VINTAGE vs. MODERN P-Bass: 1966 vs. 2015 Precision Bass Comparison

In this video, I compare a modern 2015 Precision Bass with a 1966 P Bass. I talk about the value of vintage instruments and what makes a bass special for the musician.
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[@xRyuzakii]

hey, Philip. I just wanted to let you know you've become one of my favorite bassists on this platform... I've been playing bass for over 12 years by now, and I've watched thousands and thousands of videos, know pretty much every other bassist content creator around and whatnot, but there's something really warm about you and your channel. about the way you talk about the instrument. about the feel. the art. I really like what you're doing with these kind of videos, sharing your experience, thoughts and input towards the bass community coming from a humble, zero bs dude like you. sorry if this sounds too cheesy but I felt to say it out. keep doing what you love, hugs!

[@judih.8754]

Yes I agree about the warmth Philip exudes when talking about his Bass and the music he makes with it.

[@BenStolz]

Yeah man, a genuine warm vibe for sure. Thank you for being cheesy and saying so 👏

[@philipconradmusic]

I’m sorry it took so long to respond to this, but this comment means so much to me. Thank you for the kind words and for watching. Glad to have you here!

[@toddbrittain1060]

Philip, you're a good man sticking with that '66 Precision. I love the stories associated with older basses too.

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

The main problem is music got louder in the 1970s and 1980s and they are too quiet. Even my squier reproduction from the 2020s cant get very loud. But they are a joy to play and sound great.

[@conorlarkin1111]

They both sound great! I totally agree about the neck comfort being vital. You can always change the pickups or strings, but if it doesn’t feel like home while you’re playing it then it’ll always be a compromise.

[@L8X]

Hi, in the early 1970's I owned a 1966 Precision. It had a such great neck that it almost "played by itself". I could let the fingers just gently slide over the very low positioned strings. The neck and frets were so well adjusted that there were no conflicting rattled sounds from other frets, despite being set so low over the fretboard. I heard then, that until 1966 all the necks and frets were individually inspected and manually adjusted before leaving the factory. I own some newer Fender basses, but no one is so easy playable as the 1966 Precision I once owned. I am still regretting that I sold it in mid 1970's when I needed money. And the sound, yes, when played hard it was making barking, almost farting grungy sound. Just a one model and year of its kind...

[@kenmathews4522]

In the late 80's I had a brand new credit card with a $10,000.00 limit. A friend had a few fenders. A 74 p, a 70-something T-bass and some others. I went to Chuck Levin's store and tried everything from Alembics to Zons. I bought the 74 P-bass. It had a Bartolini pu and 18v Furman preamp for $400. Loved it so much. Then someone stole my speaker cabinet and I had a big gig coming up. So I went back to my friend and traded it back for an SVT 8x10 cab. A week later I asked if he would sell me the p back. He said yes, for $1200.00! I still play it everyday. Worth every cent! I unfortunately wore out the 8×10.

[@jamesmarkham7489]

The vintage bubble popped for me when i starting trying older basses. I played a 70's era jazz that was great but the action was a mile high. I played an early 80's p that had an uncomfortable neck and a wonky tone. I picked up a squier bronco modded the electronics polished the frets and rolled the board. I liked it so i went out and found a 60's mustang. And i have to say the bronco's tone and neck to me are far better overall. Vintage has a vibe for sure but i agree when you say that people need to beware of lemons.

[@BadAssWartHog-A10]

Love Philips reviews, opinions, and analysis. The dude is real. Much respect!

[@johndennison2769]

I'd love to hear more about your basses and how you acquired them. Very interesting!

[@tedbrookins]

There’s something poetic and just right about a good P bass. That bass is YOURS, and it knows it! I can see by your expressions while playing it and handling it, that you know it knows that you’re it’s dad. May you continue to play that fine, fine instrument for a good long time. Looks great, sounds great, and it’s gotta feel great too! Old bro did you a solid! Thanks for the inspiring video!

