The Riskiest P Bass Ever? | UNBOXING The Fender Japan Hama Okamoto Signature Precision Bass Guitar

[@robertmock4146]

Happy for you James. Its great when you find an instrument that matches the sound in your head. Its an ahhhh moment

[@ebassguitar]

Can't agree more, Robert! Cheers!

[@andreachavez2117]

It is so pretty…but most importantly…old school sound for me…love that . Ooo, the rock pick sound too.. nice! And. Yes…the flats sound amazing. Great find.

[@ebassguitar]

Totally agree! It is really nice! :-)

[@PatNetherlander]

Thank you for sharing your quest for this bassbeauty James! Perseverance payed off! The bass faces in the end told it all. Great sound with those low tensions!

[@ebassguitar]

Spot on, Pat! It's really rewarding! I appreciate your kind words! All the best!

[@martinheath5947]

The most inspirational thing about owning several different bass guitars is the fact that they all feel individually different to play and that picking up one may lead into new territories and sonic inspiration that another may not

[@ebassguitar]

Brilliant! Great share. Can't relate more! Cheers!

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for Sharing nice craftsmanship in Japan Fenders

[@hendraafrians7452]

I bought this bass for about 1,5 years ago and I don't regret it, thank you for sharing your personal experience

[@jonsidell3338]

The ashtray cover is a lovely touch. Jam a bit of foam in there for deep thump way easier than working the foam under the strings.

[@JLeppert]

I hunted down the parts for my bass. P bass body, jazz mighty might neck, EMG Geezer Butler PUps. Perfection.

[@TheRealMarxz]

being Australian I got this in the store, read about it been a Jazz player was interested, found a shop with it in stock, tried it, bought it - for someone who said he'd never get a fender bass (been Aria, Musicman, and Rickies since the 1990's) now have three of them (Japan domestic Aerodyne Jazz, Mexican fretless Jazz and now this) this is just thunderous through my Woogie and Ampeg fridge

[@adammadtin8451]

I’m on the Gold Coast and looking for one. Which store did you find it. How does the hardware compare to the US model? The only other thing putting me off slightly is that it’s basswood

[@TheRealMarxz]

@@adammadtin8451 I got mine from Concept Music in Perth, it is (or was) an officially imported model by Fender Australia, Quality wise it's very good - better than Mexican Player series (I have a Player series fretless Jazz)

[@chrisrourkebass]

​​@@adammadtin8451I purchased my Hama in 2022 and it quickly became my main player. I'm so impressed I want to buy another one and sell my 82 AVRI. Don't stress about the basswood body, it sounds killer and is light. This thing shits all over the American fenders and is a fraction of the price. Melbourne based Aussie here.

[@GuyYo-sb3fe]

I bought a Japanese Jazz bass from Fender Fever (who are great). I own a number of Fenders and it’s the only one my experienced tech has opened the case and said “Wow” to when first seeing it. The guy sees hundreds of guitars a year and said the Japanese quality and finish is consistently superb.

[@Goodnessgraciousplea]

I am picking one of these up in July, thank you for the video looks like the perfect bass!

[@MikeGuerr]

That’s a sweet bass James! I love the tone of a P- Bass with flats but never like the feel of their necks. I’ve got a couple of Crafted In Japan Jazz basses (Geddy Lee and Aerodyne) and love the feel, particularly on the Geddy. I had been keeping my eye out for a P-Bass with a Jazz neck and after a few years saw a P- Bass Special Deluxe in Olympic White with a maple Jazz neck similar to that on my Geddy. I went and ordered it and was not disappointed. It’s a Made In Mexico bass but the quality is fantastic. After replacing the strings with RotoSound flats it has just the tone and feel that I was looking for.

[@ebassguitar]

Glad you found what you're looking for! Great share by the way! All the best!

[@JK4ManC]

Have to admit I am the opposite. I love the thick neck of a Precision. I struggle when they get too narrow. The sound is beautiful though. Not sure I would want to play anything other than a P anymore. The made in Mexico are terrific instruments these days. I have a player series in sunburst which is absolutely brilliant. Enjoy!

