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Another Precision Bass vs. Jazz Bass Question

I'm sure this question is often asked, but here's my dilemma. I'm a big guy, but I don't have long fingers. I am heading to the intermediate level. I LOVE the sound of the Fender pbass, but I like the jazz bass well enough. Playing the wider neck on the pbass is very challenging, and I lean to the playability of the jazz bass--I also like the look. I'm only interested in Fender basses, so what are my options? Can a jazz bass really work in a band or church setting? I often hear that the pbass is the way to go for almost all situations.
I play on a worship team and have both basses. I understand what you mean about necks. To me personally, it depends on the songs we are playing any given Sunday. I will play the bass that is best sounding for the songs that day. If I had to have only one, I would pick the one that "plays" best for you. Not what the worship team wants, etc. They do sound a bit different but the Jbass is easier to play. Mine are a 65 Fender Jbass, and a 66 Fender Pbass, but those 2 basses sound different than newer ones. I personally like the older basses sound than the newer ones, but they can get pricey. Remember, the congregation has NO idea about sound, brand, etc. You will play better with the bass that is most comfortable for YOU. Remember, who are you playing to please, our Savior, or someone else. My opinion. Good luck.
 
I have a CIJ Geddy Lee Jazz from whatever was the last year they were made in Japan (2006? 2007?). It's got the skinniest neck I've ever felt on a Fender bass in all dimensions. Now don't get me wrong, I love this bass - but it's like playing a broomstick down on the first three or four frets. I find it to be fatiguing just because there's not really anything to rest the meat of my hand on. I try not to be a lazy player and usually have pretty good hand posture, but the shape of this neck just feels a bit too slender. For reference I've got decidedly average hands and wear a medium glove most of the time. And as a contrast, I find the modern P necks with the 1-5/8" widths to be typically just right in terms of comfort for long sets. ymmv.
 
Nice bass, if the body was ash or alder instead of Basswood, I’d have one.
Not that that there’s anything wrong with basswood, but if I’m buying such a
Traditional ‘classic’ instrument, I don’t want basswood.

I have a 2013 Chinese Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass with a basswood body. If I hadn’t read the spec sheet, I would not know it isn’t alder. Nothing wrong with it. YMMV of course…
 
Some high end basses use basswood I believe, such as the Music Man Bongo. I had a basswood Squier CV which was great. The wood is softer so I managed to mess up some of the holes when changing the pick guard. Had to put a match stick in so the screws held properly. Lesson learnt was not to over tighten any screws in the body.
 
Well, I really like the LB-100 but I don't see how it's relevant to this thread. The US model shares the same nut width as modern P basses and the tribute version has an even wider nut width at 1.75"

View attachment 5131921 View attachment 5131922

Some folks can't help themselves but to suggest something other than a Fender when the OP wants a Fender.

Kinda weird. :rollno:
Makes sense to me. It's essentially the same bass (and after playing several side-by-side, I strongly prefer the LB-100 on feel, tone and overall quality). See Build to Order basses: USA Bass Options

You can get 1.5" nut width. And you can have light tight or vintage tint applied if preferred. Neck finish can be gloss or satin. You have a choice of multiple finishes and several pickguards; all on a USA made bass, below "custom shop" pricing.

The finishes on my LB-100 and JB are fantastic and durable. I think the only obstacle here is getting over the can opener headstock shape and lack of Fender logo.

Although, I must add that while the fretwork on my JB is near perfect, the fretwork on my LB-100 is not great and has been difficult to correct.
 
Makes sense to me. It's essentially the same bass (and after playing several side-by-side, I strongly prefer the LB-100 on feel, tone and overall quality). See Build to Order basses: USA Bass Options

You can get 1.5" nut width. And you can have light tight or vintage tint applied if preferred. Neck finish can be gloss or satin. You have a choice of multiple finishes and several pickguards; all on a USA made bass, below "custom shop" pricing.

The finishes on my LB-100 and JB are fantastic and durable. I think the only obstacle here is getting over the can opener headstock shape and lack of Fender logo.

Although, I must add that while the fretwork on my JB is near perfect, the fretwork on my LB-100 is not great and has been difficult to correct.
Thing is, the OP specifically asked for Fender recommendations, not P type basses.
 
I'm sure this question is often asked, but here's my dilemma. I'm a big guy, but I don't have long fingers. I am heading to the intermediate level. I LOVE the sound of the Fender pbass, but I like the jazz bass well enough. Playing the wider neck on the pbass is very challenging, and I lean to the playability of the jazz bass--I also like the look. I'm only interested in Fender basses, so what are my options? Can a jazz bass really work in a band or church setting? I often hear that the pbass is the way to go for almost all situations.

Here is an experiment: Borrow a Jazz Bass and bring both your P bass and J bass to your next gig/rehearsal. Start with your P bass then discreetly switch 1/2 way through.

See if anyone notices (they won’t)

choose the one you like
 
Since you want a Fender, try the Player's Plus Precision, which is an active/passive P/J. It doesn't have a 1.5" J nut width, but it does have a flatter 12" radius fretboard. I've developed a strong preference for flatter fretboards, which, for me, produce more effortless playing. So, if you're the same way, you might find a P neck with a flatter fretboard plays about as easily as a J neck.

Here's one like I had only a different color. These came with 1.5" nut width.
2010 Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special - Blizzard Pearl | Reverb

I have a 2021 Deluxe Active P Bass Special, which I believe was superseded by the Player Plus in some ways. It has a PJ configuration, and the Active/Passive switch, but no tone control and a 1.5" nut width.

So far really love it. I have it set leaning a bit towards the J in active mode (with bass boosted to up the loss of moving a little away from the P bass side, Mids a little boosted and treble cut a tad), I usually keep it at that setting in Active mode. I do switch it to passive mode and just roll the balance to full P pick up and no Jazz. So I have my two tones I enjoy and I just move from active to passive, and only adjust the pickup balance.

These Player Plus / Deluxe P-Bass style might be what you are looking for. Though I have a feeling the Player Plus might be a slightly wider nut, but not as wide as a standard P bass? Though I could be way off there as I was looking that up ages ago, and could be remembering wrong.