Fender P player- Jazz neck just feels too narrow

obimark · #1 02-01-2013, 05:33 AM

I have played Fender P-Basses exclusively for the last 5 years. I have toyed with the idea of picking up a Jazz Bass as well, BUT everytime I play it the top of the neck at the nut, just feels way TOO narrow to me, I lose all my chops in the first 3 frets. Just curious anyone else have this experience?
I do like the change in sound occasionally as the Jazz definetely has more top-end shimmer, but that neck just isn't doing it for me, maybe my hands are big or something.

I even sold my P-Bass special because the neck just felt too narrow at the top.

Anyone else experience this?

C.Linton · #2 02-01-2013, 05:38 AM

Well, I wouldn't say that Jazz necks feel uncomfortable to me, but I will say that P-bass style necks feel more comfortable, the chunkier (and flatter) the better.

felixxx · #3 02-01-2013, 05:50 AM

If you like the sound of Jazz bass, you can always put P bass neck on it and call it a day.

msb · #4 02-01-2013, 05:53 AM

Just a matter of spending time . I was a Pbass guy for years but eventually got used to some thinner necks as well . Now I bounce between several basses and the neck profile changes don't bother me at all .

msact · #5 02-01-2013, 05:58 AM

I actually like both necks. In fact, I have an older bass that's even wider. I find the neck in my Ibby SR500 to be a bit narrow and cramped. I find a 20 or 22 fret bass easier to play than a 24 fret bass.

z_nyo · #6 02-01-2013, 05:59 AM

I'm asian with tiny hands....but I find pbass thick neck suits me better. I don't know...i have tried several jazzes butjust didn't do it for me....

However, it took me awhile to be able to play beyond 13 frets on a and e strings, because of the neck thickness and my tiny hands made it kind of difficult to move swiftly....took some time to practice but it's all right now

bassgod0dmw · #7 02-01-2013, 07:16 AM

You know, I've always said that as well. I actually preferred 1 3/4" nut widths, so I like em' really wide. However, I finally got around to picking up a jazz bass and I'm loving every second of it. It just takes some time to get used to it. Switching back and fourth is no issue for me either.

I've been contemplating getting rid of a few of my P basses (I've got 4 of em') so I could get a new P with a J neck on it.

phillybass101 · #8 02-01-2013, 11:59 AM

Everybody is different. I prefer JB's to P's to include the skinny neck.

**awilkie84** · #9 02-01-2013, 12:19 PM

I have yet to find a J neck width I like. I get hand cramps trying to squish my fingers together. Ibby necks are the same way.
On the other hand, I find G&L L-2000 necks too wide. P width on a 4 string seems to be best for me. Jazz 5 strings are OK though.