5-Way Precision Bass Comparison - Which P's the Bee's Knees? - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout

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Hey everyone! Today we have the highly anticipated 5-way P-bass shootout! Featuring five different precision style basses at five different price points ranging from $500 to over $2000, which P will reign supreme? Let's find out!
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[@travatron4000]

0:00 Intro Instruments 1:10 G&L LB100 Tribute 2:04 Fender MIM P 2:27 Fender Lobster Special P 3:11 Fender Amer. Pro II 3:50 Ernie Ball MM Cutlass Playing Tone 100% 4:33 G&L LB100 Tribute 5:06 Fender MIM P 5:44 Fender Lobster Special P 6:23 Fender Amer. Pro II 7:03 Ernie Ball MM Cutlass Playing Tone 50% 7:42 G&L LB100 Tribute 8:11 Fender MIM P 8:50 Fender Lobster Special P 9:29 Fender Amer. Pro II 10:08 Ernie Ball MM Cutlass Playing Tone 0% 10:47 G&L LB100 Tribute 11:06 Fender MIM P 11:45 Fender Lobster Special P 12:05 Fender Amer. Pro II 12:44 Ernie Ball MM Cutlass Playing Slap 13:23 G&L LB100 Tribute 13:42 Fender MIM P 14:02 Fender Lobster Special P 14:41 Fender Amer. Pro II 15:10 Ernie Ball MM Cutlass 16:02 Big Finish

[@darrellleach6077]

Fender baby Fender

[@philippeconway8636]

Great video. Thank you for doing this. All of these basses sound absolutely incredible, especially that Cutlass. I've watched this video about 4 times, and I keep coming back to the G&L LB100 sound. So smooth.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Philippe!

[@monahantp3767]

For me, when after softer, sweeter tones it's the Cutlass. For more of the traditional up-front tones it's the Pro-II. While all of them sound good enough to me, feel and stability are two major factors to consider: Pro-II has reinforcement rods in the neck for stability, and the necks on both the Pro-II and the Cutlass feel right to me. The LB-100 body is larger overall than the others and not as rounded off, which for me is a mark against. Thanks for another fun video Lobster!

[@pbasswil]

Pro-II was the most articulate of the lot, to my ears. Would be great with flats too, cuz you'd get that classic motown thing but it would still cut through a mix.

[@Sumbibebe]

Cutlass all the way!! The High end fender a close second and the G&L third. The Mex Fender was not bad but came last. Awesome video!!👍🏽👍🏽

[@panych3198]

All of them sound incredibly. Great comparison.

[@ChrisBassTXP]

G&L L100 all the way! Classic ash/maple P sound. Very impressed with the clarity of the Am.ProII as well.

[@ileutur6863]

You mean classic P pickup and 2 pots sound 🤣

[@rban123]

the L100 has a lot of noise from the electronics

[@ChrisBassTXP]

@@rban123 I find P basses pretty quiet noise-wise. Something must be wrong in the wiring or the general grounding if you're getting noise.

[@67NewEngland]

I put the G&L USA made P pickup in my 08 American Precision and there is no hum at all. Very clear sounding pickup. Love it.

[@kazman29]

The Pro-II at 50% tone was the best sound of all five basses at all different tones. I suppose we all have different tastes but the clarity of that instrument is what really stands out to me. And because of that clarity I also thought it was the best slap sound too. What a fun test run!

[@jasonjump6019]

Agree 100%

[@teddownum7428]

Thanks, Lobster! I'm in the market for a P right now, and this was really helpful.

[@prestachuck2867]

That Cutlass is so much fuller sounding than the rest, while still having all of the classic P Bass character! The USA Pro II was next fullest IMHO.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yeah man, that Cutlass is something else. I have an in depth video on that bass specifically coming soon!

[@bflo1000]

I agree.

[@philipmcadam5339]

It's amazing how similar and different these basses sound. The Pro II sounded really nice at 100% tone. The Mex was sweet at 0%. I liked the sound of the Cutlass when you slapped it. It would be interesting to hear how the FGN sounds in this mix. Shoutout for the shootout.

[@jaykayrouz7210]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@grizelda4526]

The cutlass really was fantastic. I’d put the G&L second. Great shoot out!

[@ryanbirabent-genone9219]

I’m amazed to say the Cutlas was my favorite - awesome comparison, thanks!

[@troyjamesmartin]

My favorite so far is the Mexican Player P. It seemed to have the most consistent tone of all of them.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Troy!