[@teacher-sean]

I can understand that worn-in feel and how it adds to the comfort and inspiration of playing. I don't have anything even close to the value of an old P bass, but I bought a Squier Mustang bass that has gotten tons and tons of play since 2013, but still treated moderately nice. There's a smoothness to that neck that I don't get from any of my other basses. This wood has stories and I imagine I can feel that history in my hands when I play. Maybe there's some magic that the wood soaks up or something. I feel like it makes me play better. That's worth it to me. Anyway, I like the videos I've been seeing from you lately. You are able to deeply articulate a lot of things that a lot of other people kind of gloss over lightly. Great vibe and chill conversational tone. I'll follow.

[@RossCampoli]

Had a chance to play a ‘60s P-bass for a few minutes once. Can’t remember the exact year. Good god it was wonderful. The neck felt like a different level than anything I’ve played before or since

[@j_drichmond]

As you mentioned lemons, I was indulging in some warm bread with lemon curd-lemon is so very wonderful.

[@richardgudino7630]

Yup, it's all about the neck. A big shoutout to my own recent discovery, the Aerodyne Precision. It has a modern C shape, satin finished neck AND 12” radius fingerboard. LOVE it!

[@williammyers9209]

said it before, will say it again - love your content! Keep it up :)

[@kevincothron5089]

Nice instruments. Both sound great. P bass is a classic. Hard to beat and a recording engineer knows what to do with them in a mix.

[@TheRuss1013]

Rhett Shull sent me to your channel., your doing a good job keep up the good work.

[@arthurperez4884]

The sound comparison has everything to do with the pickup differences and not much else. But the feel comparison was very well expressed here, it felt like I could feel what you mean. Great video, thanks!

[@ajdoesbass]

The 66 sounds like old rounds to me, but before you said so, I thought the 2015 had flats. What a cool comparison! A little wear on the neck is always preferred for me

[@fredgonzalez6619]

Thanks for this great vid dude!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you for watching Fred!

[@fishbert17]

I am sure they are both great instruments with subtly different properties. but there’s something very cool about having such an old bass because it has lived a life. I have a few different guitars and whilst they all essentially do the same job, different ones inspire me in different ways on different days

[@noelcameron7856]

Your '66 has that classic dry hollow-woody sound, with quicker decay and less sustain to the newer modern P's. It's softer in some respects, but at the same time more expansive too...just more subtle, exibiting these added plush nuances in tone that are only found in truly aged great vintage P basses of the pre-cbs era.

[@totomoyap8648]

Totally agree!

[@YTPartyTonight]

The sale of Fender to CBS was completed in January of '65. Generally '65 Fenders with an L-serial number are considered to be or as good as pre-CBS.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@nathanminert3119]

Awesome video.

[@Abulls33]

Great video Phil! I do have a question, How long after you started playing the bass, did it take before you felt comfortable playing with a band?

[@Cliffswanson]

That '66 P bass certainly landed in a great new home with good hands. Your admiration and connection to it are obvious in this video. There is so much hype over "vintage" instruments these days...all part of a nostalgia craze among people of my demographic (I'm 72). I think it poisons aspiring younger musicians, some of whom will get out of the basements and garages and be the great players of the future. Good on you, Philip, for making the point that art is created by people using tools and not the tools all by themselves. Both the '66 and the '015 bass sounded musical to my ears in your hands.

[@1mespud]

As for the 1966 P bass, the long neck tuning keys and the strap button behind the headstock makes it definitely vintage.

[@samlelowitch]

I think your observations are on-point. Both basses sound and play great. I have a 2009 Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass with the double-J pickup in the bridge position, which is all-active electronics. It’s a real delight to play. I say to other bassists-find a bass that you personally bond with, whether that’s a Squier, an MIM, MIA, MIJ, whatever.

[@Matt-1d]

I really appreciate your focus on the feel of the instruments. Thanks for another great video.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you!

[@rusticron3426]

Good stuff. Keep it up 🤟

[@timothyconner4202]

Great video! You're kind of like the Mr. Rogers of the bass world with your laid back delivery.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks Timothy! 😂 Glad to have you here!

[@marihinoBass]

Nice video, I haven't checked more of your channel just yet (will do in a minute), but I do enjoy the laid back, calm conversational vibe. Visuals are great too. Tired of the flashy, shouty, click-baity fluff.

