If you like the g and l j bass you got there try out an LB-100. Feels a little tighter and has better pups
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Do I need a Precision bass?
- Thread starter Larry Mal
- Start date
A p-bass is just plain cool. Ive got 2, its all i play at this point. You get to play with pickups and strings and really find out what works for you and what doesnt, all in an easy to use package. I think the homage is "The best solution to a problem is the simplest solution".
You simply need to get a p-bass! Both of mine are frankensteins, but still have that killer p-bass tone and look.
Friendlybass has a great point about the LB-100. Its definitely on my list for the future. It'll be the first bass i'll buy brand new special ordered from the factory. You cant really touch them for the price after you get the options you want. Do some research on their bridge, its killer.
Cheers!!
You simply need to get a p-bass! Both of mine are frankensteins, but still have that killer p-bass tone and look.
Friendlybass has a great point about the LB-100. Its definitely on my list for the future. It'll be the first bass i'll buy brand new special ordered from the factory. You cant really touch them for the price after you get the options you want. Do some research on their bridge, its killer.
Cheers!!
D
Need is a strong word, but... There isn't anything quite like a P-Bass. You can come close with lots of others, but never nail that distinctive sound. Growing up when I did, a P just reaches into me and says "yes.. THIS is rock".
The good part is that they are so plentiful and relatively inexpensive. You don't necessarily need top of the line. I happen to be a fan of Squier VM/CV, but for a P, I don't hink anything beats an 80's E-Series MIJ.
Yeah, I'm biased because I own one and it's my go-to bass, but having played tons of other people's precisions over the years, I can't say I've found one that nails it like an E-Series.
The good part is that they are so plentiful and relatively inexpensive. You don't necessarily need top of the line. I happen to be a fan of Squier VM/CV, but for a P, I don't hink anything beats an 80's E-Series MIJ.
Yeah, I'm biased because I own one and it's my go-to bass, but having played tons of other people's precisions over the years, I can't say I've found one that nails it like an E-Series.
D
So much this. Don't get me wrong. I love my j-bass with its tweakable preamp too. But I keep going back to the P time and again.
1. Plug in p-bass
2. Roll the tone back a little
3. Punch your music in the face
The heart wants what the heart wants. Sometimes it is the "noble thing to do" to resist temptations, but if no one's getting rankled over it, where's the harm? Doubly so if it's a solid and well put-together, but inexpensive bass.
Lets not forget the fretboard radius. It's not a crucial criteria for everyone, but it can make a difference to some (like me, for example).
I'm not up on the MusicMan and G&L radii, but most Fenders have a somewhat-curvy 9.5" board. However, there are those with an even-curvier vintage-style radii (Aerodynes, '60s and '70s Classics and re-issues, etc…). Larry, this could give you that different feel you're looking for, even if it's a nut-width your hands are already familiar with.
Mon Capitaine and I are often on the same page here!
There's a whole world of versatility down this path. And if you like the configuration, but still want an "untainted" P-sound, you could always install an ON-ON-ON 3-way switch to solo or blend the pickups.To kick the ball back into your court, Larry…is it the sound that concerns you most, or the overall design? I ask because if it's the sound, there are several models that aren't necessarily a Precision in shape and size, but can still deliver the tonal range you're seeking.
All this talk of P's has got me wanting a P but im torn between with a Squier or a Fender, I can always swap out the pick up but my question is if the woods make any difference to that P tone. The Squiers tend to come with basswood or agathis and the Fenders have alder.
I've had a few PJ's that didn't blow my mind, but my recently acquired 2002 deluxe passive PJ is awesome as a PJ, but also has the best P sound of any P I've had, which include American Standards, American Specials, MIJ, and Classic 50's. It's the best sounding P I've had and the jazz pickup is a bonus.Mon Capitaine and I are often on the same page here!
The Classic Vibe P is often considered one of the best precision basses out there regardless of price. I'd take one over a used MIM, which would probably cost about the same.
In the beginning there was the P. Everything after that was a modified version of the P.
My all time favorite. The closest I have found is a G&L SB2.
My all time favorite. The closest I have found is a G&L SB2.
Before I got a PJ I'd have agreed completely.
Now I have a PJ I want a P as well.
Ain't no cure for GAS but gettin' the durn thing.
Do you not like the solo'd tone of the P on the PJ? Personally, I don't think I'll ever want another P now that I've discovered the joys of PJ's. It has the body shape I like and I put the fat precision neck I like on it.
The only problem with most PJ's for me is that that they have jazz necks.
The annoying little tinkerer in the back of my head is screaming, "I'LL GLADLY TAKE THEM OFF YOUR HANDS! DOUBLY SO IF IT'S A PAINTED HEADSTOCK!!"
Y'see? Annoying.
Thanks, is there a specific year that is best? I know they have a 50s, 60s, and 70s model, or does it not matter which? Also, would the Vintage Modified be any good opposed to the CV? I like the idea of having the Jazz pickup on there too
The OP mentioned that he enjoyed checking out different neck profiles and feels, for the way that different instruments inspire different playing styles.
I'm the same way myself. Every bass speaks to me in some way, and brings out something different when I'm jamming.
I would suggest picking up one of the reissue basses in that case. The '62 and '63 AVRI necks have a different profile from the 50's Precision Bass, but in either case, they are a bit more of a handful than narrower, modern profiles. They have a pleasingly chunky feel that makes a nice contrast from something like a Music Man, or a modern Am Standard bass.
Precisions don't have to wear flatwounds. I personally love the sound of nickel rounds on a P-bass, but flats will certainly help to bring out the contrast between it and your other basses.
I'm the same way myself. Every bass speaks to me in some way, and brings out something different when I'm jamming.
I would suggest picking up one of the reissue basses in that case. The '62 and '63 AVRI necks have a different profile from the 50's Precision Bass, but in either case, they are a bit more of a handful than narrower, modern profiles. They have a pleasingly chunky feel that makes a nice contrast from something like a Music Man, or a modern Am Standard bass.
Precisions don't have to wear flatwounds. I personally love the sound of nickel rounds on a P-bass, but flats will certainly help to bring out the contrast between it and your other basses.