[@JoseCid_24]

Another great video Mr.Lobster ! The P bass is one of those basses that every brand makes, still, a lot to choose from and a big variety for everyone. Thx for the quality in your videos that you made us all used to, by far the best and most honest bass channel in youtube (at least for me) still, a fender vintera P bass MIM would be a nice bridge in there cause it is the top MIM and unfortunate you wont see a lot here in YT about them. (but you DIY bass filled the spot with no problem at all)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I definitely plan on checking out the Vinteras at some point (though the price jump hurts, they used to be $899!)

[@JoseCid_24]

​@@LowEndLobster I am glad I got mine before that big jump...

[@OmegaRectum]

Holy jeez, the Cutlass!!! Sounds excellent/!!

[@tysher7353]

Kind of surprised, I liked the g&l sound the best

[@barondavis5692]

Nice work lob. ❤

[@orensr]

Thanks for doing this comparison, Lobster! I thought the 2013 MIM, the American Pro II, and the Cutlass all sounded really good. On price/performance ratio I have to give top prize to the MIM!

[@marciosouza8656]

ALL off them appears to be good, but i love the MM Cutlass tone... Great content and vídeo, tks Lobster!!

[@crocholiday]

I'm with you. That Cutlass is amazing. Love the tones it gets. It's like a P seasoned with a smidge of that MM sound. Ant it looks stunning. Maybe they'll reissue it if the P has a resurgence in popularity. Second favorite would be a toss up between your build and the American Professional series. Those both sounded fantastic as well.

[@darvinclement3250]

Nothing wrong with the tone on any of them. I think the G&L sounds best to my ears but just barely. At the price of the G&L, those things are a steal! Great review, loved it!

[@nsturge11]

The Caprice basses are amazing! I have a heavy modded made in Mexico and absolutely love it though. A used MIM Fender is a great platform for upgrades.

[@msev5713]

The Cutlass. That bass, just wow. The tone is awesome, but EBMM really nailed the feel on it. The neck, the finish, the fretwork, the heel joint… they just crushed it on every aspect on that bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed. I need to do an in depth video on that bass!

[@wren23_bass-synths]

Still my favorite Pbass is my Tony Franklin fretless. Variety of tones for days. One of the best fretless basses I have. Excellent quality build. The only drawback is it didn't have a high mass bridge. I replaced the bridge with a Badass II. Makes a world of difference.

[@nickhall1115]

DOPE! I was hoping you’d do a video like this for the P basses.. and I didn’t even have to ask!

[@LowEndLobster]

Great minds ;)

[@jhonybotacio]

That Cutlass sounds amazing! Greetings from Panama!

[@internnutt]

Love the Pro II! I'm a bit biased as it's my #1 bass at home and on stage, but the weight, balance and overall feel makes it the most comfortable bass I've ever played. That having been said, I did swap the original pups for EMG GZRs, just because I wanted a slightly more aggressive sound. Great demos!

[@jasonjump6019]

I liked the Cutlass but the American Professional II sounds really good in a band setting, is a lot easier to find, and it's priced right.

[@jasonhendon4109]

Great comparison video dude. I personally liked all of them. Lobster, the great gas inducer, strikes again. 😁

[@hajimemo]

I really enjoy your videos. I was impressed by G&L L100's punchy sound for its price. And I like your DIY because of its special tonal characteristics. Finally, I am EHB1505MS user. (Modified with Nordstrand 3-Band preamp)

[@joshualagrone6972]

Mannnnnnnnn, talk about great timing! I’m dying to buy a p-bass for an upcoming gig but I can’t decide which one is best. Started to get slightly anxious and then I saw you posted! I legit breathed a sigh of relief, kicked back on the couch, and hit play. You’re the hero we need but not the one we deserve!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Joshua! Hope the video helped you decide :)

[@joshualagrone6972]

@@LowEndLobster it did! I think I always knew it, in the end lol. Your video confirmed it for me though. G&L all day! 🤘🙏

[@paultraynorbsc627]

@@joshualagrone6972 excellent choice

[@jiminyfingers9973]

Another great, and informative video. These types of shootout videos are my favorite. The P bass (or any single pickup bass) has never been desirable to me at all ever, but I have such respect for it's place in music and decided just recently that I wanted one in my recording arsenal so this came at a great time. The Pro-II was the only one that presented a clear, full range sound to me so I have to give it to that one as it was my only criteria not being a fan of the basses in general. The price is making me rethink getting one though. Perhaps I'll see what FGN has to offer? They seem to impress me. Thanks again.

