• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Every true bassist needs a P-bass

"Every true bassist needs a P bass."

  • Yes--and it should be the first bass you buy. No substitutes.

    Votes: 39 4.6%

  • Yes, eventually you need a P bass, but it doesn't have to be the first one.

    Votes: 178 20.9%

  • Yes, but you can get a P/J and have virtually the same thing.

    Votes: 69 8.1%

  • No, that's nonsense.

    Votes: 566 66.4%
  • Total voters
    852
#165
Jokingly yes, but seriously no.
A true bassist is a true bassist. A master bassist, if you will.
But again, seriously...
Probably most "great" bassists own or have played P-Basses...but I mean, most "great" bassists have giant collections.
I ain't about to say a bassist without a P-Bass isn't a true bassist. That's silly. I don't think I've ever seen Doug Wimbish play one, at least not for any length of time. Lemmy? Don't recall seeing him play one. Ian Hill? Never.
I do like my two.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MrAB4003, Miles_ONeal and Matt-J2
#166
I don't know what a "true bassist" is, but a Precision is my default choice most of the time. That's just because I like the tone, neck profile, simplicity, and ergonomics. To each their own. Some golfers can reach the green with a wedge. Some need a 9 iron. Some need a 7 iron. Who cares, as long as you have a club that can get you there. Same with basses. Or pretty much anything else in life for that matter. YMMV.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Miles_ONeal
#168
GretschWretch said:
Nevertheless, prior to the Jazz he used a P bass.

From Wikipedia:

Osborn's instrument throughout most of his recording career was a 1960 Fender stack-knob Jazz Bass, which was given to him by Fender just prior to touring Australia with Nelson. Osborn said he was initially disappointed that Fender had not sent him a Precision Bass, which he had been using, but he said he grew to like the Jazz Bass because the narrower neck made it easier for his short fingers.

Joe Osborn went to high school in the same town I did, and he retired to a small town about forty miles south of my hometown. I even had a phone conversation with him just after Lakland had launched his signature bass. He was quite the gentleman. He may have recorded most of his catalog on the Jazz, but it was not all Jazz.
Click to expand...
Sure, but 95% of it was a Jazz bass
 
#171
Snarf said:
I'd reword that to "Every PROFESSIONAL bassist needs a P bass." Because that is definitely true.
Click to expand...

It's definitely not true. These fairy tales were contradicted many times.

this-mfer-smh.gif
 
  • Like
Reactions: Derek Kay, backin82 and Miles_ONeal
#172
This is a gem of a video.
Larry Steele(UK) recorded with THIS Jazz bass on Cat Stevens records, Lesley Duncan, Elton John and a long list of other artists. If you listen closely he talks about the popularity of P Basses and how he dreamed about them. I watched this video 15 times. He played congas live with Cat Stevens also if I recall.

Quite a portfolio!
Invalid Link Removed

Here is how I discovered Larry:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Miles_ONeal
#175
Greenman72 said:
Well, I can't seem to edit my original post. However, I should note that this is more or less hyperbole, and he didn't really say it this forcefully. He said something to the effect of "eventually, if you stay with the bass long enough and get good enough, you're going to need a P bass someday."

Again, this is just food for thought and fun. Don't take it too seriously. (Like when people say "fire your teacher". I don't take them seriously.)
Click to expand...
I don't take many teachers seriously, either…
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back