Jazz Bass vs. Precision Bass

blankstare77 said:

Also, Fender vs. Squier? Is the extra cost for the Fender actually worth it?

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yes

well, Squire is a subdivision of Fender, much like Epiphone is to Gibson. Squire makes entry-level, lower price(and lower quality) basses and guitars. the main differences are craftsmanship and components. go with fender, even if just the standard series- theyre actually quite good instruments. the top one you posted is an "FMT" meaning it is exactly like the regular fender jazz basses but it has a flamed maple top, making it much pretier . the bottom one is a squier.

and squires just play nasty

do a search you'll find more than enough threads about the topic of squier vs. fender vs. sx etc etc etc.

blankstare77 said:

What's the real difference?

Also, Fender vs. Squier? Is the extra cost for the Fender actually worth it?

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The "real" difference between Jazz and Precision basses are the pickups, the neck and the shape.

The Jazz bass has 2 single coil pickups vs the "split" P pickup (a humbucker). The Jazz bass sounds slightly different than the P-bass, and some people prefer the Jazz sound and some people prefer the Precision sound. Personally, I prefer the P-bass pickup because regardless of sound it doesn't hum and buzz as much as the Jazz single coils.

The neck width at the nut of a Jazz bass is 1/2" whereas the P-Bass neck is 9/16" (I think). This is a small difference, but some people prefer the smaller neck, some people prefer the bigger neck. I prefer the Jazz neck to the P-neck.

The shape of the Jazz bass is slightly "squashed" compared to the P-Bass, that seems more "balanced". You be the judge of the shape you prefer.

I agree that the extra cost for the Fender is well worth it. The quality of the hardware, and likely the wood too, will be better. Notice that on the links you posted, the Fender guitar specifies Alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. It's curious that the Squier site doesn't mention the type of wood. I would be very surprised if the neck / fingerboard weren't maple / rosewood, but I wouldn't be surprised if the body wasn't alder.

About those Musiciansfriend links: I think they used the same picture for both basses, I don't think there are any Squier Jazzes in Sunburst right now.

By the way, I like my Squier (bought two months ago), sure, it doesn't "feel" as nice as the two more expensive basses I have (I prefer the way the neck finish feels on my other two) but it's a great way to get a Fender-y sound without spending too much cash and it's perfectly playable.

Bass said:

The neck width at the nut of a Jazz bass is 1/2" whereas the P-Bass neck is 9/16" (I think). This is a small difference, but some people prefer the smaller neck, some people prefer the bigger neck. I prefer the Jazz neck to the P-neck.

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Jazz nut width = 1.5"
Precision nut width = 1.625"

i would go for a jazz bass, just cuz i'm a jazz bass kinda guy. i like the tonal variations you can get from a jazz. if you're not picky about what you play then why even start this thread? why even upgrade basses? in my opinion, get what you can afford. if you want something that is pretty close to MIM standards i suggest you take a look here: www.rondomusic.net , and also go check out the SX megathread on this forum. the general consensus seems to be that you get a MIM quality bass at a sub-Squier price.

Squires aren't that bad, for what they are.. you have to look through a bunch of them to find a decent one, though..

but, you will eventually have to replace all the electronics.. possibly the bridge and tuners..

they are fun to beat on.. but, i'd save the cash and get something that is more substantial..

a decent MIM Fender.. or just save the cash and get a used MIA..

as for the PBass vs JBass..

it's a very personal thing, IMO..

i've played PBasses for the majority of the 24 years that i've been playing bass.. i like early PBass necks, with the tele headstock..

but i finally broke down about a year ago and bought a used 1983 MIA Jazz Custom.. it took me a few months to settle into the JBass way of life.. understand, i've been hardcore PBass tone/feel for alot of years.. now, i've experienced why JBasses are cool..

either way, you will have a decent tone tool..

the Geddy Lee is a great bass, for not alot of cash..

With as cheap the made in Mexico "Standard" Jazz basses are now, you'd be wasting your money on a Squire in my opinion... they are almost unneeded with the cost of a Standard being around $400 now.... and try out a few before you buy to make sure you're getting a decent piece as the QC with the MIM's isn't consistent.

Fell in love with a Squire P-bass other day (GC) ..light and punchy ..might have to go back and get it.