Fender P-Neck on a J-Bass? Tone differences?

Hoffman6000 · #1 10-26-2010, 08:24 PM

My question to any of the Fender buffs is: does putting a P-neck on a J body make much difference (if any) in the tone?......if so, how? warmer? thicker? what freq. range is changed?

But here's the story and the reason for the question, if you're interested...

My Fender Deluxe Jazz V had an S curve in the neck...I took it to my Fender Rep, he told me it was un-fixable, but they will swap necks for me....Great! Calls back 6 weeks later saying the bass has been discontinued and the only neck Fender can give me is a P neck with the same profile/frets/shape/radius...etc...essentially saying that other than the logo this is the exact same neck since it's a 5'r....? Really?

Thanks for any insight.

Kevin_BlueBASS · #2 10-26-2010, 08:45 PM

Tone wise it shouldn't be affected- however, it's probably gonna feel a bit different

johnk_10 · #3 10-26-2010, 08:48 PM

IME, every neck sounds a little different from each other because they're made from wood and each piece has it's own density and resonant frequency. however, if the new neck's shape and size are the same as your previous one, it should sound pretty darn similar.

Hoffman6000 · #4 10-26-2010, 09:22 PM

Thanks for the input, I'm just amazed that they don't make extra parts for future repairs of specific models that are being discontinued....and I'm nervous that the new neck just won't feel the same....yet secretly wondering if it will have some kind of something extra about it to make it even better..... at least it will be in tune...

walterw · #5 10-26-2010, 09:25 PM

the definitions of "P" or "J" in regards to the neck shape are out the window with 5 strings, so i wouldn't sweat it.

as long as this one is straight, you might not even feel a difference.

bassist4dalord · #6 10-26-2010, 10:43 PM

A P-width neck on a 4-string Jazz is something I often find myself dreaming about. When it comes to 4-strings, I prefer Precision necks.

Kael · #7 10-26-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

the definitions of "P" or "J" in regards to the neck shape are out the window with 5 strings, so i wouldn't sweat it.

as long as this one is straight, you might not even feel a difference.

This is most applicable in this case.

Going from a standard 4 string J neck to a 4 P neck usually yields a little more low end and sustain IME. I went through a phase where I strongly preferred P neck nuts to J and tried and swapped out P for J's a few times. There's so much possible variation due to wood and how tight the pocket fit is, that I wouldn't hold it as a rule though.

5string5fingers · #8 10-26-2010, 11:29 PM

I think I remember hearing that the necks on the 5 string jazzs and the Ps are the same.

dave_bass5 · #9 10-27-2010, 02:03 AM

I swapped the necks over on my 2 Squier Classic vibes and didnt notice any difference tone wise.

Im not sure about the AM Deluxe but as the poster above said, both MIA jazz V and P V use the same neck.

Xavier Zed · #10 10-27-2010, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoffman6000

Thanks for the input, I'm just amazed that they don't make extra parts for future repairs of specific models that are being discontinued....and I'm nervous that the new neck just won't feel the same....yet secretly wondering if it will have some kind of something extra about it to make it even better..... at least it will be in tune...

If you didn't have anything extra the neck will have nothing for you. Unless it is maple vs rosewood, as previously stated, feel is your only concern. In other words, your bass will sound exactly the way you played before.

Hoffman6000 · #11 10-27-2010, 06:37 AM

Thanks for the piece of mind guys, I'm glad it's going to sound close to the same...I just found out from the rep that the P5 neck is .007" thicker than the J5 neck....it won't be very noticeable....But you're right JohnK, every piece of wood has a different density and resonance giving the bass its own added flavor....I hope this one resonates the right notes at the right times, correcting all my mistakes....lol....This was my main bass, but now that I've entered into the Custom Classic realm, its gone to backup. I'll give you a full report when I get the bass back...it took 6 weeks for them to tell me they hadn't had it done yet....

ubado · #12 10-27-2010, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoffman6000

My question to any of the Fender buffs is: does putting a P-neck on a J body make much difference (if any) in the tone?......if so, how? warmer? thicker? what freq. range is changed?

I'd imagine there is a slight tonal change ... but nothing that would make enough of a difference to tell. (especially with 5'vers

Quote:

... Calls back 6 weeks later saying the bass has been discontinued and the only neck Fender can give me is a P neck with the same profile/frets/shape/radius...etc...essentially saying that other than the logo this is the exact same neck since it's a 5'r....? Really?

Yup, same necks ... different logo's.