Just an update after playing 2 gigs and several rehearsal sessions, I can say that this right handed Squier P 50's Classic Vibe flipped lefty has exceeded all expectations.
Conversion to play lefty was a simple process. When flipped, the tugbar was in a fairly good location to use as a thumb-rest, but I found it awkward so I removed it. I installed my own thumb-rest which feels more comfortable. Put in Straplocks positioned for lefty play. With a strap, the bass does tend to neck-dive down to about 45 degrees. I know that's a problem for some players but it's has never been a big issue for me. My old '67 lefty P neck-dives the same way because the body is so light and I've long since gotten used to it. I can easily hold this bass in good playing position and the controls are set back far enough that they are not in my way. The body shape, control positions, and balance also work fine for me to play seated.
The build quality is excellent, the bass feels solid and sturdy and the Lake Placid Blue finish is gorgeous with the maple neck in high gloss. I may want to change the tuning gears down the road altho the ones that are on there now work OK.
The sound? Well I've read dozens of descriptions of how good SCPB's sound and they are all different so YMMV. On the few occasions when I've heard SCPB's played live I noticed a certain distinctive tonality, especially in the low notes. I'd describe it as a purity in the fundamental with a real in-your-face old school punch and growl. It's a different sound from any other bass including split coil P's. Regardless of how accurate my description is, it's a sound I immediately recognize as coming from a SCPB. I put TI flats on this bass and installed a foam mute, and that SCPB tone that I expected is unmistakeably there, and it's there in spades.
So I finally got my SCPB fix. I'm diggin this bass, big time!