[@phunkybasstard]

Hey! Good comparisons on the two! However, please consider other variables for a finer, fairer and accurate tests such as: 1) Set up specs like string height, which make differences in tone 2) String thru or top load. Make a choice. They sound different due to differing string tensions 3) Pickup Heights 4) String radius 5) Neck Relief (makes a whole difference) Cheers!

[@debnlinda]

I'm ready to watch your video on it now.

[@mattt180]

​@@debnlinda Not necessary imo since there's too many variables to keep track of. Each individual instrument is unique. A video like this shows a sound the instrument is capable of to help inform. When it comes time to make changes to your instrument or purchase a new one, you'll have to apply the impressions/knowledge you've gleaned from different sources to make a good decision. It's not as precise a science as the gear heads make it out to be. Musashi kicked some guys ass with a rowboat oar in a sword fight. His skill was the thing that made him legendary, not his sword.

[@alexl.9917]

Hey, very interesting insights and I agree to each one of them. I personally loved the 1966 warmth and sustain yet it's still so clear and present. Careful with your wish giving it to us through the camera, though, would be very tough giving it back 😂😂😂 I have a early 70ies Precision and it's absolutely great, but I think it all depends on each individual, what's the best for one player doesn't have to be the best for any other

[@jrpipik]

All that is required to make art at a high level: creativity, courage, and whatever tools you can get your hands on. Tape that to your mirror.

[@trevaudio]

Those 2015 (2012-2016…if I remember) American precisions are stunning, Custom Shop 62 pickups, string thru body or bridge, hi mass bridge, graphite rods in the neck. One of the best !

[@funketude]

To be honest, I didn’t learn a whole lot about the difference between the sound of the two basses, but I did learn a whole lot about your jean preferences.

[@philipconradmusic]

😆

[@colinfenton1581]

My P Bass is a maple neck but other than that is probably the same as your friends, bought in 2016. I love it so much and even though I'd love to do an extensive side by side comparison with a vintage precision, I'm so comfortable with mine that I can't envision how it could get better. I want to keep it my whole life and create my own stories with it. But I also fully understand why people love an old instrument with history.

[@andrejcernansky]

Nice video. I have my Fender P from 1969 and it is a great bass. Probably the best I have had in my hands. I understand completely this mojo things with old instruments ;)

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks! Glad to have you here ⚡️

[@barondavis5692]

Love that you love and respect your instrument.

[@garvinadamson4656]

Hey Phillip, I understand completely. I have newer Laklands that sound and play amazing but my 76 Precision is just so comfortable and inviting. The old pair of jeans analogy is perfect.

[@laurentquintana262]

Hi mate I have an all original 1973 precision bass. Best acquisition in my entire life. Full in love with it

[@judih.8754]

Thank you Philip. ☺

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you, Judi!

[@bobt5778]

3:25 I've said the same thing for years. I'm 63 and started playing guitar and bass around 1973. The music store racks were chock full of these back then and you had to go through them to find a good one - there were plenty of dogs. Today you get way more instrument for your money and computer machining means much better consistency. The old hardware was pretty heavy duty compared to today's, and you may not get the longevity as with this old instrument. That's a very nice story about your 66 P bass.

[@henryjirsak6844]

I especially like the bonus tip💡 Rick and Rhett also made a Video about vintage gear and what I took from it is, when all the old classic records were recorded, these instruments were mostly new!☝🏼🤠

[@dr_tomK]

I think a great idea for your songwriting series would be to write a song that captures the history of your 66 P Bass.

[@jcrgtattoo333]

I was born in ‘66, so I would guess that bass will be around 80 or more years old when you are my age.. when you said “I wish I could hand you this bass, hand it to you right through the screen..”, that was a pretty cool moment man, I hope you have that one for life.

[@stephenbeyer]

11:09 “All you need [to create art] is creativity, courage and whatever you can get your hands on.” 👆

[@riogrande163]

Man, the lacquer checking on the 1966 bass is superb.

[@MrCaiovalente786]

Hi Phillip, what rig did You use with those two basses? They both sound great, and it seems the rig “after” the bass has a lot to do with the sound. Would you tell us? Thanks and thanks for the great video!