[@kingstumble]

I bought an original 1962 Precision Bass in the late 60s for £75 which was quite a lot of money in those days. The previous owner had removed the original finish and covered it in a hideous brown varnish and had replaced both control knobs. But it played and sounded unbelievably good. I used Nitromors to strip it back to bare wood revealing an alder body which looked fantastic against the torty pickguard I kept it for about 30 years before parting company with it. A decision which I regret almost daily!

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

How do the Rotosound Flats differ from TI or LaBella in terms of feel and tone and all. That is if you've ever played those other brands.

[@VeitLehmann]

The three are very different. I have Rotosound on my Epiphone Rumblekat. Less pronounced mids, nice thump and some nice top-end, very balanced, but should be on the stiffer side on a longscale. On a longscale, they can almost sound like rounds, but not on my shorty. Haven't played TI or LaBellas, but I plan to test them on my P-style bass (currently with D'addario Chromes). TIs should feel very light and flexible, low tension, with a springy and rather open sound, more mid-forerward. Classic LaBellas are higher tension, much stiffer and darker sounding, but very sweet and round at the same time. I found TIs more balanced from string to string in the comparisons I have seen.

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

Glad you found what you wanted. I like TI flats myself. I'm just surprised that when you said the nut was an inch and a half wide that you didn't know that wow that's Jazz neck. I scored a 73 jazz bass for 75 bucks back in 1978. One touch and I knew I was home. I went looking for a jazz neck to put on PBass. Tho I'm a large fellow and majored in double Bass in College I just don't like thick chunky electric bass necks.

[@jospomme2565]

Great bass James to get that James Jamerson sound i loved it.

[@ebassguitar]

Glad you like it! All the best!

[@reubenkinsey2947]

Wow!! What a beautiful and great sounding P BASS 👍🎸

[@ebassguitar]

Great isn’t it!

[@TheStratpicker]

According to a quick online search, Pbass nut width is around 43mm, while Jazz bass nut width is around 38mm. I own a Greco Pbass, (Greco logo plus the words ELECTRIC BASS on the headstock) made in February 1977, which has a nut width of exactly 40mm, so narrower than a standard Pbass. It's suberb, and didn't cost the earth - bought online from a German dealer who seemed to specialize in them.

[@なにわようきち]

Greco is the famous Japanese brand for beginner,but it have already ceased production.

[@TheStratpicker]

@@なにわようきち Still my main bass and no reason to change it. Great instrument

[@johnruddy6082]

Awesome James ! sounds and looks great ! you were so excited you forgot to take the plastic off the pick ups lol .

[@ebassguitar]

Haha! Glad you like it John!

[@Omarencarnacion1]

uuufff great unboxing James, that bass looks awesome!

[@ebassguitar]

Yeah it does! Love it!

[@mathieufoley2339]

damn sounds great, especially with the flats on there. Not sure if the oversaturation was on purpose but it adds some nice grit, if you were recording direct in.

[@ebassguitar]

Appreciated it very much! :-)

[@francisogo]

I have the Hama signature P-bass in Olympic white 🎉 love it!

[@ebassguitar]

I was thinking of getting one of those… to have round wound strings on!

[@VeitLehmann]

I think this is also my favorite of current stock Fender P basses! I was just looking at the current range of models available in Germany, and the closest that I could find was the MIJ Limited International Color Precision. Also pretty slim neck (1.578"/40mm), pretty much the same specs, but it has a very different, more modern vibe with its popping colors and untinted, matte neck with modern logo. I prefer the vintage vibe that your Hama Okamoto has, it's just beautiful! And I dig the quality and value of MIJ Fenders. I just wish they were made of alder and not basswood. But the sound is there, so no big issue. Great presentation by the way, just a little clipping on the recordings.

[@ebassguitar]

Interesting! What benefit would alder have over basswood?

[@VeitLehmann]

@@ebassguitar Actually not that much: it's harder and won't get dents as easily, and should have little brighter sound. I just found that there was also the Fender MiJ Tomomi Precision Bass, same specs but natural matte alder body. So not that classic in styling, but still classy imho. I think you can't go wrong with any MiJ Precision (even non-Fender), and I also prefer the narrower necks.

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I noticed the 1966 lollipop tuners too.

