Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico: Review & Guide

by Alex Braham 52 views

Hey there, bass players! Are you looking for that classic P-bass tone without breaking the bank? Then you've probably stumbled upon the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico. This bass aims to capture the spirit of the original 1950s Precision Bass, offering a vintage vibe and sound at a more accessible price point. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into what makes this bass tick, exploring its features, playability, sound, and overall value. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your bass journey, this guide will help you decide if the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico is the right instrument for you.

Overview of the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico

The Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico is a tribute to the iconic P-bass that shaped popular music. This bass is designed to replicate the look, feel, and sound of the original 1950s models. Fender's Classic Series is known for providing vintage-inspired instruments with modern reliability. This particular model features an alder body, a maple neck with a vintage "C" shape, a single split-coil pickup, and vintage-style hardware. Crafted in Fender's Ensenada, Mexico factory, this bass offers an affordable way to experience the classic P-bass tone. Let's break down the specifics of each of these components to understand how they contribute to the overall playing experience. The alder body is known for its balanced tonal characteristics, providing a solid foundation for the bass's sound. The maple neck offers a bright and articulate response, while the vintage "C" shape provides a comfortable and familiar feel. The split-coil pickup is the heart of the P-bass sound, delivering a thick, punchy tone that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles. Finally, the vintage-style hardware adds to the overall aesthetic and contributes to the bass's classic vibe.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico. Here's a breakdown of its key features and specifications:

  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Maple, Vintage "C" Shape
  • Fingerboard: Maple, 7.25" Radius
  • Frets: 20, Vintage-Style
  • Pickup: Original Split Single-Coil Precision Bass
  • Controls: Volume, Tone
  • Bridge: Vintage-Style with Four Saddles
  • Tuners: Vintage-Style
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Finish: Gloss Polyester
  • Scale Length: 34" (864 mm)
  • Nut Width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)

These specifications are crucial in understanding the overall character of the bass. The alder body contributes to a balanced tone, while the maple neck and fingerboard add brightness and clarity. The vintage "C" shape neck profile is designed to replicate the feel of the original 1950s P-basses, offering a comfortable and familiar playing experience. The 7.25" fingerboard radius is another vintage-inspired feature that contributes to the bass's classic feel. The vintage-style frets are smaller than modern frets, which some players may find more comfortable. The original split single-coil pickup is the heart of the P-bass sound, delivering a thick, punchy tone that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles. The simple volume and tone controls allow you to dial in your desired sound quickly and easily. The vintage-style bridge and tuners add to the overall aesthetic and contribute to the bass's classic vibe. The gloss polyester finish provides a durable and attractive finish. The 34" scale length is the standard for bass guitars, providing a comfortable playing experience for most players. Finally, the 1.75" nut width is slightly wider than some modern basses, which some players may find more comfortable for fingerstyle playing.

Playability and Comfort

When it comes to playability, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico aims to provide a comfortable and familiar experience. The vintage "C" shaped neck fills the hand nicely, making it easy to play for extended periods. The 7.25" fingerboard radius is a vintage-inspired feature that some players may find more comfortable than modern, flatter radii. The vintage-style frets are smaller than modern frets, which can make bending notes a bit more challenging, but some players prefer the feel of vintage frets. The overall weight of the bass is moderate, making it comfortable to play both sitting and standing. However, it's important to note that individual preferences vary, and some players may find the vintage "C" shape neck or the 7.25" fingerboard radius less comfortable than modern alternatives. The action of the bass (the height of the strings above the frets) is typically set up at the factory to be relatively high, which some players may find makes the bass harder to play. However, the action can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The intonation of the bass (the accuracy of the notes as you move up the neck) is generally good, but it's always a good idea to have a professional setup performed to ensure optimal playability. Overall, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico offers a comfortable and familiar playing experience for most players, but it's important to consider your individual preferences when evaluating its playability.

Sound Quality and Tone

The Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico truly shines in its sound quality and tone. The split-coil pickup delivers that iconic P-bass thump and growl that has defined countless recordings. The alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the maple neck adds a touch of brightness and articulation. The overall sound of the bass is warm, punchy, and full, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're playing rock, blues, funk, or country, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico can deliver the goods. The tone control allows you to shape the sound to your liking, from a deep, mellow thump to a bright, aggressive growl. The pickup responds well to different playing techniques, allowing you to create a wide range of tonal variations. Fingerstyle playing produces a warm, rounded tone, while playing with a pick produces a more aggressive and articulate sound. The bass also responds well to different amplification settings, allowing you to further shape the sound to your liking. Overall, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico offers a versatile and inspiring sound that's sure to please any P-bass enthusiast. The clarity and definition of the notes are excellent, even in the lower registers. The sustain of the notes is also very good, allowing you to create long, sustained bass lines. The dynamic range of the bass is impressive, allowing you to play both softly and loudly without losing clarity or definition. The bass also sounds great with effects pedals, allowing you to further expand your tonal palette.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico:

Pros:

  • Classic P-bass tone: Delivers that iconic thump and growl.
  • Vintage-inspired features: Replicates the look and feel of the original 1950s models.
  • Affordable price: Offers a great value for the money.
  • Good playability: Comfortable neck and familiar feel.
  • Versatile sound: Suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Cons:

  • Vintage-style frets: May not be preferred by all players.
  • 7.25" fingerboard radius: May not be as comfortable as modern, flatter radii.
  • Gloss polyester finish: Some players may prefer a different finish.
  • Made in Mexico: Some players may prefer a USA-made instrument.

It's essential to weigh these pros and cons based on your personal preferences and playing style. While the vintage-style frets and 7.25" fingerboard radius may not appeal to everyone, they are part of what gives this bass its classic vibe. The gloss polyester finish is durable and attractive, but some players may prefer a more vintage-correct nitrocellulose finish. The fact that the bass is made in Mexico may be a concern for some players, but it's important to remember that Fender's Ensenada factory produces high-quality instruments. Ultimately, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico offers a great value for the money, providing a classic P-bass tone and feel at an affordable price.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico doesn't quite meet your needs, here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass: A higher-end option with more vintage-correct features and USA-made quality.
  • Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass: A more affordable option that still captures the essence of the original 1950s P-bass.
  • Lakland Skyline Series: Offers a range of P-bass style instruments with modern features and high-quality construction.
  • G&L Tribute Series: Provides excellent value with well-built instruments that offer a unique take on the P-bass design.

Each of these alternatives offers a different set of features and benefits. The Fender American Original '50s Precision Bass is the most expensive option, but it offers the most authentic vintage experience. The Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass is the most affordable option, but it still provides a great P-bass tone and feel. The Lakland Skyline Series offers a range of P-bass style instruments with modern features and high-quality construction. The G&L Tribute Series provides excellent value with well-built instruments that offer a unique take on the P-bass design. When choosing an alternative, it's essential to consider your budget, playing style, and desired features.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico? Overall, it's a fantastic bass that offers a classic P-bass tone and feel at an affordable price. It's a great option for players who are looking for a vintage-inspired instrument without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers where it counts: in sound, playability, and value. If you're a fan of the P-bass sound and don't want to spend a fortune, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico is definitely worth checking out. It's a versatile and inspiring instrument that's sure to become a workhorse in your collection. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this bass has something to offer. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just fall in love with its classic tone and feel! Just be sure to consider its vintage-inspired features and whether they suit your individual preferences. With its affordable price and classic P-bass vibe, the Fender Precision Classic 50s Mexico is a winner in our book!