[@rickrolli7091]

Hey Lobster. Carrot here. Grooving out to this review while I'm at lunch. Thanks for the funky music. Yeah. I would agree with you on the Cutlass. I like how the tone doesn't upset the volume too much. It's a big draw back to most P basses.

[@DangableQ]

I really like the mid presence of the G&L and the MIM. My fav has to be the MM Cutlass because of the growl. So glad I picked up a MM Caprice on clearance a couple of years ago!

[@vennroc6845]

Great video sir Lobster, I liked the MusicMan but the Fender Pro 2 and the GnL were a close second. And I must admit that I’m a Fender fan!

[@neillajkiewicz3767]

Great comparison video, thanks Lobster! While they all sounded great, I agree with you- the Cutlass had the best tone to my ears. Also, the MIM p-bass sounds pretty dang good (especially for the price you paid, used). PS I love the way your DIY P-bass looks with the gold anodized pickguard and the white Dimarzios.

[@DarrenSaw]

Very nice selection there, not easy to pick a winner.

[@jkarwa234]

Loved the Cutlass.

[@jfsivjfsiv6915]

The beef on that cheap G&L is something to behold!

[@tracychappell2029]

Listened again tonight. My favorite is the Cutlass. The MIM Fender P Bass sounds great, very nice.

[@jaycthomas101]

For the first time in my life I prefer the sound of the least expensive instrument in a comparison. Great job- super fun vid to watch.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this

[@andrewlookenbill3249]

I liked the EB cutlass tone the best, next would be the G&L tribute, outstanding value! I am currently playing a US made Peavey Fury with the same dimarzio pickups you have in your project Bass. Love shootouts, because I never heard the v-mod pickups played before. You should do a p-bass pickup shootout with same bass but different pickups to see what sounds better. Sometimes changing pickups is cheaper then buying a high end bass. As always thanks Lobster for the outstanding content!

[@lockedowng]

They all sound great. The feel of the cutlass is what you can't see or hear in the video and what sets it apart.

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed! That one is my favorite because it feels so 'familiar' and almost worn in. It's like a warm fuzzy sweater that you've had forever.

[@josephjordan2883]

That’s how i feel about the Lākland 44-94 body shape and ergonomics, and also the EBMM BFR Bongo I had. How they feel directly impacts how much fun you’ll have playing them and often how well you play them. Great job Lobster!! Keep it up my friend!

[@_levandre_]

Back to the classics...nice..

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Your DIY P is my favorite!!! I love her so much!!!! As much as I love the cutlass, I just love your DIY the most! . But as far as tone I'd have to go with the cutlass... when I click your reverb link I just takes me to the home page not to what you are selling

[@sknuts6429]

Groovy! I’d love to see a jazz bass version

[@cliffords2315]

They are all great for different reasons, buy them all!

[@cocojazz4329]

For me , G & L , Fender AM pro , and Cutlass

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Christian!

[@christopherfidler3019]

Great video. I would like to see a Jazz bass shootout (Fender, Sire, G&L, Squier and maybe a wildcard like Sadowsky or Sandberg). I wonder which Jazz bass is the best bang for your buck and how the G&L JB holds up 😎

[@bobbybonner4162]

All sound Great

[@110380michael]

I like the DIY and the Cutless.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mike!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

They sounded a lot alike, just slight differences with the exception of your build with the DiMarzio rail pickups. That one lacked the mids and output of the other four, but still sounded good just very different from the others. Can't say I have a big preference one way or the other and if I was faced with having to choose one of these basses for a live gig I would probably just end up with the lightest one.

[@johnniedelong9322]

I always enjoy your noodle work, without question to me the MIM is tops. I myself play a 2010 model, great test drive!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Johnnie!

[@VanDam93]

All the basses sound really nice, but when you hit the first notes on the musicman cutless i instantly get the stank face:D I really enjoy your playing, explaining and overall being a humble guy:)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! So glad you liked the video. Yeah that cutlass is something special.

[@josephhorsfall1726]

I zoned out and got lost in the jam. You were ripping it pretty hard man. Awesome playing.

[@jeremygalvin110]

Thank you so much for doing this comparison Lobster. I agree, the Cutlass for the win. They sure have jumped up in price lately.

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeremy!

[@samlelowitch]

I’m think the EBMM Cutlass has a slight edge over the others. I think its pickup magnets are in a stacked humbucker configuration.

