The bridge would be no problem for me, it didn't bother me when I had my 77 Tele Bass. And I alway liked the original single coil sound.
But the neck of the recent MIJ 51 RI is just too big for my left hand. I don't remember ever trying one of the earlier issues like this, maybe the neck isn't as big.
I'd have to check mine , but I think it's an 89. The neck is pretty fat. There are fatter necks out there , but by any standards, it's fat. Compared to my 70 P, it's REAL fat and that was initially a big turn off for me. I got over it quick and it feels just right to me now. I still have a very slim neck Olympia ABG (sort of a Jazz Bass feel) and real open beyond the 12th fret. They are very different, but both feel good........just different.
I was never a fat neck kinda guy, but on this bass, for lack of a better explanation.........fat is where it's at
It just seems to fit .
Rick