiful shade of red, of course. I have a bass at home and one at my office, so this is definitely not a "need" item. However, can one really consider oneself a soul/funk player without having one of these babies in one's arsenal? I have already indulged my 60th bday milestone by buying both an iPad mini (using a large gift card) and a nice but modestly-priced necklace. But then I came home to find a $300 ADT rebate check I had forgotten about. So, anyway: 1. Is $475 a reasonable price for a new MIM 4-string P bass? 2. Am I nutz to even consider buying this? Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 That is a good price. It's red. You aren't nuts. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Rule #1 on this forum: always listen to Jeremy. Rule #2 on this forum: never forget rule # 1. Oh and once you get it, remember: no pics = no bass :grin: "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 If you like it go for it. Pretty decent price too. Always good to have a p-bass. In fact in some counties it's mandatory to own a p-bass. Besides it's red - it has to be a speedster! Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamy ALB Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Aye why not!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Bitter/185235472447 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Brown Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I have a red P bass.... love it. Buy it. I agree... good price.... How can you be "Groove Mama" without a red P bass.....? "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcadmus Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I'm sorry, I don't understand the question. Assuming you have it home by now. "Tours widely in the southwestern tip of Kentucky" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzilla Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 2. Depends - what color is the pickguard? "Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) NEW band Old band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Brown Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 pick guard, schmick guard..... get it!!! "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russkull Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Guess I'll be the lone voice here...having limited space and funds, this is what I ask myself when I get the attack: Can you already get similar sounds with existing equipment (Red or Ruby)? How is the P substantially different? What new thing would it bring to the table for you? Supposing you have good answers for those, go for it. But then - what name would you choose that is related the color and starts with an R? "Of all the world's bassists, I'm one of them!" - Lug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Rudolph! "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I didn't need a P bass when I got mine. It, almost literally, came to me. I had other basses that could do pretty much the same thing. But, I have not regretted it at all. It has that sound that just works in pretty much every context I've tried, but it has more than one sound. Plus, that's wrapped up in a comfortably playable form factor, that is also easily modified to each user's needs. Plus plus, not too expensive. Double plus plus, mine is also light. (notice: not a guarantee of lightness.) My dos centavos: if you can afford it, and it's a gift for yourself, do it. If you don't like it, it's probably not that hard to resell a P bass. You might just beat that price looking at your local CL, though. I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Why, lookee here: cl ad cl ad Just a couple of minutes looking. Obviously, no affiliation with the sellers, St. Louis, or the Show Me State in general is implied or expressed. Please tip your server. Just sayin, if it don't gotta be red... I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 squiers aren't made in Mexico. I've got a Matt Freeman bass. It's not a funk bass at all, it's a rock bass. The Zone bass is active, different kind of wood, not really a straight up Precision. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 (Weaving fingers in mystical gestures) Give in... give in... the the dark side of GAS is calling YOU... Nancy ...give in... Give in... Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imogene Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I've got a Matt Freeman bass. It's not a funk bass at all, it's a rock bass. He probably gave it to you!? You're too modest Jeremy (I admire that about you), surely everyone knows that Matt was a former student of yours? But yeah, to the OP buy the bass if you like it. If its at the studio where you take lessons, you've maybe picked it up and gave it a go once or twice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 1. At one point, Squiers were made in Mexico; B. A bass is a bass. Put flats on that thing and raise the action a bit, and tell me you can't play funk on it; c: The Zone bass is lightweight, has a smaller body, offers myriad tone options, and is inexpensive. All above options took me approx. 5 mins to find. I am only suggesting a look around might save a buck or 2. I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottom End Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 A P-bass is the granddaddy of electric, $475 is a great price. I had a P bass and sold it 23 years ago, I have regretted it nearly every day since. "Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.'