[@user-yp6ev9oi2t]

To my ears, the '66 seems to have a richer tone but that's just my old ears. The '66 neck may feel more comfortable because it's more of a U or deep C shape which would feel more natural in my hand but I'm only listening and observing. I've played the drums professionally for more than 50years and have picked up more than a few Bass Guitars of all designs and brands but my personal bass is a Fender P Bass with the "modern" C shaped neck and it's very comfortable. This is a very honest and relatable comparison in my own experience but again, I'm only a drummer. Thanks !

[@petset77]

Nice video, thanks. I always played my '64 Dakota Red Precision with the pickup and bridge covers... always. I got it in '72 when I was in high school, from the original owner that just got back from Viet Nam. $125. It had the best neck ever. Flat and wide with a rosewood fretboard. It still has it's very worn original frets. I got a '68 Telecaster (the original Fender re-issue of the '51 Precision), and it had a thicker baseball bat feeling maple neck, so I never liked playing it much. I got a '72 later when I was playing on the road. Maple neck, but shaped more like the '64. I put a set of the covers on it. I've had quite a few other basses over the years, but the first one is the best. It's output is more deep warm mids, rather than full bottom like the '72. They're different than each other for recording, but almost play themselves on stage. Playability is paramount to me. I had a '76 Jazz and the nut is too narrow. Same with the two Ricks I had. Same with the Thunderbird. Nothing beats a good Precision neck. I liked the Ovation Magnum I had, but it was a heavy beast on stage. Someone stole that one. Anyway, tone can be shaped with EQ and effects as long as the instrument is decent. I still have a '66 Gibson EB-0 and it's all big muddy bottom because of where the big humbucker is positioned. Forget recording with it. I'd take it on the road to challenge the sound guy. I still have the '72 and EB. My son has the others. I almost always played Rotosound Swing Bass 66, 45-105. I'm playing my first gig in almost 20 years this May at a major festival. It should be fun. It would be more fun if I could get my '64 from my son, but he won't give it up. Thanks again for your video.

[@jamessouthwellOFFICIAL]

Unreal mate!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks James!

[@peterdegen1194]

Your pants comparison, is right on the dot. I also feel that second hand basses feel nicer, than new ones. But then again, I'm quiet certain that a lot of it all, is between our ears. You knów that you play an older instrument, and there for are maybe more biased. It's an interesting thing. Thanks for the great video!

[@harryhastings586]

Happy little basses the Bob Ross of bass thanks for the video made me smile

[@putawayboy]

Good job of communicating the elusive and wildly subjective experience of interacting with a musical instrument. Can't recount what you said but can readily relate to what you felt.

[@scottpickett9779]

Hey Philip I'm a guitar player learning Bass thanks for the info. I'm trying to learn the correct way but it's tougher than I thought. PS how's the pedal board you & Rhett put together working?

[@philipconradmusic]

Loving it so far! Still putting it together but the pedals are amazing. Also, if you are wanting some extra help I have a bass course available. Link in description ⚡️

[@uberbeast113]

Hi Philip. Second time tonight I've watched a vid featuring a natural wood finish on a bass - and it makes me want to sand the horrible blue sparkle off my custom Squier Jazz (the blue is on the headstock too worse luck), and remove the scratchplate (the Jaco sig bass is gorgeous). Interesting that you favour older strings. I love the bright zing of newer strings. I guess if your gig is 60's music then that softer sound is suitable. Sometimes it seems the only bassist in the 60's that kept his strings sounding new was John Entwhistle. I too wish that you could somehow teleport your 1966 Precision bass through the screen of my laptop. Though I think you'd regret it when after a while you realise I'm not going to poke it back through 😘 Nice gentle thoughtful sensible vibe I'm getting from you. I'll keep my eye out for more! Best regards, also a bass playing guy called Philip from the UK

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Glad to have you here. Greetings from a Philip in Atlanta. Cheers!