[@ebassguitar]

Yeah! Loving it!

[@Mego0810]

Hi James, do you mind me asking which site you bought this from, as it looks right up my street but I’m a little bit nervous buying from Japan? Any recommendation really appreciated. Xx

[@ebassguitar]

Bought it via a seller on eBay… can find out name if you’d like…

[@neilmorrow9756]

Great video James that bass looks and sounds incredible!!!

[@ebassguitar]

It is! Glad you like the bass and the video! :-)

[@neilmorrow9756]

@@ebassguitar just ordered one from Japan fingers crossed it arrives ok.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Do you find the selection of on hand instruments (in shops) better here in the UK or back home in Australia?

[@ebassguitar]

I’ve never been to Australia!

[@kristianhansen6114]

What is your signal chain? Are you using an OD? Or are you just overloading your input on your preamp or recording device? 🤔

[@ebassguitar]

Just over driving it slightly through the preamp I’ve got on my pedal board… but

[@notyouraveragebassist4822]

Does anyone know if Fender might have discontinued this bass? They've been out of stock in most Australia shops I've noticed for the past few weeks.

[@TheChrist117]

Hi. Aside from the price of the instrument, did you have to pay additional charges i.e. import taxes and if so, how much were the extra costs approximately? Thanks for the video - very enlightening.

[@ebassguitar]

Yes, I had to pay import duty which came to about £150 I think…

[@rome8180]

With that mid-2000s P bass that you ended up selling, why didn't you just switch out the neck? You can swap out the neck very easily. It's a change you can make at home with a few simple tools. And a standard Jazz Bass neck only costs a couple hundred US dollars.

[@ebassguitar]

The truth is I didn’t think to! Knowing what I know now that’s something I would have definitely done… I just didn’t know, what I didn’t I know!

[@LimamenitMatFis]

Ask for your opinion Which is the best deal, if you only can pick one, this hama p bass or jmj mustang? Thank you for your opinion Regard from indonesia 🙏

[@ebassguitar]

I’ve never played the mustang… but ultimately the mustang maybe more flexible because of the two pick ups

[@niallsbasstones9713]

Congratulations James. Very cool bass

[@ebassguitar]

Thanks man! All the best!

[@sd3falco]

So how much did it cost you? Cool vid and bass :)

[@roblumb]

Hi, I have been looking at these on eBay they are coming out at around £700 inc postage from Japan, only issue I have is that they are not listed as signature? Will they be the same guitar? Cheers Rob

[@ebassguitar]

I would email the shop in question and ask!

[@boddumblues]

P-bass and flatwounds = heaven!

[@ebassguitar]

Can't agree more, Christian! Haha!

[@joelaneve8664]

Awesome tone. Where can I get one?

[@ebassguitar]

EBay!

[@MrKrampyHands]

Ooooo man it sounds lovely the p bass is my number 2 favorite as far as sounds good my number one is a jazz bass and 3 is the stingray the 3 best bass ever made but the jazz is the undisputed King and the most emulated and Cooper Bass on earth

[@SNTOSN]

It all depends on what you're used to. I agree nut width is very important I am used to the Yamaha nut width around 41 mm (most Yamahas I had, not all). I have a 90s Squier MIJ that also has that nut width and it is my favorite current bass. I believe it is a modern P bass nut width. For me the Jazz is too narrow at 38mm and the classic precision of 43 mm too wide. I do have a Sterling Ray34 with 42,5mm or something like that and it is fine but I prefer the newer P bass that is in between jazz and classic precision basses. I also think is best to try before you buy, but a couple of instruments I bought online are perfectly fine, the Sting Ray I mentioned and a Vintage V100 guitar, but of course I am talking about affordable instruments. I like japanese made and japanese designed instruments so I would take a risk with those, no problem.

[@ebassguitar]

Great share man! Cheers!

[@arcanesanctuary]

Is your signal clipping intentionally?

[@ebassguitar]

No, it took a bit of hunting it down, but turned out to be a pick up height issue… works like a dream now

[@arcanesanctuary]

@@ebassguitarok cool thank you

[@Mat_Gomez23]

A P Bass is all you’ll ever need:)

[@adammadtin8451]

What are the strings it comes with ?