[@martinheath5947]

It would be interesting to know how much a tone capacitor value affects tone especially at "0" and if these basses come differently equipped. Would be very cheap to alter fundamental tonal characteristics of treble roll off by using a different cap value. Would love to see a video specifically on this 😊 Your DIY bass seems a bit excessive on the treble cut, could it be that 500k pots would suit the DiMarzios (twin humbuckers?) better than standard 250k Fender pots?

[@randynelson3862]

I love them all.

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

They all sound good, no favorite. I'd probably go with the least expensive. Thanks for the shootout.

[@sourdee4272]

They all sound exactly like what they are!

[@bassman1290]

Great review. But honestly, I wish you can add a FGN to this collection. I think it would be a really great option too

[@yvl3176]

cutlass definitely has an uniqueness to it even when drop in tone.... but the playing just shows... definitely enjoying playing the American fender more!!

[@totomoyap8648]

Finally the gnl LB appear on this awesome head to head comparation. I prefer the gnl p vibe the most, and the DIY P the least, drying tone.

[@bflo1000]

I also liked the DIY the least.

[@davidaubuchon7309]

Diggin the groove! Like the LB100 and the Cutlass very much. American Fenders sound good but too pricey for my wallet. Thanks for posting.

[@mikeburford3005]

Man, I just love them all! The DiMarzios sound good and I dig the white covers and tug bar. My favorite? Probably one of the Fenders. I have Fender P MIM and G&L Tribute LB100; both sound great...Fender has more tone character, G&L is louder. I love them both.

[@jeffevangelho9909]

Thanks for that video! Those all sounded really nice, I love the neck on that G % L, and the Pro 2 was super nice. But the tone on that Music Man, though...

[@jeffevangelho9909]

Oops G & L!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeff! Glad you liked it. Yeah that Cutlass is something special for sure

[@passenger1jaro]

Lobsterman, that fingerstyle bass line tho, kudos! I prefered the american P, but I might be biased because of the color combo that is just my dream😀

[@pwokaren]

Music Man Cutlass 🥇 had the best tone for me. I’m sure it’s the best “P” Bass tone on the market. I’m surprised how good the G&L LB100 sounded though. If that was their Indonesian version the American made one must be scary. G&L for second place 🥈 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@randynelson3862]

The G&L was phenomenal for the price.

[@thebassbuilder]

Sweet video

[@MountCyanide]

Am I mentally unwell that this is my favorite youTube channel?

[@LowEndLobster]

[@ricardobass4831]

sick bass.

[@nunofernandes4501]

The Music Man Cutlass is spectacular!

[@kevmac1230]

Crazy good demo.I like the G&L and Cutlass the best.Oddly enough I find the expensive Fender least desirable.

[@jasondorsey7110]

I would have expected the roasted maple to impart some snap into the sound of the diy bass, but it was actually pretty mellow, I can see how some people wouldn't like it but to me it had it's own character

[@trevaudio]

The Am Pro II clearly stands out across the tone range, especially with the tone rolled off, still retains its clarity

[@platinumpengwinmusic5564]

And it's a Fender, C neck, so it's probably incredibly smooth and easy to play.

[@davidleamy7564]

The American P sounded the most classic with the modded one right behind it. The Cutlass sounds awesome though, almost a little cleaner and growlier at the same time.

[@1thess523]

Have you ever checked out one of those Stellar Tone tone pot's, it's like a preamp with a few different preset tones in it.

[@quincyberman5629]

Hands down Cutlass. It has such a fat sleazy sexy sound. Reminded of The Blues Ally in Georgetown where I saw Buddy Rich play.

[@Spritsailor]

The American P did it for me. It has the lows and the mids that cut through.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Russell!

[@Metalbass10000]

One of my favorite basses I've owned was my 83 American Fender P Bass (not the 83 Fullerton model). Through my Ampeg SVT 4 Pro amp into two Sonic cabs (they're in Wisconsin), one sealed 4 X 10" Celestion with a piezo horn, one ported 1 X 18" ElectroVoice, sounded incredible. Nobody believed that was all I was running nor that it was stock. Always received complements on the sound, whether Blues, Jazz, Rock, Funk, or numerous subgenres of Metal. I learned without a compressor, just my right hand, and having those dynamics at my, well, at my fingertips, ugh, did make a difference.

[@Spritsailor]

@@Metalbass10000 I run my P bass through an Ampeg amp, too.