[@davehopping7212]

Having owned (and played many more) old Fenders when they were fresh from the factory, and many newer ones too, I think there's an overlooked aspect to the playability of so many of the vintage ones. They were used as work instruments in a time when playing music was a viable job for a lot more players than it is today. By and large, the newer ones are as well made as during Da Golden Age, and the ones that players make a living with will in a few decades have the same mojo as Phillip's '66 P-bass.

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I love the backward turning tuning gears that were on my now long gone 1963 P bass. I was used to them from my many Gibson basses. I still have and use a 67 EB2C. I sought out similar gears that I installed on my Bronco mod. Backward turning gears are also on my F5 mandolin. Nothing like the sound of a P bass.

[@martinheath5947]

I tried an American Standard P bass like that sunburst but in Olympic white, maple neck, tort pick guard, played it in the shop for 30 minutes and it chose me! My go to P bass with flats, does the job and all I had to do was use some fine wire wool on the neck to reduce the gloss finish.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome. Love a good p bass. Thanks for sharing!

[@little-alien]

Are the Fralin pickups overwound at all or are they just their stock winding option? Thanks heaps for making this demo!

[@philipconradmusic]

Stock ⚡️

[@jojoba619]

That ‘66 p bass sounds great.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks!

[@Spritsailor]

You can get that string sound from a set of Rotosound Jazz Flats 77 strings. After about a month they get a real pleasant tone going that can also be bright when you need it to be because they are made from Monel steel. They will last the life of the bass.

[@oldguyplaysbass6503]

Nice! I have a 2014 American Standard Precision Bass that is identical to your friends 2015. It is my #1 ... I run LaBella flat wounds on it and really dig that sound. Cheers!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@RossCampoli]

Notably Fender seems like they’re shying away from string-thru bodies on their new basses. Seems like the sustain would be helped by string-thru, but who knows

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching Ross!

[@Doodlebug1996]

I love P basses, I try other things but keep going hack to my P bass, I have been playing it so long that it just feels like home.

[@gbvoul]

perfect analogy

[@zacwatsonmusic]

Great video, and I won’t say ‘there is no difference in the sound’ because there most certainly is. Whether that sound is better, or worth the crazy price of vintage basses, is another question. I love vintage sounds but actually am a fan of modern Fenders. My 2016 American Pro is a beast, post pickup change. But as you said, all these things are just tools to make art.

[@mattster693]

i can relate to the old and new jeans comparison, i actually have an extremely old pair of levi's ive had since i was in middle school, they are the most torn jeans ive ever seen now with tears all up the legs and right above the back pockets, but I'll be damned if they aren't the most comfortable article of clothing I own now, there really isnt anything like a truly worn pair of jeans, the imitations you can buy new dont even come close

[@user-qw6wd2rb6s]

Thanks, bro

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@stephenhope7319]

My preference of strings for 76 P Bass ( US) and my 2016 P Bass ( US) and my 93 Jazz Bass ( US) and my Warwick Corvette fretless ( German made and ala Jack Bruce) are always Thomastik-Infeld flat wounds, the acoustic bass sound comes thru well. Also good to play thru period equipment, Traynor YBA-3 thru E-V 15,s and a 1972 Fender SF Super reverb. Cant beat that sound.

[@richsackett3423]

Transition-era Fenders are uniformly excellent.

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

I watched the whole video and came away with this. On the 66 P-Bass, if the original pickups were swapped out, it's just an old piece of wood, no matter who played it or how it feels. The 66 also sounded brighter than the 2015 to my ears which should be the other way around in my opinion. So for the sound and I imagine the playability of the 2015 would be the better option for me. Because that's why people chose the P-Bass over other options because of the depth of sound that it provides. Case in point, I own a Japanese Hondo 1980 P-Bass style bass that I love. It's old but not very expensive at the time of purchase. Does it sound like a P-Bass, no because of the less expensive pickups and electronics. it plays great and sounds ok but if I was to swap out the pickups and put some vintage wound Fender P-bass pickups in it, it wouldn't have that 80s Hondo sound would it?

