Does anyone play both precision and jazz basses?

[camardelle]

Or do you only play one style? I own both jazz and precision basses and I play both, neither that well, but I try. My question is that as a relatively new player, should I stick to one or the other? I notice that it is more difficult to play the precision than it is to play the jazz bass.

Your thoughts on this are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[spanndrew]

I play both. My jazz is reasonably nicer than my P, but they both get use. Different tools for different jobs.

 

[MVE]

I tend to think about bass tone in reference to instruments, j-tone, p-tone, rik-tone, etc.
It really doesn't matter which bass I am using, just which tone is right for a specific song.

 

[PortlandBass77]

I use both. Depends what mood I'm in.

 

[joebar]

one of each-
classic duo

 

[Ric5]

I have jazz basses, p-basses, stingrays, Rics, Fenderbirds, and SG basses.

 

[drummer5359]

I play both. I lean towards my Precisions a little more these days, but the Jazz is definitely in the rotation.

 

[camardelle]

So basically, I need to just get better at playing both then. The neck differences are difficult for a noobie for me, but practice will help...or more practice I guess.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Play 'em both. If you prefer one neck over the other, you replace. I have a P neck on my jazz, since I have fat fingers.

 

[Definitely]

I have one of each, essentially. I use the jazz far more, but it's not a fair comparison as my jazz is worth $1,600 and my P is worth $150...

I strung up the jazz with stainless steel roundwounds and the P with flats, so I have the two ends of the spectrum that can get me through any situation. I'd say keep both, why bother limiting yourself to one sound?

 

[MovingPitchers]

I play my jazz because it cuts through better than the precision and has a thinner neck.

I play the precision because it's powerful without effects or preamps, and a monster WITH preamps and effects.

 

[MrDOS]

At the same time?
LOL - Seriously, I was a snob for the first 20 or so years playing only a Jazz bass, because it was "easier." I feel it's good to get used to both, IMO.

 

[mpdd]

been playing the p basses mostly because they are at the house and the jazz is at the art studio, but today i got the jazz out when i was having a color correction impasse and i was actually kind of taken aback by how the neck seemed to fit perfectly in my left hand

 

[REV]

I play both but my P basses have Jazz necks.

 

[Darko74]

 

[radioface]

I have 3 of each and have no problems switching from Js to Ps.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Yes. But never at the same time.

 

[vasilio]

I've had several Ps and Js.
Prefer the P neck and the tone.
Js are sexier looking though!

 

[MisterFabulous]

I have an MIJ Jazz and a MIJ Precision and play them both equally. Since they're both from the same time frame, they have a similar feel.

@camardelle, why is the precision the more difficult for you to play? Width at the nut?

 

[Flad]

Jaco would change his bass over to a P neck for practice and back to the J neck for performance. The P-neck will make you work a little harder because it's a little bigger. There nothing wrong with switching back and fourth and there are in fact benefits. I switch back and fourth between several basses none of which have identical necks.