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Block inlays on P basses - anyone else dislike them

#22
Here's my claim for most hated bass in this thread then...

DSC_0183.jpg


..though it doesn't matter to me! Each to their own.
 
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#25
One of the first basses I lusted after was a LPB Jazz w/ rosewood and pearl block in the '72 Fender catalog. Years later I discovered that I like the P-Bass body better, but still loved the blocks. Liked the sound of my Thunderbird better than the P though. So I compromised:
Rig1.jpg
 
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#26
Tradition says blocks on a J and dots on a P. Every time I see a block neck I immediately think "okay it's a J" without looking at the body. If I then notice it's attached to a P body my next reaction is "where are the orphans?"
Is it me but don't the black block inlays on maple make the neck resemble a piano keyboard? I've had that impression for about 30 years now.
 
#27
I'm not particularly fond of blocks to begin with. The exception to that is when Skjold does the matching wood blocks (redwood for example).

There's no reason a P can't have blocks, it just looks "right" on a Jazz because they've always been on J basses. The offset waistline of the body blends well with the showy blocks.

Given the choice, I'd go with dots on a P.
 
#29
Some people are getting a little butt hurt but nobody said hate. It just looks odd. But I think 99% of those coffee table basses look odd too.

If you like your bass and think it looks great then more power to you. Other folks may think it looks like an orphan. Why should you care? I certainly don't care enough to "hate" your bass.
 
#31
love blocks on Js

so-so on blocked Ps - except the white 70s P - I played a burst model (which had a stellar neck imho) but did look 'off' to me....mind you the burst Geddy looks odd to me with blocks....

JA mentioned matching headstocks as a J-only preference......I am a sucker for matching headstock on any bass..MMs, Fenders.....mmm....but they do look classy and JUST right on a J (imho of course)
 
#32
I'm a kid from the 60's. Although i dont "hate" fenders w blocks, i dont care for the look or the issues that blocks and binding can create on some basses with stability if the neck is too narrow. Saying that, i have owned several 60's and 70's jazzes with blocks and still own a very nice 69, and a pristine 76. Blocks on a jazz were a CBS brainstorm and had nothing to do with Leo Fender.
 
#33
I dont mind em at all on a P. Kind of like a nice dinner jacket. Fancies it up a bit for a big night on the town:). Besides, primarily Im most concerned with how the darn thing SOUNDS in the end anyway. Those new MIJ P's sound pretty good to me from the ones Ive tried.
 
#35
Okay, if only J basses should have blocks then let's add:

Blues tunes must have only three chords
Coffee must be served black
Only cars built in the fifties or earlier can have white wall tires
Only men should use the remote control
Picket fences must be painted white
Only Australians should eat Vegemite
Wine should only be served in a wine glass
Fire trucks should be red
Dalmatians are the only dogs that should be in a fire house
Ranchers must wear a cowboy hat
Policemen must eat donuts...

;)
 
#36
I love blocks on a Jazz... A Jazz with dots looks awful plain to me. Being somewhat traditional in my taste, the first time I saw a Precision with blocks, I didn't care for it much. Now, after having some time to warm up to the idea, I don't mind them so much. I imagine in the coming years I will grow to like them. Kind of like broccoli. :D
 

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