• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Advantages of the Precision over the Jazz Bass

Blackbird

Blackbird

Supporting Member
Mar 18, 2000
11,276
876
California
#1
I read that when Fender created the Jazz Bass, It was more of a marketing move than anything else. The logic was that, since the Precision showed that there was a market for the Electric Bass, they should create a prettier, more expensive model. Of course, that doesn't mean it's a better instrument. I also read that one advantage the Precision has over the Jazz is that you can adjust the volume of one induvidual string if you want to because of the split pickup. Does anyone know if the Precision has any other advantages over the Jazz Bass?
 
#3
Originally posted by Big Wheel
I read that when Fender created the Jazz Bass, It was more of a marketing move than anything else. The logic was that, since the Precision showed that there was a market for the Electric Bass, they should create a prettier, more expensive model. Of course, that doesn't mean it's a better instrument. I also read that one advantage the Precision has over the Jazz is that you can adjust the volume of one induvidual string if you want to because of the split pickup. Does anyone know if the Precision has any other advantages over the Jazz Bass?
Click to expand...

IMO there are no real advantages to either one in any objective sense. It's just taste. I personally wouldn't play a Precision if you paid me. Don't care for them and never have. Other wouldn't play anything else.
 
#6
O.K. No arguments here, but, I think this question should be posed the other way around: Advantages of the Jazz over the Precision.

Precisions are one of the best basses around probably because they are simple, dependable, and sound great. However, their one drawback that most people will agree with is their lack of versatility. While you can get a Jazz Bass to sound close to that of a Precision, the reverse really can't be claimed. Forget the Jazz neck and body shape.
What I'm talking about is the bridge pickup. While a P-bass has that one excellent sound, the Jazz has three; both pickups together, or either one soloed.
A Precision just can't produce those throaty spitting sounds that playing over the soloed bridge pickup gives you. Again, neither one is better, but, the Jazz gives more tonal options.

When you must choose which to buy, this should just be a temporary decision; buy one, then the other.

Mike J.
 
#7
Originally posted by Michael Jewels, respectfully edited and rearranged by Big Wheel
O.K. No arguments here, but, I think this question should be posed the other way around: Advantages of the Jazz over the Precision.[...]

Neither one is better, but, the Jazz gives more tonal options..

Precisions are one of the best basses around probably because they are simple, dependable, and sound great. However, their one drawback that most people will agree with is their lack of versatility.

Mike J.
Click to expand...

Hence the "P vs. J" instead of the other way round.

The question is: In which way was Leo's idea better than the one that was created afterwards based on his design?
 
#8
No advantages, no disadvatages to me. Yeah tonally stuff but thats a preference, neck shapes & body shapes are also preference. I like 'em both besides-shouldn't we all own @ least 1 of each eventually :D
 
#9
A jazz is more versatile than a P because of the two pickups vs one. The Jazz neck is slimmer; this is a good thing if you like slim necks. Get a PJ pickup config. Then it's an open and shut case which is "better". (Someone tell me why a P would be better than a PJ!)

Randy
 
#10
Randy,

Thanks for your reply, but I'm not seeking advice on which Fender to get. I already have a '69 Precision and two Jazz Bass copies. this thread is just a design discussion. The word "Better" was never used it that context.
 
#11
Being broke and liking both basses, I have to say the PJ configuration has its advantages over each. Its like owning both basses(pretty much) for the price of one. I like those numbers. I change my preferences every day when I wake up. Sometimes I like a really fat sound and sometimes I like the nasel-y sound. PJ offers both. The versitility of the Jazz is nice, but the versitility of a PJ is even greater than that of a Jazz.
 
#14
I'm with RockinJC on this one:

Thicker Neck!!! For me, baseball bats rule!

On the PJ issue, has anyone else noticed a bit pf phase cancellation when rolling in the J pickup? I've tried a number of them, but my ears can't get past this slight honk at some point in the blend. Maybe I'm weird or something...

I will always own at least one of each, and will probably never have a PJ again for the reason above...

-robert
 
#17
I own two basses, a Squire P bass and a Standard J bass 5 string...

now, it's unfair for me to compare them, because the squire is... well, a squier. However, i think i can get the general idea from it of what P Basses are about. I like the neck on it, some of my friends complain that it is fat, but i like it. More to hold on to. The major problem i noticed with it was that it seemed to be hard to slap with. Keep in mind, I'm talking about a squier here, I'm aware that they don't compare with actual fenders. My J bass seems to be all about slapping and funk and all that weird stuff, so much so that it almost seems hard to play anything outside that style on it. as far as tone goes, i have no complaint with my J bass, I really like it and can dial in quite a few sounds with it. On my J bass I am limited, and what sound I do have is pretty hollow (again, i blame this on being a cheaper model). I don't think however that either kind is better than the other, it seems like a prefference thing to me.
 
#18
My PJ is a Jazz Bass Special, which is a P body, Jazz neck, made in Japan Mid 80's, no pickguard.
I agree with the others who do not notice any "phase cancellation" at certain blend settings.
It gets an authentic P sound but not quite the J sound. It does, however, have its own voice with both pickups on. I'm very fond of it and not innclined to part with it...
petch
 
#19
I really love my american P!! For me it was simple,I went with a tried and true workhorse.Really I could see myself with a nice J bass too,but would I trade my P for it? Never!True the J may be more versitile but for me the P will forever be "THE" bass.
If you already have a P go ahead and get a nice J.They feel great and sound even better!




Crawling Eye:the hotrodded P is a sweet machine,I tried to buy my buddy`s but he would`nt let it go.
Get the maple body/neck if you get one! :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back