Fender Jazz or Precision ??

[Kgveteran]

Im not in the market for a new bass, my little squire serves me well.

I have been reading about these two fender styles and how they were meant to acompany a certain Guitar, not sure if thats even right, but…

If you were a play at home old guy, just beginning bass playing, which would kinda be the right choice, kinda Lol

 

[4stringfarley]

There's no definitive answer to this question. Personally if I was a beginner looking at buying my first Fender I would buy either of the two I liked more.

 

[Bass4LifeRS]

Precision bass fits better on most stands due to the shape

 

[Kgveteran]

They were also made in many locations around the world, does this have any impact on a better location of origin

 

[P. Aaron]

It's a human fit; to your hands & body, how the instrument feels as you play it, your reaction to making sequential notes on a particular bass as you play it, and how well you can play it over time.
Quick tests in a music store or trying while on a CL visit aren't always the best test.

Yes to, try before you buy. One can change their mind quickly or over time.

Variety is a blessing and a confusing curse at times.

 

[dabbler]

Though I agree wholeheartedly with 4stringfarley's response, I realize that that may not be a particularly satisfying answer. So I will add the following:

1. The ABSOLUTE MOST important aspect of a bass is that you really like it. Ideally it should make you want to pick it up and play it every time you see it, because what makes you a better player is practice.

2. The Precision is a legendary style bass for good reason tone-wise. However it has a chunkier neck than a Jazz, which makes some with smaller hands more comfortable with a Jazz.

3. My first bass was a J style, which is something I do not at all regret, but an important aspect of learning is the differences you can make with just your hands, where you play on the string and how hard you pluck (or pick). A Precision will force you to learn these lessons because you don't have the option of mixing in a bridge pickup (unless its a PJ).

Hope this helps you with your decision.

 

[Jimmy Stump]

This is a good video that may help someone decide.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

depends on what you're listening to and what sound you want, however both will work well for 99% of music genres. Since you already said you have a squier, I'd look into a used American Standard P or J bass. With MIM's being so high new ($800-$1000+) an American standard will have likely better components, parts, and overall quality control and be within the same price range (can be found used for $800-$1100 on places like ebay and fb marketplace). Difference between the 2 is honestly what sound you like as both models have easily playing, nice feeling necks.

 

[IronLung1986]

They weren't really meant to accompany certain guitars. That's not really a thing so I wouldn't think much of that. Either can accompany any guitar in almost any context. It comes down to your hands and ears. I prefer basses with only one pickup because I find freedom in simplicity, and I find that introducing a second pickup typically takes away from the kind of focused, "optimal" sound and pokey midrange that I like.

 

[Killing Floor]

This is a very interesting question I hadn't thought of before. Worthy of some debate though. P vs J?

 

[HardNHeavy]

lol oh no

 

[CletusMarley]

No right or wrong here. Just play what you like best.

 

[JRA]

I have been reading about these two fender styles and how they were meant to acompany a certain Guitar, not sure if thats even right, but…

i doubt it, but even if it was = it's 70-year-old information not grounded in modern 'standard practices'.

i'm an old fart, played them all, and i find that at my present age/stage, i prefer the necks found on most jazz basses (narrower/slimmer at the nut, typically thinner front-to-back). i even have those necks on my P-basses, i.e., i think every player has to be comfortable with the neck!

playing a bunch of them would be of help to you, of course, so hopefully you can do that at a store. good luck!

 

[sethlow3]

Compare the two types as much as you can to make a decision. For some, the neck and or body difference makes the choice easy. Jazzes tend to weigh a lot more also. For me personally it's the TONE.

I tend to go for more Precision tones myself. The three tonal strengths to me are fatness, rockin picked brightness, and being able to set well in the mix without having to change too much generally speaking.

I also loathe offset bodies like the jazz, but can work with it on some models more. Your mileage may vary so try, try, try example of the two to see what you like more. Play with fingers, pick, strapped up standing, sitting etc…

 

[TrevorG]

My theory is Jazz and Precisions have huge romanticism in their history and most Fender players have an incurable romantic in them. That's why reissues are Fender's focus and not development. If I could start again it would be on a Precision just because that's where it all started and everything else has come from it.

 

[T2Squared]

I noticed the self-proclaimed "at home old guy" comment. Another option to consider is the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass. I picked one up about a year ago and absolutely love it. Noticeably lighter than a standard J bass (which is nice for us older guys). Made by Fender Japan which, in my opinion, has fit and quality that are a bit above the MIM basses. Mine is a PJ configuration which can give me more punch like a P bass along with the growl of a J bass. That said, agree with all the other comments about trying them all and seeing what feels right to you. Good luck, keep playing!

 

[bassliner50]

Whether beginner or advanced, I'd equip myself with a Precision. Simpler controls. Less hum. Eternally useful tone and response. Easy resale. Parts are literally everywhere. My true opinion.

 

[Killing Floor]

Mothman?

 

[bmusic]

Whether beginner or advanced, I'd equip myself with a Precision. Simpler controls. Less hum. Eternally useful tone and response. Easy resale. Parts are literally everywhere. My true opinion.

What this guy said.

 

[Ghastly]

My first bass was a jazz bass. Then I discovered that I was a precision bass guy. But I love my jazz bass(es). I have 3 and 3.