Effect of neck width at nut on tone...

[Charley Umbria]

Interesting question. I'm inclined to agree that the different widths would allow (or encourage?) slight differences in playing techniques.

OTOH, Duck Dunn used a lot of P-basses with J-necks and he pretty much defined the P-Bass sound for many players.

I suspect that, in the end, you'll sound like you playing a P-Bass, no matter which width you get. I'd get whichever neck makes you more comfortable.

[Alper Yilmaz]

Thanks for all the constructive feedback, including the nut talk!

I will most probably order the Jazz neck with an option of having a separate P neck. Let's see what Mike has to say about that...

Best,

Alper

[Clearwave]

I'd go to the local music store and play a J and a P side by side. Focus on which neck feels better in your hands.

When I did this, I was surprised to find I like a P neck better.

[howlin]

Jazz neck on a P body - the only way to go (IMHO).

[Matt R.]

This is a joke I hope. (Right?)😬

[Immigrant]

When I was in Jr High, I was a tenor in a Barbershop Quartet. Towards the end of High School, I was a baritone.

Now I'm an old geezer and I can hit the high notes again. So yes, nut width affects tone.

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Just play what you're comfortable with.

THIS. Being uncomfortable will have a negative impact on tone.

[ObeyGiant]

Originally Posted by electracoyote

Now, THAT is one of the smarter answers I've heard to this question. Highly subjective and dependant on the player of course, but a good thought nonetheless. I am impervious to string spacing, I can utilize the same range of dynamics regardless, but I don't doubt there are some players who are more sensitive and influenced by this aspect.

I was thinking, in a blind sound test using the same string attack on a P versus J -width neck, there is no discernable tonal difference.

I just wanted to say I am also impervious to string spacing, and IRL (i.e. not TB - no offense) I have only ever met one person who cared that much about string spacing. He even bought a Jazz over a P because of that reason alone! Even though he wanted the P.

This place really makes me worry sometimes. Like when I got my first 5 string I was thinking the transition would be difficult and all that "jazz" but it was literally a 2 minute ordeal.

Maybe you and I are freaks of nature. I know I picked up the mechanics of actually "playing" the bass VERY quickly. Of course learning how to ACTUALLY "play" the bass (if that makes any sense) is a long work in progress that I hope to be able to enjoy for many more years to come.

I am thinking of buying a Lakland Skyline P5 (because my current 5 is a Jazz, the B is not all that tight, and it is a tad heavy) but TB has me worried to death I will hate the 35" scale and I will hate myself forever for buying one. When in actuality (at least for me) it will probably take little to no adjustment from me and be a great sounding/feeling instrument.

Which is weird because I have small hands with short fingers and you would think after years of playing nothing but a 4 string Jazz/Ibanez, there would have been somewhat of a transition going to a P and going to a 5.

A little off topic, but I don't understand how people can get so worked up by TINY fractions of an inch. Maybe going to 35" scale will be more difficult since we are adding a whole inch (although if my experience with short scale basses is any indication of things to come - it won't).

To get back to the OP's question: No. I don't believe that there will be any perceivable difference to most people (i.e. the people listening to you/paying your bills/ENJOYING YOUR MUSIC).

But of course musicians (especially bassists) are creative individuals. I think a lot of us on this forum like to come up with "problems" that ultimately will lead to more gear buying ("honey does this bass make me look fat"). I know I do

So I think I will change my answer to a DEFINITE: yes. Whatever nut width you are currently playing sounds like crap and you should be very unhappy with yourself because of it. Whatever nut width you are wanting to compare it to will DEFINITELY sound WAAAY better and you should buy it. Something tells me you'll love it

[lowphatbass]

Originally Posted by ObeyGiant

I just wanted to say I am also impervious to string spacing, and IRL (i.e. not TB - no offense) I have only ever met one person who cared that much about string spacing. He even bought a Jazz over a P because of that reason alone! Even though he wanted the P.

This place really makes me worry sometimes. Like when I got my first 5 string I was thinking the transition would be difficult and all that "jazz" but it was literally a 2 minute ordeal.

Maybe you and I are freaks of nature. I know I picked up the mechanics of actually "playing" the bass VERY quickly. Of course learning how to ACTUALLY "play" the bass (if that makes any sense) is a long work in progress that I hope to be able to enjoy for many more years to come.

I am thinking of buying a Lakland Skyline P5 (because my current 5 is a Jazz, the B is not all that tight, and it is a tad heavy) but TB has me worried to death I will hate the 35" scale and I will hate myself forever for buying one. When in actuality (at least for me) it will probably take little to no adjustment from me and be a great sounding/feeling instrument.

Which is weird because I have small hands with short fingers and you would think after years of playing nothing but a 4 string Jazz/Ibanez, there would have been somewhat of a transition going to a P and going to a 5.

A little off topic, but I don't understand how people can get so worked up by TINY fractions of an inch. Maybe going to 35" scale will be more difficult since we are adding a whole inch (although if my experience with short scale basses is any indication of things to come - it won't).

To get back to the OP's question: No. I don't believe that there will be any perceivable difference to most people (i.e. the people listening to you/paying your bills/ENJOYING YOUR MUSIC).

But of course musicians (especially bassists) are creative individuals. I think a lot of us on this forum like to come up with "problems" that ultimately will lead to more gear buying ("honey does this bass make me look fat"). I know I do

So I think I will change my answer to a DEFINITE: yes. Whatever nut width you are currently playing sounds like crap and you should be very unhappy with yourself because of it. Whatever nut width you are wanting to compare it to will DEFINITELY sound WAAAY better and you should buy it. Something tells me you'll love it

Certainly there's some truth to what you're saying. Keep in mind people learn and think in different ways, it's unwise to that other peoples experience and opinions aren't quite "legit" based on your experience, or possibly lack of experience.
Switching from 4 to 5 string can be challenging for some, particularly if they've been playing one or the other for 15 years exclusively. Nut width and neck profiles can also be important, more so if you play 3-5 gigs a week that are 4 hours long. If you spend a large portion of your time playing and it's a big part(or all)of your income it's important to be comfortable. Maybe it's physical comfort, maybe it's mental...both are pretty important if you don't want to drive yourself crazy and/or be in pain.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by howlin

Jazz neck on a P body - the only way to go (IMHO).

Whatever works for you is best.

I just put a P neck on my passive J, and after a year of sitting in its case, it's finally getting some play time. The best best part? The guy I traded with is happy, too!