[@Asmuk]

Thanks, Philip, for the video. My two cents - definitely the neck influences in the perception and the fell - but comparing two good instruments, it doesn't change that much the sound by itself, in a crude, "scientific" manner, wave formation, etc. However, it changes the player; so, as the player better connects with the instrument, the better the player plays, the better the instrument sounds. Since the neck is the primary connection between the instrument and the player, it has the most "perceptional" and psychological interference with the act of playing. From this point of view, your vintage P-bass has the undeniable edge of a tool played and improved by decades of music creation and the emotional connection you developed with. That said, what actually crudely interferes with sound generation are the strings and pickups. From this point of view, neither of the instruments was vintage, since you had to replace the pickups with the Fralins. The main takeaway - a vintage instrument isn't better than a new one by itself. A good vintage instrument can have the edge over a good new instrument as we can't rule the human factor. However, the distances people are going searching for vintage instruments and the amounts charged aren't justified. You were so fortunate to have the opportunity to get this wonderful 60s instrument, living in the US and being in the right place at the right time. Thousands of good musicians will never have the same privilege worldwide. But that should not be the main factor of musicality and inspiration.

[@georgecovetskie6717]

I use my old JBL Studio monitors on this computer. I can hear suttle things when listening to music on this computer. The 66 sounds much smoother and has that Real Bass tone. Maybe because its well broken in, but on the other hand, the new PBass also sounds great and very close.

[@JT96708]

In a pinch I’ve had to play guitar thorough a bass amp and bass through a guitar amp, and both sounded ok to me. So that leaves me wondering what the difference is between bass amps and guitar amps. Any thoughts?

[@TheStiefmeister7]

When playing bass through a guitar amp, If you start to hear the speaker distorting, you should back off b/c its easier to blow guitar speakers as bass speakers are usually built to handle the lower freq.'s better.

[@JT96708]

So the difference is primarily in the speakers?

[@TheStiefmeister7]

@@JT96708 kind of, Phil Mcnight did a a better job of explaining it than I can. here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faewiX1-o6qdjqM

[@davidosborn146]

Bass amps will almost always have a tweeter or horn of some kind. Guitar amps are generally speakers only.

[@stevemlejnek7073]

I have a P bass I bought impulsively, thinking I would learn to play it. Bought it in 2008, believed it to be quite new. It's been sitting unplayed. I will retire soon, and maybe then I will finally start to learn to play it. I would like to confirm its age, but I cant find a serial number on it. The plate on the back says Corona California. Any help on where to look would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@Ralferator]

Would be interesting to hear how they would sound if you would swap the pickups. Clearly more mids in that 1966 P Bass but what is the wood and what is the pickup?

[@johncox2552]

Great video!,… just a thought. Vintage instruments aren’t necessary but they can be very inspirational. New instruments aren’t necessary but can be inspirational. I know this because, I am preparing for my future by learning to use keyboards and software to create and compose music because I can feel the beginning of arthritis. It is scary but even if I have only a mouse to create with, I will create.

[@gpasc]

Magnets are the same in pickups?

[@firemarshal2629]

A P-bass is a P-bass is a P-bass. It’s the true beauty of the design. Leo really nailed it when he designed the Precision bass. Whether it cost a hundred bucks of 2 grand, if you bolt a wooden neck onto a wooden body and throw a split pickup in between the neck and the bridge, it will sound like a P-bass.

[@alexo5861]

Phil, did you get yogurt JMJ Bass back from Rhett? It was his shill of the week on Dipped in Tone, he could not be more effusive about how good that Bass is. That might be a topic to discuss, loaning out gear to friends, the expectations of time it will be on loan and condition it will be returned in, what happens if something is damaged, who do you and don’t you loan gear too?

[@mofateam1]

Nothing bad about romanticising old instruments , I do this on a daily basis with my vintage guitars (and a older fano too) Sometimes I think I play better on them - in a creative way, because they inspire me so much. But I can also have a great feeling on a new instrument when I put some work in it for good setup, better pickups... The best neck I ever touched though was not an old one but on a telecaster from the german guitar maker Jörg Zander who nowadays only builds beautiful acoustics. Incredible smoothness. Most people don´t know him and his instruments are nearly impossible to find. Thanks for your videos, you hab´ve such a good taste and I love your playing - please talk a bit about your other gear (amps, pedals). I noticed you tested the Origin Effects perdals on tour. Did you keep them ? And did you play dircectly into the stagebox or did you use a DI (and if so, which one do you recommend?)

