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Bandmates prefer Jazz Basses...

AlienLanes

AlienLanes

Oct 15, 2015
245
394
#1
Hey all! As you can tell from my profile picture on here, I play a G&L LB-100 P bass copy. I've played mostly P-style basses for the entirety of my bass playing and have always felt at home on them. I really do love my bass. However, we just got done rehearsal, and my guitar player/songwriter said something to me along the lines of: "Hey man, can't wait for you to lay down these tracks on my Jazz bass". So I guess my bass hasn't been providing the sound he's had in his head for the songs?? This also isn't the first instance of this happening, the guitar player of my last project stated multiple times: "You should totally get a jazz bass... they're the best bass."

What's a Precision loving guy to do with all these haters? I guess I should shop around and add a Jazz to the arsenal... (which I'm okay with)

Anyone else ever encounter this? I thought most people would prefer me to play a P since I would sit in the mix easier.
 
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#9
What do they mean with "jazz bass" ? Just a Fender or you can bring a Sadowsky and they will still feel happy?

You dont say what type of music you play but a P should be able to deliver a good tone in a recording/live situation.

Do this: Ask your guitarrist why he thinks you should try his jazz bass, chances are that he cant distinguish between a P and J in a blind fold test.

Anyway, if he is paying you for being part of his band then I would recommend you to get a jazz bass.
 
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#10
I dunno, that wouldn't bug me so much. I'd be glad they are paying attention....

I have a Jazz and a Precision in addition to my go-to Stingray. Now, contractors, band leaders, producers, and anyone writing the check can call the bass I play, no problem.

In any other situations, I'll be glad to switch the bass I'm playing for one that someone suggests. I dearly love all my basses, so I'm happy to play any of them if suggested.

In Every. Single. Case. After playing the Jazz or the Precision, I'll hear, "whatever you play still sounds like you".

I always carry a Jazz bass or Precision bass as a spare, so sometimes, I'll play the spare.

Because, as my friends repeatedly tell me, I sound like me, regardless.
 
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#16
I would actually need proof that he can tell the difference. Because I'd bet he's listening with his eyes, and assuming his gear is better than yours.

I find that when people talk about my gear the easiest way to get them to move on is to subtly hint their own gear isn't up to scratch.

"I don't think the problem is the bass, it's your Les Paul. It's muddy, try turning down a bit."

I don't do this to be mean or anything, it's just my experience that if someone makes a comment that's off base about my gear, from then on it's responsible for every issue.

"I think that jazz bass has us off a bit, blue4"
"No I think the problem is your capo is still on from last song Jim."

I play two basses usually, a Viola and a SS jazz. Whichever one I don't currently have with me, I guarantee that's the one they ask about. I don't know why.
 
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#17
pedroims said:
What do they mean with "jazz bass" ? Just a Fender or you can bring a Sadowsky and they will still feel happy?

You dont say what type of music you play but a P should be able to deliver a good tone in a recording/live situation.

Do this: Ask your guitarrist why he thinks you should try his jazz bass, chances are that he cant distinguish between a P and J in a blind fold test.

Anyway, if he is paying you for being part of his band then I would recommend you to get a jazz bass.
Click to expand...

We play indie rock in the vein of the Smiths (his guitar playing is very Marr sounding). and by Jazz bass he mostly means the sound of single coils. We all prefer vintage styled instruments so I don't really have any interest in anything active or modern sounding. I think he prefers the Jazz sound because he wants me to cut through the mix a little more (i'll take it as a compliment amidst this situation). and nope, not getting paid, just some buddies making some music together :)
 
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#18
Brio said:
Do they have constructive things to say about the music or are they just commenting on your gear?
Click to expand...

we write everything together for the most part and he feels that I should cut through a little more and would prefer the Jazz single coil tone for most of our songs. I think the previous guitar player just couldn't handle a P neck so that became his preference..
 
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#19
Well, since you don't mind getting a jazz bass, there is your answer. Shop around and find one that you love.

I also am a p-bass guy (have 3 of them), but I also have 2 jazzes, a stingray, and p-j bass. I like them all and if someone requests that I play a certain one, I will.
 
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#20
blue4 said:
I would actually need proof that he can tell the difference. Because I'd bet he's listening with his eyes, and assuming his gear is better than yours.

I find that when people talk about my gear the easiest way to get them to move on is to subtly hint their own gear isn't up to scratch.

"I don't think the problem is the bass, it's your Les Paul. It's muddy, try turning down a bit."

I don't do this to be mean or anything, it's just my experience that if someone makes a comment that's off base about my gear, from then on it's responsible for every issue.

"I think that jazz bass has us off a bit, blue4"
"No I think the problem is your capo is still on from last song Jim."

I play two basses usually, a Viola and a SS jazz. Whichever one I don't currently have with me, I guarantee that's the one they ask about. I don't know why.
Click to expand...

he plays an American Standard Jazz through a newer Acoustic combo. there's never been an instance in which he preferred the sound of my P. He also doesn't have any issues with my amp tone (V4B with 212 cab)for the most part, except he prefers when I roll most of the treble "grind" out of my sound. He's just a Jazz guy through and through.
 

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