Fender Jazz vs. Precision

gsummer · Feb 11, 2001

Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy a new bass and I just wanted to get some opinions from people who have played both Fender J and P basses. Which kind do you like better and why. I know that it is really a matter of personal taste, but I just wanted to hear some other people's opinions. Also, on a more specific note, has anyone played the american hot rodded series? They look interesting to me. As far as the styles of music I play there is a pretty big range. I need something that will work for my Jazz workshop (yep I'm a college student) and also for blues, funk, and a little slap. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

alembicbones · Feb 11, 2001

I prefer the Jazz to the Precision. I just picked up an American Deluxe Jazz 5 string and think it's a great bass. I believe it's versatility would suit your needs nicely.

Bones

Andy Daventry · Feb 12, 2001

The jazz does orthodox slap better than the P because the bridge pickup gives emphasis to the top end.

Other than that, try and see. I play a P. But I don't slap.

Andy

Albino_Ryno · Feb 12, 2001

Personally, I prefer the jazz bass. Right now I'm playing an Alvarez with a P-J style pickup configuration. Honestly I don't like the blended sound all that much. I either end up fading it to the P pickup and plaing with a pick to get that green day type sound or putting more emphasis on the J for my slapping, jazz, funk, and pretty much 90% of the stuff I play. Right now I'm looking into buying a Fender Deluxe Active jazz bass mainly because I love active electronics, and it's within my price range. But that's just my opinion.

gsummer · Feb 12, 2001

thanks for the opinions, that's what i wanted. I'm still wondering whether anyone has tried the fender precsion hot rodded series. also, for you fender jazzers, do you like the active or passive PUs?

elan_virpul · Feb 12, 2001

hey gsummer,

active pickups are quieter and recording engineers seem to like them better in the studio (well one has. . .)

of course, a p-bass won't buzz, heh, heh. . . and an amp setting to emphasize the treble makes for a nice slap sound.

Rockinjc · Feb 12, 2001

I have a Y2k Hot Hodded P and Love it. Got it on close out.
jc

B3Nut · Feb 12, 2001

If you're looking for an all-rounder, a Jazz is likely your best bet. If you can find a Geddy Lee signature Jazz Bass (MIJ), that's a really nice bass. The neck is thinner than the Am. Series, you may or may not like it. I thought it was similar in thickness to my MIM Jazz. The GL or the Am. Series is the best bet in the Jazz department, they're quieter than the MIM (although you can replace the pups in the MIM, I have Basslines Quarter Pounders in mine, tho the bridge pup seems a bit weak.) The stock pickups in the MIM Jazz are, to be nice, awful.

However, you can get an MIM P and J for less than either the American or Geddy Less J's cost, and just upgrade the pups in the Jazz. I like the pup in my MIM P, tho I might get a '62 RI pup for it. I keep roundies on the Jazz, and Thomastik Jazz Flats on the P.

HTH

TP

smpbass · Feb 12, 2001

Where do you think I could get a Geddy Lee Bass?

Zoot H Rollo · Feb 12, 2001

not suer if its appropriate to post this here...but, here goes:

i'm selling my Mexi Fender fretless Jazz 4 string.

added EMGs, Badass bridge and mylar sheet over the fretboard.

hardshell case and new strings included.

asking $500.00

fred
[email protected]

B3Nut · Feb 12, 2001

If you're looking for an all-rounder, a Jazz is likely your best bet. If you can find a Geddy Lee signature Jazz Bass (MIJ), that's a really nice bass. The neck is thinner than the Am. Series, you may or may not like it. I thought it was similar in thickness to my MIM Jazz. The GL or the Am. Series is the best bet in the Jazz department, they're quieter than the MIM (although you can replace the pups in the MIM, I have Basslines Quarter Pounders in mine, tho the bridge pup seems a bit weak.) The stock pickups in the MIM Jazz are, to be nice, awful.

However, you can get an MIM P and J for less than either the American or Geddy Less J's cost, and just upgrade the pups in the Jazz. I like the pup in my MIM P, tho I might get a '62 RI pup for it. I keep roundies on the Jazz, and Thomastik Jazz Flats on the P.

HTH

TP

B3Nut · Feb 12, 2001

>Where do you think I could get a Geddy Lee Bass?

zzounds.com I think had them, it's currently in the Fender line again, and is supposedly going to stay there for the time being.

It's a great deal, though I'd kinda prefer a rosewood fingerboard myself...

TP

seamus · Feb 12, 2001

Jazz all the way for me here. The precisions are nice, I just like so many things more about the jazz.

I have one of the Geddy Lee basses, they are nice. I put an active pre-amp in mine(J-Retro) and it kicks serious tail. The neck is unique to that model too, it's flatter.

Unless you find a dealer who has one right now, you might need to wait another month or so before they start coming in stock all over again. I believe that model is in a backorder situation with Fender until March. After that, I bet you can find plenty new ones on the web and such.

Good luck with your purchase.

MJB · Feb 12, 2001

Contact these guys for a good price on a Geddy.

http://www.bassnw.com/

Last I heard they were selling them for $600.

VictorLeMonteWooten · Feb 12, 2001

i have an american p and i love it. I like a p-bass for many reasons and i like a jazz bass for many reasons. A p is a bit melower. The jazz is more versatile. Just get a doubleneck bass, one jazz, one p-bass. They are both great basses. My next bass may be a mexi-fretless jazz, but that may be a year!!!

Munjibunga · Feb 12, 2001

Jazz bass.

gruffpuppy · Feb 12, 2001

search Link Removed

i saw a couple of geddy basses on there today

cassanova · Feb 13, 2001

I prefer the jazz bass over the P bass, for the following reasons...the jazz gives you more tonal options, has a slimmer neck than a P does, the body style is also a bit different and more comfortable for me to play...But the tonal options are the biggest reason, (p bass deluxe comes close to matching) due to have too pickups as well...that humbuker in it really adds to the sound, but i still think the jazz bass has a nicer tone

count_funkula · Feb 13, 2001

Go with the American Deluxe Jazz bass. They have a beautiful sound. I play an American Jazz Standard but I think the active electronics in the Deluxe would better suit your needs.

Adam Clayton · Feb 13, 2001

Well I guess it depends a bit on what music you make - I play both and like the Jazz (a lot) but I LOVE the P . Its a hard thing to put into words but the P feels like a piece of history - although not that much older - it was the first!!

I'm rambling a bit now so I'll stop.

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Fender Jazz vs. Precision

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gsummer

alembicbones

Andy Daventry

Albino_Ryno

gsummer

elan_virpul

Rockinjc

B3Nut

smpbass

Zoot H Rollo

B3Nut

B3Nut

seamus

MJB

VictorLeMonteWooten

Munjibunga

Total Hyper-Elite Member

gruffpuppy

cassanova

count_funkula

Adam Clayton

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