-Hamlet Guitar solos last 30 seconds, the bass line lasts for the whole song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 Nancy, let me say this about that; At this time, I have three basses, and two of them are Precisions. Of all the bass guitars I have played, and there's a bunch of 'em, I absolutely love P basses best. Along with the Esquire & Telecaster guitars, They are a perfect example of Leo Fender's penchant for what I call elegant simplicity. With only a volume & tone control, and what amounts to a single pickup, they are still amazingly versatile, and can cover pretty much all the bases(pun intended) for me. I could only have one bass, it would be an unmodified Fender Precision. Even the P Bass copies & clones I have played usually deliver an acceptable (if not excellent tone), are blessedly free of the 60 cycle him that plague instruments loaded with single-coil pickups, and, to my way of thinking, are among the most beautiful basses out there. To me, they are what a bass guitar SHOULD look like. I think that, with your Sterling, you would have a pair of basses that, with the right amplifier, would deliver any tone you might encounter a need to generate. Maybe later, you could use a bass with active pickups for that tone, probably a five string, a couple of different amps for different tones, and of course, a few different speaker cabs for different occasions...how's that for leaving you room for future GAS attacks? I dearly wish you lived in KC. I could really use a bass player with Victor-approved groove, and a Sterling/P Bass stable to draw upon for the MBV! Do ya sing at all? Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzo9247 Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 Mama, bass GAS is a dangerous thing. Because of it I've gone through 60+ basses in 7 years (that reminds me, I have to update my photobucket gallery) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Malone Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 I had some time earlier this week between a doctor and dental appointment and stopped in a music store in Santa Cruz and saw a red P bass, a sixtieth anniversary model. I'm still looking for a P bass but not at close to $1,000. It had a maple board which is something else I would want in a P bass since all the basses in my stable have rosewood or ebony. Wally I have basses to play, places to be and good music to make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thanks for your input, guys. I'll see if they'll let me use it for my lesson on Tue so I can try it out for an hour, then decide. Will keep you posted. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Do I sing at all? Only in my car, with the windows rolled up. I would say I'm a better bass player than singer...and that's not sayin' much. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Truthfully, if it were not red, I would have somewhat less interest. I've always WANTED a P bass, but I could not in good conscience say I NEEDED a P bass. Even if $475 is a decent price, that's still a whole lotta Samolians for what would essentially be a toy. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Guess I'll be the lone voice here...having limited space and funds, this is what I ask myself when I get the attack: Can you already get similar sounds with existing equipment (Red or Ruby)? How is the P substantially different? What new thing would it bring to the table for you? Supposing you have good answers for those, go for it. But then - what name would you choose that is related the color and starts with an R? Thanks, Russ, for bringing reason into the discussion. good points, all. As for the name, um, maybe "Rosie" or "Rusty" or "Ginger"? Doesn't hafta start with an R. That was just a coincidence with the other two names. Tell ya what: If I do end up buying it, I'll let you guys name it. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 You might just beat that price looking at your local CL, though. That raises another interesting question: Any advantage to buying new vs. used? And from a reputable place that will resolve any issues, vs. an unknown party? Especially if you're a newby like myself? And if new is better, how much is new worth over and above used? Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Mama, bass GAS is a dangerous thing. Because of it I've gone through 60+ basses in 7 years (that reminds me, I have to update my photobucket gallery) You came to mind as I was considering this, Rizz. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Malone Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 I believe Rizz just let go a P Bass on TB. I wasn't on TB for a handful of days and missed it. Wally I have basses to play, places to be and good music to make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 You might just beat that price looking at your local CL, though. That raises another interesting question: Any advantage to buying new vs. used? And from a reputable place that will resolve any issues, vs. an unknown party? Especially if you're a newby like myself? And if new is better, how much is new worth over and above used? I know nothing of your area, but, around here, used MIM P basses are pretty common at $300-375 or so. A new instrument, from a dealer, would likely offer some sort of warrantee, and might possibly include upgrades (case, stand, set-up. etc.) (Of course, any set-up/warrantee work might likely depend on the skill of the store "tech".) It may or may not have been manhandled in the store, and may have some cosmetic damage. (Depends largely on the dealer and their clientele.) A used instrument is almost guaranteed to have some cosmetic damage, and may have lurking issues. Or, it may not. You may also be able to haggle on price/trade, but that's variable. FWIW, my MIJ P bass cost me around $100 on CL through a trade. A question for you: Can/do you do your own set-ups? If not, you should. It's not complicated, is a useful skillset to have, and would likely save you money over time. I find that when buying used, having the ability to troubleshoot and resolve potential issues can be the deal maker for me. Otherwise, a musical friend, acquaintance etc., (even a guitarist if they're well informed ) whose opinion you trust is always a welcome wingman. I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 Aw Nancy, you know as well as we do you're gonna be playing out one of these days. Believe me, it'll come in handy then. But anyway, you're overthinking this. If you want it, get it. And be glad your hobby isn't bass fishing, or something REALLY expensive... Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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