[@ebassguitar]

As per the video… round wounds, which I changed to flats…

[@adammadtin8451]

@@ebassguitar I know they are rounds but was wondering if they are fender 45s out of the factory

[@ebassguitar]

They felt like a medium guage to me…

[@adammadtin8451]

@@ebassguitar I’ve ordered one. Arriving in September.

[@prismatic1239]

About 2 minutes in I said to myself “sounds like he wants a P Bass with a Jazz neck” lol!!

[@TheDownbeatruler]

I'm a beginner but I do have five or six basses. I can't tell you what I like I guess I'm not good enough to really feel the differences between the basses.

[@ebassguitar]

There a lot of factor to consider when it comes to that. One important thing is the type of wood for the body, neck, and fingerboard. The choice of wood affects the overall tone, sustain, and resonance of the instrument. I hope this helps! :-)

[@andytaylor6781]

Sick puppy I love ❤️ it

[@MrJoeAkuma]

You could've bought a Nate Mendel precision which is a P bass with a Jazz nech, seymour duncan quarter pounders and a hi-mass bridge.

[@ebassguitar]

It doesn’t have the nut width I’m looking for sadly!

[@MatiasPintos]

Beautiful instrument

[@ebassguitar]

It is! :-)

[@BobBlackBass]

Weight?

[@redcomn]

The only other bass that felt this good on my hand were the old pj aerodyne from 2005.

[@BobBlackBass]

How does this bass compare with an American p bass

[@colinbaxter3317]

Wow, real old school tone. Hey James, what plectrum were you using?

[@ebassguitar]

.96mm pink dunlop, I think :-)

[@TheStratpicker]

Greco being the Japan brand that Fender eventually bought out, of course.

[@willistaylor4077]

Very Nice. ❤🎸🎸

[@ebassguitar]

Cheers!

[@Stuart5evo]

You never mentioned lollipop tuners when you opened it!

[@ebassguitar]

Yep! Missed that one :-)

[@martinheath5947]

The Japanese know what's what and know what they're doing when it comes to copying (but improving) Perfect result 👌

[@ebassguitar]

Spot on! Cheers!

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Killer Bass!

[@ebassguitar]

Thanks man!

[@precbass]

Like the lollipop tuners.Unusual on a P.

[@samlelowitch]

I like the lollipop tuners!

[@ebassguitar]

Love it too! :-)

[@bobt5778]

Oddly enough the new Squier Sonic Precision has a 1.5" nut and costs only $219.00 USD. And yes I know it will not sound like a 62.😉

[@ebassguitar]

Wow - I bet they’re good and great value for money

[@eprohoda]

Hi,superb puload,:))

[@hobbayne]

Lollipop tuners?

[@ebassguitar]

Indeed!

[@mathieufoley2339]

my favorite!

[@miguel4cuerdas]

Saturaba un cachito. Lindo PBass

[@Rocco-nt8gt]

Glad you found your sweetheart, friend... 🐻🥁

[@ebassguitar]

Me too!!

[@robeggers5560]

LaBella Gold flats will make it

[@ebassguitar]

Nice! Appreciated it very much!

[@7171jay]

Cool bass but it sounds like needs a setup... lots of fret buzz.

[@godsinbox]

does the carpet match the curtains? CHECK THIS OUT!

[@stuartmoore6310]

Or you could put a j-neck on a p-body?

[@ebassguitar]

I didn’t think of that!

[@ragsna1630]

Pbass always gets a like. #pbasslife

[@kevinturvey8213]

you should have just made yourself a "partscaster" - p body with j neck...

[@ebassguitar]

I might do that next time!

[@743lplkp]

Anyhony Newley if its dirty and imoral call quilp.

[@Aethertigris]

He should have sold you the bass if he didn't need it for a year...

[@jbooks888]

Flat wound strings on a bass is abomination.

[@DanielMaccready]

Thats all that existed until the 70s. Flatwounds are the true sound of bass.

[@jbooks888]

@@DanielMaccready In 1962 the first round wound string was introduced for the bass guitar.

[@DanielMaccready]

That may be true, but no one used them until the early 70s @@jbooks888