Does anyone play both precision and jazz basses?

[bass12]

I really don't think it matters. Play whichever you enjoy playing more.

 

[camardelle]

Yes, there's not a lot if difference, but it's noticeable. I didn't know if it was just me or it was kinda common for a noob.

I'm 57 and have been playing for a little over two years and it's the best thing I've ever done. Bass rocks!

 

[INTP]

I play both but my P basses have Jazz necks.

+1, and they have P/J pickups as well.

 

[Pandastylebass]

I have 2 J's and a PJ, all fretless, (one J is soon to have fretted P neck) love them all. Lately my J gets the most love

 

[Kmonk]

I use both but play the Jazz more than the Precision.

 

[tangentmusic]

I have both, and favor the Jazz tone for a brighter trebly sound for most of the rock stuff I do.
Love the P too for more laid back mellower tones or for accompanying acoustic guitar or bluesy stuff.
Both have their place. Gotta have both to cover any situation.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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!

The Jazz Bass has a thinner neck so it may 'seem' easier to play. Depends on the player though, you will see many differing opinions regarding J Bass and P Bass necks.

I have a P Bass and several J's (Fender and Lakland). While I love that ol' P Bass thump (who doesn't?), for live playing the offset body shape of a J bass bass is very comfortable for long, 4 set gigs (like the one I'm about to leave for). My main J, which is a Lakland JO model, sounds really close to a P Bass, even with both pickups on full.

 

[chuck3]

I like to use different basses with different groups. My main band, I use a 5-string Lakland P. My second band, I use a Lull J. They both suit the music of the band they're used with. But I am GAS-ing for a Lull PJ-5 to use with the main band.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Now that's just dirrrrty...

 

[drummer5359]

I've been giving it some thought. When I really got serious about bass four years ago, I really preferred the feel of a jazz neck. The more I played, the less it seemed to matter. I have one nice Jazz and several nice Precisions, and these days I don't give the difference in the necks a thought when I pick up one or the other.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[camardelle]

That's exactly the kind of input I was hoping for. Several have said something similar. I think the bottom line is learning how to play, and the more exposure I cannot get to those areas the better off I'll be. With enough experience and practice I should be able proficient with either.

Thanks for the input guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[camardelle]

The more exposure I "can" get....

 

[steweDbass]

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!

No need to narrow your horizons. Both have different tonal qualities so it's great to be able to choose one or the other, it has no bearing on your level of playing or practice what so ever. And if you pick with the floating thumb method you'll have no issue with where to rest your thumb. Enjoy the best of both worlds

 

[Batmensch]

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

Pretty much this for me too. And I have no problems switching between the two, comfort wise. I prefer the thicker P-bass neck, but the difference is really negligible to me. I also feel both instruments give me enough tonal variety to satisfy my personal tastes and needs.

 

[AmieLouHat]

I play both, my P Bass is a good bit nicer than my Jazz, but I tend to play the Jazz more because I need new tuning machines on the P Bass (slippage on E and A).

 

[atomicdog]

Oh yeah, in a fire I'd grab the 62 AVRI JB and the Geddy JB . . . and my wife, kids and cat.

 

[Robus]

Since I have both I've gotten into the habit of recording the bass line on two tracks, one with the jazz the other with the p. Then I'll use the one that sits better in the mix.

 

[Bassbubble11]

I play both but like some others here I have Jazz necks on my P basses too.

 

[huckleberry1]

My main player is a jazz, my P is set up with flats & a mute for Motown type stuff...

 

[Roy Vogt]

I've had both and have the Carvin versions of both now. To me it's like a guitarist having a Tele and a Strat. Different sounds useful in different situations.