Fender J or P Bass?

[Acustiman]

Hey Fellaz,

Trying to get a consensus on which of these most would prefer for Blues & Southern Rock...Both U.S. versions P-Bass or J-Bass.

The rig is an Ampeg BA500 2x10 with the additional 1x15 cab @ 500 watts. Just wondering if the Jazz would be too thin.

Thanks for any input.

 

[gotmule?]

For those types of music, a P Bass with flats would probably be best IMO.

 

[krall]

I'd say P bass.

 

[johnnycat42]

I'd say P Bass too but you really could go either way. Both would work just fine.

 

[shamus63]

Another vote here for P-Bass.

 

[Willicious]

a month ago, i would have answered "P".
i have always played them, and love them dearly.

however . . .

just picked up a new 60s Classic Jazz, and installed
Fralins and stack knobs.

i'm amazed at the tonal range of this instrument.
( not to mention the amazing neck! )

2 cents.

 

[Dave R]

Both basses have been used in those types of music. Doesn't help you make up your mind, I know.

Try both. You'll likely have your own preference, either on tone or neck.

I love the Jazz neck.

 

[SteveD]

Tonewise, it depends on your finger or pick technique. As far as comfort, only you can decide.

 

[TLW]

J > P

 

[MtManiac]

Either would be fine, no the Jazz will not be too thin, unless you have the neck pickup dialed off. My preference would (always) be the P bass however!

 

[Lemoore-on]

You really should play both and figure out which one you like the best.

The necks have a way different feel.

 

[Acustiman]

Thanks all...

The tone is more of what I'm looking for. The neck is a difference of 1/8" (1 5/8") in favor of the P-Bass correct, and the Jazz is a little longer and wider if no?

I'll try to get to SA or GC to get a real world comparison, But the P-Bass is what I'm leaning toward... I'm thinking.

 

[mongo2]

I use both a P and J (aw well as others) for that type of music. All with nylon tapewounds.

A Thunderbird would also work.

 

[chiplexic]

I see a lot of old school southern rock video footage where the bass is a Jazz. As far as blues goes,Tommy Shannon of Double Trouble (ofcourse) used a Jazz quite a bit. Sometimes a P but most I've seen a Jazz.

If your a guy who prefers note definition then I'd say either a P with flats like TI flats (IME they really give a P some J type definition). Or a Jazz with a pickup and/or string combination that gives plenty of thump (if your concern is thump maybe missed).

 

[NOVAX]

IMO- comfort would be the major consideration-especially the fretting hand with neck size- 1.50 vs. 1.75 I have B-neck Precisions(1.5/8) and they fit my hand like a glove-
pun intended. Long, sweaty, whisky-soaked sets at the local roadhouse require extreme
comfort. String choice and tone settings will season your southern,sonic recipe

 

[RickenBoogie]

Also, consider an American Deluxe P bass. Kind of a compromise between the 2, and 18 volt preamp to boot. Nice thin "ish" neck, downsized body, and lots of tonal options. With that amp, you'd kill. ( I had a BA500 with an 18 under it. Not my tone, but man was that thing loud.)

 

[Valerus]

I prefer Jazzes now but with that genre...passive P with flats

 

[davidguevara80]

I say P-Bass but If you like the J- Neck get one with P/J combination PUPS

 

[Mastermold]

I see a lot of old school southern rock video footage where the bass is a Jazz. As far as blues goes,Tommy Shannon of Double Trouble (ofcourse) used a Jazz quite a bit. Sometimes a P but most I've seen a Jazz.

If your a guy who prefers note definition then I'd say either a P with flats like TI flats (IME they really give a P some J type definition). Or a Jazz with a pickup and/or string combination that gives plenty of thump (if your concern is thump maybe missed).

+1

I read Tommy Shannon's favorite bass is his early 60's jazz, it's what he used on all those SRV recordings.

Personally I used P-basses more for blues but a jazz absolutely works, you just need to use it accordingly (i.e., use the neck pickup).

 

[mcm]

Both are great. I prefer the jazz this month!