Vintage Fenders: Precision or Jazz???

Diezel420 · Mar 12, 2001

I wanna have more options than I have now. I've got basses that sound really sharp/clear/modern, and now I want an old Fender. But as of yet I can't decide between a Precision or a Jazz. I think I want something from the 70s and preferrably w/ a natural swamp ash body. I play a variety of styles (fingers, thumbs, picks, slappin', you name it/I do it) and I simply can't decide between Ps and Js. Which would YOU choose?

PS- I might use Ebay.com. Looks like some nice stuff on there. Anyone got comments on Ebay?

JMX · Mar 12, 2001

Since you want versatility and do slapping, go Jazz. Slap on a P sucks IMO.

Personally I'm allergic to Fenders, but I HAD to play one it sure would be a J.

ytsebri · Mar 12, 2001

I would recommend, if you can, one of each. The older P basses have a giant old Motown, Rock character. Just huge. And any J bass is a good J bass!

Michael Jewels · Mar 13, 2001

Hey Diezel420, to give you a one word answer:
A Jazz. More versatile.

If you like the sound of an old Precision though,
I can recommend trying an Epi Jack Casady. Doesn't
sound exactly like a P-bass, but, believe me it's
in the same neighborhood. More acoustic sounding.
I just got one in January and it's pure pleasure.

Just an option.

Mike J.

Brad Johnson · Mar 13, 2001

I have an Ash 78 Jazz. It's almost too nice. The one thing it really can't do is...sound like a P.

DaveB · Mar 14, 2001

Generally, I'm a P guy (my RB5 notwithstanding) but your key word was variety. I think variety gives the J the edge. I'm not a slapper but if I were the J would be my choice.

Funkster · Mar 14, 2001

I have had both but I always stick with the Jazz it's way more versatile. I have a 77 J and a 74 J and love them both. I will get myself that pre CBS P bass someday though

David-Adler · Mar 14, 2001

I would call up Roger Sadowsky and order a Sadowsky Vintage or Vintage PJ Model. Alder or Ash Body with Morado Fingerboard + Turtoise Pickguard...

David

Blackbird · Mar 14, 2001

I'd love to have an old Jazz bass. I agree that the J has the most versatile sound, but In the Precision's defense, It has only one sound, but it's the sound.

I own a '69 Precision (Yes, I guess I'm biased in my response) It was modified with an added Jazz pickup at the bridge, like a Hot Rod P. It has a lower collectable value because it's modified, but you (I, at least) buy instruments to play, not put in a glass box and just look. Modified PJ basses are usually more versatile than a P-bass, yet still have that old school tone.

Will C.

GEARBOX · Mar 14, 2001

PEANUT BUTTER OR JAM (P'S & J'S) THEY ARE ALL GREAT. PERSONALY MY BAG IS MY FENDER P-BASS PLUS WITH LACE SENSOR'S IN PLACE. ONE J PICKUP AT THE BRIDGE AND ALSO SOME P'S!! I THINK YOU SOULD JUST EXPLORE ALL THE OPTION'S IN THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF FENDER!!

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Vintage Fenders: Precision or Jazz???

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Diezel420

JMX

Vorsprung durch Technik

ytsebri

Michael Jewels

Brad Johnson

DaveB

Funkster

David-Adler

Blackbird

GEARBOX

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