50's Classic Series P Bass

[John Boyd]

Hello again from NZ.
A couple of hours ago, I 'pushed the button' on a mint 2008 Classic Series 50's P Bass with tweed case.
Please tell me that I did the right thing and let me know your experiences with this model.
I'm not a bass player and purchased it for our 60s band reunion gig in September, so that we could play matching Fiesta Red guitars.
Gee, I hope the old bass player will play my game!!
Hoping to get some re-assurance that I've done the right thing.
Cheers,
JB

[Jay Bass]

Hello again from NZ.
A couple of hours ago, I 'pushed the button' on a mint 2008 Classic Series 50's P Bass with tweed case.
Please tell me that I did the right thing and let me know your experiences with this model.
I'm not a bass player and purchased it for our 60s band reunion gig in September, so that we could play matching Fiesta Red guitars.
Gee, I hope the old bass player will play my game!!
Hoping to get some re-assurance that I've done the right thing.
Cheers,
JB

Hi JB
is This the Mexican 50's Reissue, fiesta Red, Maple Fretboard , Gold scratchplate ?
if so then it is a good Bass, (dont like the cratchplate though ) change it for a 3 ply white much better
i think these are still available for around £500 here in the Uk.

Regards
jay

[bassboogie]

Hi John,

I absolutely agree with Jay, I've had one for 3 years now, have not changed the scratchplate, but again will go along with what Jay said about scratchplate. It's a lovely bass in my view, very nice neck and authentic 60's sound, feel and looks. The only thing I've done to it is changed to flatwounds and added a finger rest. Only problem I've ever had with it is with SWMBO but once diluted with the other basses she can't remember which one to moan about. Sleep easy and "push another button", you'll love it.

Regards, Luigi

[John Boyd]

Gentlemen,
Thank you very much for your encouraging responses.
Yes, it is the MIM model as described. I paid the equivalent of 302 pounds and my son will bring it out from the US next month.
Regarding the pickguard, I agree about the gold anodised aluminium - it doesnt look great IMHO.
I have looked on the net for a white 10 hole model, but they all seem to be 13 hole - for a '62.
Any suggestions there? I'd rather not drill any extra holes in the body.
Thanks again for taking the time to reassure me.
Cheers,
JB

[JimN]

I have looked on the net for a white 10 hole model, but they all seem to be 13 hole - for a '62.
Any suggestions there?
JB

Try:

http://www.wdmusic.com/pickguard_pbs_400.html

JN

[John Boyd]

Jim,
Thank you for the link.
I have checked the WD inventory and it seems they would have to make a special white pickguard at $US45.
That's 10% of what the Classic Series 50's bass cost me!
I was rather hoping someone might have supplied a stock item 10 hole pickguard.
Maybe I'll just have to put up with the gold anodised guard for a while.
Thanks again.
Regards,
JB
BTW Did you ever get a DVD copy of 'Crazy' ? I watched it last week - a very talented guitarist but a sad story.

[Jay Bass]

Regarding the pickguard, I agree about the gold anodised aluminium - it doesnt look great IMHO.
I have looked on the net for a white 10 hole model, but they all seem to be 13 hole - for a '62.
Any suggestions there? I'd rather not drill any extra holes in the body.
Thanks again for taking the time to reassure me.
Cheers,
JB[/quote]

Hi
Most of the Holes Should line Up
it just means drilling a couple of small pilot holes? for the extra screws.
i changed mine from gold to tortoise shell, no problem.
there are companies who will copy your scratchplate exactly , usualy about £40 in uk

Jay

[John Boyd]

As a true bass 'newbie', I wonder if anyone can suggest what type of strings should be used on my latest aquisition?
All suggestions welcomed.
Cheers,
JB

[Jay Bass]

As a true bass 'newbie', I wonder if anyone can suggest what type of strings should be used on my latest aquisition?
All suggestions welcomed.
Cheers,
JB

Hi
If you want To try and get A 50's 60's Bass sound ,go for Flatwounds
for a more modern sound Roundwounds.
i have tried most of the major brands And find Thomastik Flatwounds 43 to 100 gauge the best for me.
these are the strings used on the Fender Pino palladino Sig Model Precision Bass.
i have tried, Rotosound, La bella, D' Addario, Fender. but Always Put the Thomastiks Back on.
But like anything else Its realy down To What You feel Comfortable with.
there are some previous posts with some info on types of strings.
Regards
Jay

[John Boyd]

Thank you Jay. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
JB