Do I really need a P bass?

[MtManiac]

I have and have owned a lot of P basses - current count is 6, including two PJs, all MIA Fenders except one Charvel.

Practically, technically, you won't find much difference. A split coil pickup in the same location relative to the bridge is just that - subtle differences between pickups and necks. However I get that a lot of what we do is outside the scope of practical and technical. You mentioned you have a strong feeling towards getting a P bass. In my experience, that's not going to go away until you get one and commit to it.

Strongly recommend trying out some used American Standard/Pro/Pro II, 2008 or later. If you can't try one out, a used one on Talkbass classifieds is usually a safe bet - I've had 0 bad experiences and somewhere around 10 or so bass purchases here.

For MIMs, I'd be inclined to stick with the newest Player II models.

Squier Class Vibe 60s are also a good bet - I have found them a little on the heavy side, but absolutely solid P basses.

One of my two PJs is a Charvel though, a 5-string - the split coil is a reverse split coil. If you're ok with that, these are the best bang for the buck PJs on the market - loaded with features and in the MIM Player price range. Much nicer necks.

 

[hennessybass]

IMO - NO, you do not need a P Bass.

Maybe you need one - depending on what you are doing in terms of going into recording studios where everyone feels good because you have a P Bass, or playing in a Motown group, or working with BL who is paying you to have a P Bass.

Other than that, you can get by just fine in life without one.

 

[BuddhaFingas]

It you're only after the "prestige," save your money and leave the P-bass for someone who actually wants to play it.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

"Do I need a P bass?"

The TB answer is, yes you need a P bass so go get one.

But in reality if you're asking "do I need one", then the answer is that you probably don't.

The new Squier P basses (if I'm correct) come with a J neck if you prefer that so you got cheap options.

If you're asking me, I say you should own one.

 

[prndltech]

I was in the same boat a lil over a year ago and now I have a couple and that's all I play! So be careful what you wish for! Ones standard tuning and one is set up for BEAD.

 

[SuperTheBass]

If you want one get one. If you don't then don't.

 

[Watchootognbout]

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

 

[Camarillo]

Yes. Everybody does.

 

[Komadinic]

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

I agree with your point, however..

 

[KenD]

I agree with your point, however..


View attachment 7141641

However, that is not a P Bass as in Precision Bass. Of course, there are umpteen x 10 to the 10th power imitations, copies, "improvements", etc, some of them made by whichever entity owns the Fender trademark at the moment.

 

[Paul New]

Only if you want everybody to like you.

 

[DamirDart]

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)?

Yes!

 

[Swerve]

Yes, everyone needs one. My coworker was complaining last week about the transmission in his car going bad. I recommended he buy a P bass.

 

[Matt O]

 

[Lionel Albert]

I agree with your point, however..

View attachment 7141641

No, it's not a P Bass ! It's a copy ! I don't know who is playing but nobody can have a real musical career without a real P Bass.
I wish this guy (who is completely inverted) had a real career but he can't : he's playing a copy !

 

[Pings Bass]

No

Unless someone is hiring you for a job that requires one* and pays enough to cover it*

*Neither of these things is going to happen, so

No

 

[klattman]

A P bass is self mixing depending on the music, but if you have a little EQ on the bass or later in the chain you will be just fine.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I only have three Precision basses right now.

 

[higain617]

Ric 4001. You know you want it.

 

[ADHD librarian]

A P bass and a PJ bass with the volume off on the J, are not the same. The interplay with the 2nd pickup exists, even when it is off (especially if you only have one tone control).

Therefore, you do need a P Bass!