Fender P or J???

[Latanza Heist]

I want to get an American standard P or J.

I play bass with a plectrum and I was a guitarist for over 15 years.

Also if I have the money is it worth getting the Deluxe edition?

Which adds noiseless pickups and active circuitry.

[otherclef]

they are really different animals. I'm a J guy. The Ps sound too "happy" and feel "flimsy" to me. But thats just me. Many a better player use Ps. As far as cost... if you havew the $$$ sure I would grab the deluxe. The current electronics, at least on the Js that I tried seem pretty cool .

[nickrs540]

Unfortunatly it's not that simple for us to tell you what to buy. As with all things in music, the bass that you like is purely subjective. You are going to have to try them out on your own and make a decision upon whats more comfortable for you. And also its about what kind of sound you're looking for. We can't all hear what you want to sound like in your head.

From what you describe about the basses I personally would choose the Deluxe P. Mainly because I love the feel of P neck and I'm quite fond of active electronics, but again its all up to what you wan't to sound like and what you think feels right.

[depthman6]

I hate active pickups. I love the sound of a precision. That's just me, though. I'm not into modern electronics at all.

[sethlow3]

As others have said, you'll need to decide if you are a P or J guy first. As far as deluxe models, I'd stray away from that stuff. The extra money isn't worth it IMO and one of the main points of buying a Fender is having a classic all passive bass. The active electronics on the other models kill that.

I just sold my MIA J and I would rather have an MIA P5 now. I would still like to own a J, but since I have a lot of J tones available on my Modulus FBJ5, I didn't really need it over some other basses and things right now. I suppose I am more of a P guy too now. The lows and low mids suit my playing style better. Both sound great with a pick.

[raybone]

Just picked a 2011 AM STD. Precision last month. I got it online, so never even seen before it arrived. I got the sunburst/maple neck and I'm really happy with it. They really do come with the "broken in" feel, plays like my 25 year old jazz (though sounds different, probably better IMO), rolled edges are great.
Your good whatever you get, Though I do like that transparent wine color w/ black pickguard for the deluxe models. When I sometimes play with a pick , I prefer the jazz bass, neck pickup full open, bridge off, tone just about halfway. Fingers on the P.

[pringlw]

Well, I have a Jazz because I like the slightly snappier sound, the thinner neck, the look, and the range of sound options.

However there are lots and lots of people that swear by Ps because of the deeper, thicker foundation and the unique, unmistakable "P" sound they provide.

For me, if it came down to one thing, it's the neck. Ps are thick and meaty (usually) and Js are usually thinner (sometimes really thin). In motorcycle terms, Js are speed rockets and Ps are Harleys.

[Lesfunk]

Play them and choose the one you like most. That's the best I can come up with

[snyderz]

You'll eventually end up with both. It is inevitable, so pick one now, and the other one later.

[RobertUI]

Originally Posted by snyderz

You'll eventually end up with both. It is inevitable, so pick one now, and the other one later.

+1

Whenever I find myself without a P, I wind up getting another. That said, I've yet to find myself without a J!

[lowendgenerator]

I would go for a P Deluxe. Has the P/J pickup configuration, as well as the active EQ and the Jazz width neck.

[erigod23]

Originally Posted by snyderz

You'll eventually end up with both. It is inevitable, so pick one now, and the other one later.

+1
I have the J. Saving up for the P. It really is inevitable!

[PJRL]

I like both. They are the staples and have stood the test of time as we all know. Right now my AV 57 P has my ear, love the P bass sound. I also have an AV 62 J Bass, love that sound as well. My advice is buy one of each used and save yourself some cash.

[Topspin]

I'd go with the jazz, more versatile. Especially if you have mine.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...80937461_n.jpg

That being said, I believe the P sounds better when played with a pick. Just my opinion.

[StuartV]

If I were going P, I would go passive (non-Deluxe). If I were going J, I would go active (Deluxe).

What I did, was go G&L SB-2. Passive P/J. Better, TO ME, than any of the Fenders you listed. And I have a Fender P and a Sadowsky J.

[Bongolation]

Hate the current American Standards, P or J.

[randysmojo]

I picked the passive Jazz because I know I am more apt to putting in after market pups and preamp, and would rather save the money from buying the deluxe model to afford the other electronics I would put in myself.

[erigod23]

Originally Posted by Bongolation

Hate the current American Standards, P or J.

Why? Because they're awesome?

[VWbug08']

I like the passive P and J.

I think you have to be the judge, hear some other players live and then go to GC or something and try for yourself. Remember what sounds good or bad in a store can be very different on a gig with other players.

Good luck.

[Gasman]

I've owned them all. I prefer the P. I just got a P deluxe, and it's awesome as well. I'd recommend it only if you get a new one with the active/passive switch. Gets the classic P sound and a whole lot more.

There's no wrong answer here. You really gotta play a few and decide for yourself. For me, it comes down to what sounds good in MY band (which is the P), not what sounds good solo (the jazz is prettier sounding on it's own, but doesn't do it in the mix for me).