(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

I was saving up for an American P Bass and then this came out. I've had it for two weeks. I play in a classic rock cover band and this bass works well for that. I was surprised at how well the bass was set up when I got it. The intonation, action/ string height, pickup height and relief were all set to Fender specs. The bass was even in tune, almost. The fretts are blended perfectly at the edges of the neck so there are now sharp edges from the fretts. After two weeks of playing on this bass I did adjust the relief and and action a little but not much. The finish is very nice and the quality of build is very nice as well. I've played American P Basses and I can't see a difference in the build quality.The sound of the pickup is pretty good too. I had been using Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders in my other bass and the pickup in this bass seems to sound about the same. I really can't hear much difference. Before I changed the strings that came with the bass the low end was a little boomy. I put new strings on it and after adjusting the action and relief a tad the pickup sounds just like a Quarter Pounder.I am going to buy a hard case for it because the gig bag is good but a hard case is justified for this bass. It came with an inspection and build tag on it so someone went over this bass pretty good before I got it. I took the pick guard off when I adjusted the neck relief and the solder points all seem very well done. The tuners are a little sloppy but they stay put very well. I don't see a need to change them.All in all I can't see the justification for buying an Amercian made P Bass versus this bass. I suppose resale value will be higher on an Amercian bass but I don't plan on selling this bass so it's not a concern of mine. Anyways, this is a good unique bass at a reasonable price.Also, I would like to add that zzounds was a pleasure to deal with and matched the discount that Guitar Center was willing to give me plus they didn't charge me tax. I will definately continue to do business with zzounds in the future.

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

I was looking for another P when I sumbled across an article about Fender briefly re-introducing the Antigua finish. While most people continue to remain concerned about USA vs MIM, I had already been blown away with a Roadworn series bass.Set up was stock and better than normal. Just a hair high for what I prefer on P's. I like it as low as possible while still being able to dig in without buzzing and clacking. Intonation was spot on. A quick tune and I was off.Fret finish was excellent. Crowning is even. No dead notes and not a single buzz on any of the notes. Edges are excellent. It is done so well that for the first time in a long time, I won't have to send this bass to my luthier for set up and fret levelling.The finish is absolutely flawless. I actually prefer this interpretation of Antigua versus the original. Far less yellow. It's more of a grayish green and tan.I felt 'at home' after about 15 seconds on the bass. I can't put the stupid thing down and it's not like I don't have lots of choices here at the house.Sounds EXACTLY like you expect a great Precision to sound. No rice krispies and no hum. Just the bottom end by which all other basses are measured.Overall fit and finish for Fender has gotten so good that I don't belive that anyone could pass a blindfold test. You have to move up to the Select Series or Custom Shop in order to really notice anything.Anyone whining about a lack of quality with MIM is hung up on the MIM designation on the neck. If you're looking for MIA quality and sound for nearly half the price of a USA, by all means grab one of these. Remarkable instruments and all but indistinguishable from the MIA's. Unless you are buying with sole intent of investment, why wouldn't grab two for very near the same price as a single

Musical Background:

Musical Style: