Fender J neck vs P neck, which you prefer and why.

[Icculus]

The 1.5" nut width is my choice so I don't have to stretch as much at frets 1-5 (the "cash register", as Danny Morris calls it). That said, the thickness and radius have even more of an impact on whether or not I find a neck comfortable. When you start have issues in the hands/wrists/arms like I do, it's an expensive process. The main neck I play is a really nice Warmoth jazz with the standard contour. Their "standard" contour is known to be on the chunky side and I'm trying to figure out if I need to try the slim taper.

Some people feel that thinner is easier on the hands/wrists, while others say thinner causes them to cramp up more. The only way to know what's best for you is the play the hell out of several of them for extended periods of time. All the more reason to buy more basses

 

[TomB]

I like 'em both for different things, including the B-neck in-betweens. The big C-necks help me to keep my playing sparse when that's what's called for. My A-necks allow me to go faster when that's what's needed. ...all good. So have at least 1 of each if you're a Fender player.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I like my necks as thin as practical front to back and nut width, fits my smallish hands. The Ibanez SR series necks are ideal for me, so definitely a Jazz is best, never liked P necks. Ive heard people harping that you should be able to accommodate any neck size if your technique is "correct", what a load of horsesh*t, like saying your size 9 feet should be comfortable in size 11 shoes if only you would learn to stand "correctly". My favorite neck is my Steinberger, which is even thinner than a J at the nut, but a more pronounced "C" profile.

 

[MovingPitchers]

My Mendel has a very nice neck that tricks my hands into thinking its holding a Jazz neck but has enough meat to label it as a P neck. I love it

 

[todd0864]

As a follow up, I've been gravitating towards the 1.5" of my J neck.

 

[Catbuster]

On a four string bass I've found I tend to prefer 1 & 5/8" nut widths. On a five, 1 & 3/4" tends to be what I trend towards liking. Not that I can't play 1 & 7/8" nuts, but that's what I tend to prefer.

But really, a bass that feels good and plays well feels good and plays well. I've had both Ps & Js play bad, and I've had both that felt bad.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Amen, I had an AVRI '57 P bass that was wide and thin, very uncomfortable compared to my AVRI '58, which was thicker. Kept the 58 and sold the 57, all based on the necks.

Different strokes, and all that, as I'd have preferred the 57 reissue.