51 P Bass Copies?

[GeoKinetic]

I've always loved 51 P basses, especially in butterscotch, so I was wondering what (hopefully not crazy expensive) copies exist. The Japanese reissue would be the best, but is incredibly difficult to find, I've never seen one on sale, which only gets twice as hard in Australia. These are the ones I've found so far:

- Harley Benton PB-50 (would maybe refinish it)
- Squier Classic Vibe 50s P (not in butterscotch anymore though )
- Schecter Model T series
- Fender Japan Reissue
- Lakland Skyline 44-51M

Post any others below (especially in butterscotch... did I mention that already? ), or your opinions on any of the listed ones. Thanks!

Sorry if there have been other similar threads, haven't been able to find any

 

[FunkHead]

Nash

 

[kodiakblair]

@GeoKinetic

Bought my Harley Benton PB-50 a few year back and still play it every day. In that time I've heard from plenty of folks thinking of buying one. Of those that did buy very few mod further than the headstock shape. Extremely good bass.

I did want a Squier afterwards but that was just for the "tonewood" qualities of Pine

 

[Jefenator]

I tried a MIJ and didn't care for it. There was a certain "beefiness" that was lacking throughout, except for the body finish which was ridiculously thick IMHO.
I would look to a modern builder who really "gets" what these basses are all about, or maybe try a build myself with an Allparts neck & body.

 

[ExaltBass]

This was inspired by those classic 50s Butterscotch P-Basses. Body is a (very) custom build. It all started with a maple neck

 

[Yahboy]

Suggest go with nice QC and nice solo sound Squier CV50p. The neck is slimmer than Fender Roadworn p's neck, comfort in hand.

I sold mine yesterday, the reason is simple,after few months I play with it, I still prefer split coil pbass get mix better than it.

 

[GretschWretch]

Given the degree of Fenderphilia on this forum, I would not be at all surprised if someone has 51 P bass copies.

 

[fourteenstrings]

The late 60s Telecaster basses (with the SCPB pickup) were essentially reissues of the '51. I had one of those and an MIJ reissue. Loved 'em both. They felt slightly different in terms of how they played but both had "the sound". Wish I had them BOTH back. :-(

I play this one now, a reworked CS.

 

[GretschWretch]

The late 60s Telecaster basses (with the SCPB pickup) were essentially reissues of the '51. I had one of those and an MIJ reissue. Loved 'em both. They felt slightly different in terms of how they played but both had "the sound". Wish I had them BOTH back. :-(

I play this one now, a reworked CS.

View attachment 2746319

How appropriate is your avatar; bass probably weighs as much as a tank.

 

[Lowendtech]

CS Dusty Hill (gold top Ltd)
Sorry, but it's stupid expensive. But I love it anyway.

 

[Ghastly]

I want one too. I see the CIJ model all the time on ebay.

 

[twinjet]

I've always loved 51 P basses, especially in butterscotch, so I was wondering what (hopefully not crazy expensive) copies exist. The Japanese reissue would be the best, but is incredibly difficult to find, I've never seen one on sale, which only gets twice as hard in Australia. These are the ones I've found so far:

- Harley Benton PB-50 (would maybe refinish it)
- Squier Classic Vibe 50s P (not in butterscotch anymore though )
- Schecter Model T series
- Fender Japan Reissue
- Lakland Skyline 44-51M

Post any others below (especially in butterscotch... did I mention that already? ), or your opinions on any of the listed ones. Thanks!

Sorry if there have been other similar threads, haven't been able to find any

I think @2saddleslab makes them. I can't remember if he takes orders or just photographs the ones he makes (they're gorgeous).

 

[twinjet]

View attachment 2745889 View attachment 2745890
This was inspired by those classic 50s Butterscotch P-Basses. Body is a (very) custom build. It all started with a maple neck

poopie, that's a beautiful bass. What sort of pickups?

 

[2saddleslab]

I think @2saddleslab makes them. I can't remember if he takes orders or just photographs the ones he makes (they're gorgeous).

Thanks for the kind words. I've built a couple custom slabs that have found prominence in the rotation. Customized a few others. I don't see any new ones in the near future, although watching all the projects @Dark Horse is working on makes it difficult not to think up some interesting ideas.

 

[ExaltBass]

poopie, that's a beautiful bass. What sort of pickups?

Thanks! Nordstrand BigRig with a Sadowsky 3 knob preamp. Awesome sounding combo!

 

[johnpaulbass]

Reviving the thread since I've finally pulled the trigger on it and waiting my bass to arrive



Here are the options I was checking back then and hopefully I can help someone out with them. The builders are in EU mainly since I live in Europe. Also, the prices may vary from cheap to mid to high price range:

Veranda-Guitars - Veranda Guitars

https://loiclepapesteelguitars.com/?lang=en

https://jamestrussart.com/

https://www.relicartguitares.fr/

Vintage bass and guitars specialist - Classic & Cool Guitars

Peterbuilt Bass in Netherlands

MODEL BACH BPB-60

https://es.woodstock-guitars.com/?lang=en

https://www.chitarrebarbanera.it/chitarre-e-bassi/precision-shotgun-bass/

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2016/12/05/bass-of-the-week-scopel-p-board-bass/

https://restauracja-gitar.pl/buzz-guitars/

https://www.facebook.com/jonnyfongscustomshop/?ref=page_internal

https://matb21.wixsite.com/relicageguitars/contact

https://www.facebook.com/retrovibebass/

https://www.tribeguitars.store/shob-signature-active

http://www.finlandiainstruments.fi/tele-basso.shtml

http://www.stevie-g-guitars.fr/BIENVENUE.html

... and so on..

At the end I choose this bass, Alnus. It's made by a guy named Luca in Roma Italy and he does (at least in my opinion) a fantastic work. Also the reviews are great, check his Reverb.

https://reverb.com/shop/luca-1

And here's my bass, it should arrive on thursday

 

[johnpaulbass]

Here she is !

Alnus bass (From Rome, Italy)

 

[Texaspandj]

Nice!
I Like It.
Review?

 

[johnpaulbass]

Nice!
I Like It.
Review?

soon

So far she has the true vintage vibe I was looking for

 

[2saddleslab]

soon

So far she has the true vintage vibe I was looking for

Yes, we'll need a full report.