[@philipconradmusic]

Hi there! Thanks so much. Yes, love the origin effects stuff and I’m regularly playing the super vintage atm. Thanks so much for being a part of the channel and for watching! So glad to have you here!

[@hunpisi8829]

Hi What directbox do you recommend for a P bass? Thank you

[@philipconradmusic]

I love the REDDI but it’s kinda expensive. The Radial JDI is great and much more affordable.

[@Eric1396]

Good comparison. since I can't have those instruments in my hands, I can only judge them by the sound. I prefer the sound of the 2015. Clearer mids and better articulation. While the 1966 has a lot of highs and is quite noisy

[@senhorspock]

There's a sound difference: the 66 has more bottom end... and more low mids. This might be because of two reasons: the finish is thinner than the 2015's PU... and the pickup is "weaker" than the newer one. And, by that, I mean the magnetic field has changed over time, as it was exposed to speakers magnets... and the use itlself.

[@gleventhal]

I hear less of a difference than I expected, and possibly even prefer the modern P despite being a vintage Fender fan. It has a lot of vibe for a newer bass, I've heard that Fender quality has been as good as ever since 2008, so who knows, maybe the Pre CBS basses dont have an edge tone-wise compared to modern Fenders. Old wood does have vibe though.

[@0tf850]

how about that pick up spacing between the two though?

[@Oscaraha]

When you take off the tension of the strings, they will brighten up quite a bit so the comparison isnt really fair. That being said, the old bass sounds more lively and musical in a way. Allways hard to tell if its placebo though.

[@RealerArtist]

The tuners are just way cooler on the vintage models

[@philipconradmusic]

Agreed

[@nicolaszyx3120]

Cool

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

What about a Fujigen 80s to mod 90s?

[@evzzs]

This was a great way to prove to your friend that your bass is wayy cooler than his lol

[@philipconradmusic]

Hahaha now you see my true motive 😂

[@troytroy3066]

He has a lot of videos, but I've actually never heard him play the bass. Like in a band or a song etc.🤔

[@dchauser4]

It's days like this that make me feel like a heathen. My P-Bass is an early 2000s Squier that I found at a small music store. I picked it up for under $200, replaced the bridge (Hipshot High Mass) and the pick-up (DiMarzio Relentless) and it's now my 'stays tuned a half step down' bass. Although in all honesty, I think this plays to your 'find the one that's comfortable for you.' Far too many people put emphasis on 'has to be X brand and has to be American made' or something similar, when how it feels in your hands and how you like the tone should be the driving force. Regardless, solid comparison (especially pulling the strings off of Rhett's bass) and well done.

[@judih.8754]

It seems this Squier was a good choice for you. I am thinking of putting that same pickup in my Yamaha.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks Clint! I have primarily played a squire for a year or so and really enjoyed it. No rules. Sounds like you found a great bass that works for you! ⚡️

[@dchauser4]

@@judih.8754 it's a solid back up bass (my primary is a G&L) and the Relentless absolutely booms. It's great for drop tunings.

[@dchauser4]

@@philipconradmusic At this point, the QC and general quality of the upper end Squiers is better than the MIM Fenders. My next buy is going to be a Paranormal '54 Jazz bass.

[@marcomelillo4590]

Great Amp!

[@pgpete]

I have a 2016 MIM classic 50's P-bass with nitro paint. I bought after trying every P bass in the store - this bass had so much spank compared to the others - including MIJ and MIA. The only thing I dont like about it is the wide P bass neck - I need to put a jazz bass neck on it.

[@barondavis5692]

Yup, I get that. That’s why I added a j bass. Now I have the start of a collection - ‘84 Fender p deluxe and a Marcus Miller v7 j bass. GAS is now leading me to a G&L L1000.

[@AJbassist]

have you ever played a moolon ?

[@gabrielesquaratti5709]

ARE THOSE ROUND WOUND? they sound totally like old flats

[@pabloguitar6360]

bass love

[@Itsallawesome]

the 66 has some electronics issues. this is the risk with buying an instrument that's over 55 years old.