FWIW, that Danish trio posted recently features a reverse PJ: .
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I'm a big fan of reverse PJ - the only four strings I have are old Yamaha BB-2000 (fretted and fretless), and while I'd have preferred a VVT rather than VTToggle, they pretty much blow my mind for solid feel and tone - beautifully built and very satisfying instruments. I believe reverse P gives you more uniformity across the strings, and have pondered how cool a reverse P would be on a five-string. That said, I have not had a PJ 5 in the house for many years - generally dual soaps or j/double j.
A reverse P by itself will always sound like a P. The place where you hear some difference is when both pickups are on together. Popping the G string sounds more like a J because, on the reverse P, the treble coil is where a J would be.
I really find on my PJS, I use the J pick up less than 10% of the time.
What tones are you trying to achieve with the reverse set up?
What tones are you trying to achieve with the reverse set up?
I consider reverse P soloed to be more "modern" than traditional P. That's mainly because you get a bit more growl to the low strings, a bit more depth to the DG strings.
Of course it's all relative, right? Those who prefer traditional P might say that on reverse P, the low strings sound thin in comparison, and the DG strings less punchy.
As usual it's a matter of "different", with better/worse being personal preference. FWIW I lean toward the traditional tone of standard P, but I also have reverse P in my collection and enjoy that too. I mainly use reverse for modern rock & metal, but whatever, I'll use either config for any genre.
As for PJ -- what Roger said. Reverse P sounds more J-like on the DG strings, standard P sounds more J-like on the BEA strings.
Of course it's all relative, right? Those who prefer traditional P might say that on reverse P, the low strings sound thin in comparison, and the DG strings less punchy.
As usual it's a matter of "different", with better/worse being personal preference. FWIW I lean toward the traditional tone of standard P, but I also have reverse P in my collection and enjoy that too. I mainly use reverse for modern rock & metal, but whatever, I'll use either config for any genre.
As for PJ -- what Roger said. Reverse P sounds more J-like on the DG strings, standard P sounds more J-like on the BEA strings.
I think Spector sound with reverse P, but the pick up location on a Spector is also different than a standard P type Bass.
Thanks for the answers everyone. I should've just asked here from the get go. This definitely has helped me make a decision.
@kittywithabanjo I think I'm looking for something that has a similar focus to a J but still have some P heft in the tank. The only J that I've ever bonded with is my satin deluxe J. I love it but love the Verdine White tone more.
I've just never owned a reverse P and wondering if it's kind of a middle ground between the two. I've owned other basses over the years with soapbars and humbuckers but never loved their tone.
@kittywithabanjo I think I'm looking for something that has a similar focus to a J but still have some P heft in the tank. The only J that I've ever bonded with is my satin deluxe J. I love it but love the Verdine White tone more.
I've just never owned a reverse P and wondering if it's kind of a middle ground between the two. I've owned other basses over the years with soapbars and humbuckers but never loved their tone.
To me, whichever strings are on the coil closer to the neck will have the exact sound I like best in a PJ that’s blended. So would I rather get the better sound from B E A or from D G? That’s an easy call for me. Also prefer where my thumb is supported on standard P. I tried a reverse PJ5 and now have standard. If you liked that more modern/tight/nasal combined sound on your low strings you’d go with reverse. If I wanted that sound I’d get an m5-24.
Very personal decisions just my $.02 on how I’ve experienced it.
Very personal decisions just my $.02 on how I’ve experienced it.
I guess since everyone says tort sounds best I might just do that lol.Looks nice Shane.
What color of pick guard are you putting on it?
I’m waiting for the epoxy inlay coffee table basses to start surfacing. It’s only a matter of time...
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
I could just stare at this all night! But, it’s much more fun to play!!!
I'm staring at it right now, please pass the drool-pan!!!!
In case anyone is interested, I just put this up in classifieds
For Sale - Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5-21 PJ Candy Apple Orange
For Sale - Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5-21 PJ Candy Apple Orange
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
Pics don’t seem to be working on your post in the classifieds.
