Do I really need a P bass?

[SteveLo42]

I've been thinking of asking this for a while.
Currently I have an Ibanez and an LTD PJ bass. I love both.
But you know how it is, I want more. And I've become somewhat obsessed with the idea of getting a P bass. Not even sure why, I think it's just the prestige they hold. Also the most simple of setups, which I'm attracted to.
I'm not even in a position to buy one at the moment and also don't really have a musical project it would fit.
Ideally, I would really love a Jaguar bass, but haven't found any that I particularly like the look of (not enough, anyway). If Fender bring out some new Jags I will definitely seriously consider one.
But the desire for a true P bass is still there. Funny thing is I haven't tried one in a long time and may not even like the feel of it. I'm a bit of a wet lettuce amd don't like going into music shops to try basses.

Well, this turned into a bit of an internal monologue, but anyway, thoughts on getting a P bass (eventually)?

 

[FugaziBomb]

If you've got a bass with a P Bass pickup in the right spot, you've pretty much already scratched the itch. You've got two PJ basses, so I wouldn't bother getting a proper P Bass as it's not going to give you an experience you're not already able to get by zeroing out the bridge Js on the basses you have. If you've got money to burn, try getting a J bass or something with a humbucker in it, cuz you've already got two basses with the Precision sound on tap.

The real bummer is when you get a few basses to go record with and you realize the producer is just going to make them all sound the same in the mix.

 

[davedamage]

To play bass, you need A bass, not a P bass.

 

[davedamage]

Having said that, after multiple quests for Ps and PJs, I play my Jazz the most.

 

[SteveLo42]

Yeah, it's pretty clear actually that I do not need a P bass. Maybe if I ignore the urge long enough I'll get bored of the idea.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Big fan of the precision bass here but quite honestly, if I had a LTD PJ bass in my hands, I would just turn down the volume of the bridge pickup and play it hardly like a P.

If the neck of your LTD is straight and the truss rod works fine, you have a very good bass IMO.

Worst case, I would put a better p pickup but not sure it's really necessary.

 

[Sharko]

Do I really need anything but a p bass?

 

[joebingo]

No. If you want one get one, but what you need more than any new bass is to practice.

 

[FugaziBomb]

Do I really need anything but a p bass?

You don't even need that. Just hum your parts.

"Whoa-oh-oh-oh for the longest time"

 

[KenD]

A few bassists come immediately to mind who seemed to do OK without a P Bass: Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Stanley Clark et al.

 

[LowWay]

You definitely don't need a p bass. My only p bass is a PJ. The rest of my basses are not Ps.

 

[Swerve]

A few bassists come immediately to mind who seemed to do OK without a P Bass: Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Stanley Clark et al.

 

[Wasnex]

Chances are, you don't need a P bass. That's a totally different matter to wanting a P bass.

If you have a want rather than a bonafide need, consider the opportunity cost. I would avoid sacrificing a need to get a P bass, but it could be entirely okay to sacrifice another want to get a P bass. Budget accordingly.

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

I'll play a different card:
To me, a big part of playing a Pbass is the neck. It's usually wider and thicker than a J neck. You interact with it differently.
Both your current basses are PJs, so yes, they have the basic tone. But they have small necks, and you already know how you play on those basses.
I'd rent a Pbass, or play as many as i could in store for a bit. But they do work best in live situations, so if you can get one on a gig, that'd be best.
It doesn't need to be a Fender. Lots of companies make good Ps, so take your time. Focus on the differences between what you already have and whatever model you're looking at.
And if you've never experienced a Pbass with flats, you're missing out.

No, the P/Flats combo isn't for everyone and it doesn't work for all situations, but it is a right of passage, IMO.
And the Pbass may not work for you in the end. But it is a standard for a reason.

End of the day, don't force yourself into making something work that doesn't work for you. But experience as many different interfaces and interactions as you come.
Buying a Pbass changed my playing style and my career.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

This is TB. That stands for: Two Basses, Three Basses, Twenty basses, Thousand Basses. Welcome to the glorious madness!

BBB

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Nay.

True story... I had a P-bass; I gave it to a drummer. He loves it, I didn't.

 

[Killing Floor]

You need a new bass. Doesn't need to be a P unless that's what you want.

 

[Lionel Albert]

Yes, everyone knows that P Basses play by their own but be careful... Choose the right colour !

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Yes, you need a P bass

 

[ravelax]

If you have a P/J-bass, you already have a P-bass if you roll switch out/off the bridge pickup.