[@egroegmcdonald9870]

To my ear the G&L and the Fender Pro II had the deepest and most bottom. The Cutlass was overall most articulate. Neither of the MIM (2013 or DIY) were really lacking. Just, not quite. Easily fixed with amping and EQ. I would have liked to see a Fender Nate Mendal P in the mix. I guess what it would all boil down to is, in the hand feel and the subtle feeling of what a given piece of music calls for. Heck I have 5 different P's & PJ's and which is best can vary from one day to the next. Because I can!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks George :)

[@monkymonk6]

Overall the G&L seems to be the best value, but that Cutlass, wow. Nice.

[@bigbass421]

Wow, I was pretty surprised at just how close these all were..the DIY had the lowest output, but a nice tone. MIM, nice and punchy! The American, was really excellent. The Cutlass was a bit less bright, but nice. All of them are perfectly gig-able instruments. All that said, I left my personal favorite for last. The G&L Tribute..and that surprised me. I own a lefty L-2000 Tribute, ash body, maple neck with rosewood board, and it's a great bass. A very well done comparison video.

[@Basslightning666]

Great review 🦞 Lobster!! I will always vote USA Fender P Bass, but all of the Basses in this line up were cool... Also, USA Earnie Ball and Fender will always gain in value, where import knock offs will not... Depends on your end game I suppose, all of these basses will get the job done....

[@AroneusShaul]

Curious to hear how one of the several lakland skyline p-basses would compare.

[@BYLRPhil]

From that Ernie Ball with the bigger pole pieces, do you have any experience/thoughts on the Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders?

[@connoisseurscorner7536]

The Music Man really stands out, great sound. However I was also very impressed by the G&L, great p bass for a fair price.

[@jonsidell3338]

Cool vid! The American Pro ii with the tone at 50% made your eyebrow furrow smooth out the most. Could be the best, or the others could be forcing the funk face?

[@brianmcdermott6361]

I have that exact same G&l with a Billy Sheehan Relentless Pickup and it’s amazing. My favorite bass by far I will never let go of it! Feels very comfortable and a tone monster! The original pickup was great but I like the ramp option from the relentless as well as the tone. Pbass on steroids 👍🏻 The American Pro II would be my second choice from this video. Please review the American made G&l P bass, thanks!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Brian! Your mod sounds like it would be killer :)

[@klaymeister]

The DIY tone control is really cool. You can get down into sub low territory

[@toddbrittain1060]

Big P bass lover here. First time seeing this video and that Cutlass sounds best by a significant margin IMHO. Real vintage P bass character, just like a maple-board '70's P even though it has a rosewood board . Shame EBMM ceased production. Nice job Lobster

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! It really is a shame. I just put new strings on the Cutlass the other day. That bass just sounds so good

[@scotkaeff7456]

AmProII by a pretty wide margin for me. I have an AmProI and it's one of my main basses, but recently got an AmProII and I like the mods they've made to the pickups. Both are stellar instruments, though.

[@andriimotsyk3018]

G&L sounds so firm and precise, but that fing hum. Love G&Ls overall very much.

[@chriswenkle2635]

Great video Lobster. I'm with you on this - the Cutlass wins. Considering that in any live mix, the tonal differences would most likely not be noticed - the Cutlass has the best ergonomics IMO and gets the push. Plus it just sounds even up and down the board as you played. That being said, all of those basses would work well in a live mix. My preference for the Cutlass still remains however. Cheers!

[@thebassbuilder]

Your next mod video needs to be p basses or at least different p pickups. This way you can test large pole pickups that are made for those wanting the cutlass tone and other types like active and other brands. For me I love the Cutlass tone as well but for over all in terms of price and tone your 2013 sounded like the best one of the bunch.

[@philmatthews5569]

Very good tone comparison. The Cutlass is so sweet! The Pro-ii is a close second with a bit more modern sound. How much of the Cutlass tone is the pickup? It is full sounding right across the spectrum, and in slap doesn’t get too bright. I now know the tone I want from my own P! Thanks Lobster 🦞 🙂

[@mikeburford3005]

Lobster, is the neck feel on the Cutlass similar to the old Stingray necks (not the new Stingrays that have been out for the last three or four years)?

[@rayhewitt6875]

The Cutlass all day!!! I couldn’t find a Cutlass to buy…it’s next to impossible. Lol I just bought a Caprice and it’s a pretty killer bass!! Winner Winner chicken dinner. LOL Thanks again for a incredible video:)

[@bobbydiaz7205]

Cutlas i like the most. sweet tone and punchy