Fender Jazz or Precision ??

[Killing Floor]

Indeed. It is about time a new topic for discussion was breached on TB. These novel lines of inquiry are what keeps TB fresh and topical. Hopefully, this thread will be cataloged for the sake of reference if anyone every asks the question in the future.

Perhaps a moderator can pin it under the Basses subforum.

Where’s my haiku moderator?

Which bass is for me?
Precision, Jazz or Mothman
Help my guy decide

 

[Kgveteran]

So, theres a bunch of versions, jazz and precision, precision with p&j pickups and the choice of necks…..

Which pickups are the precision

 

[spantini]

I prefer the Jazz for recording and Precision for live work. My smaller hands are better suited to the Jazz neck. The Precision was tiring, requiring more work stretching for notes. I did studio work with an old '66 Jazz, then later bought a late 80's MIJ active Jazz Special (did not like that one at all). My current bass is a USA Jazz which fits my hands nicely and sounds great in my bedroom studio.

 

[HolmeBass]

Seriously guys...

We *can* tell people to use the search. I personally think this is an epic troll and we are being had royally.

 

[Discount Bassy]

This thread is how ChatGPT trains itself to answer such questions.

 

[chuck3]

Mike Lull J on the left. Nash P on the right. 1978 Fender fretless P in the middle. The Lull J is #1 at the moment but I'll switch to a P on a moment's notice if I think it fits the material better.

 

[Thegreatzambini]

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!
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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

So you didn’t think to Google this question as thousands of threads on this forum would’ve popped up about it…. I think “at home old guys” need a separate forum…

 

[Thegreatzambini]

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.

So what part of the beginning of your statement would lead us believe that it wasn’t your true opinion that you had to confirm it was at the end?
I highly respect the precision bass for its history and sound but thanks to you over-bearing fanboys, It is now such a cliché.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Mothman?

'What Is the Best Bass Guitar Ever Built?'

 

[Marko 1]

I vote Precision...

with TORT!

 

[REMBO]

I would start With a P-Bass & Get a Jazz Bass Also At A Later Point In Time!

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Both

 

[brisonic]

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

They feel different, just try both. The Jazz neck is skinnier and that for some is a big deal. The Precision neck is a little bigger and that usually leads to beefier tone.

 

[majbass]

No right or wrong answer. Buy whichever you like. If you can't decide, there's always the PJ

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Here is my subjectively opinionated suggestion.

If I had to get down to only one bass, I’d play a carefully selected PJ with nickel round wound strings, but I’d miss the P and J eventually (I own both). That being said;

• Get a P bass if most of the following points apply to you:
  • Simplicity
  • Large hands
  • Safely sounding at least “OK” in any situation (no fiddling)
  • Support / groove playing
  • Noiseless
  • Low-mids
  • Playing in dense / loud ensembles

• Get a PJ bass if you want a P bass + an additional bridge / Jaco sound at the expense of some blended J sounds.

• Get a J bass if most of the following points apply to you:
  • Tone shaping
  • Small hands
  • Melodic / lead playing
  • Slapping
  • Articulation
  • High-mids
  • Playing in smaller ensembles

 

[Reid-O]

As an 'old guy' myself I'd vote for a Precision.
If you can learn to get as many sounds out of the Precision by changing right hand placement, attack, tone control, and dynamics, it will become a formidable ally. The Jazz is a great instrument, but can be frustrating for beginners to really dial in a tone.
That said, hand sizes matter too, and Jazz necks are thinner.
But the Precision is the sound on all the 'albums' in your 'record collection.'

Just starting? P bass all the way. I think it's more of a teacher than a J. Those points about tone and hand-position are spot-on.

 

[Lucca]

My genuine preference is a Fender Jazz body with a Fender Precision neck. I love the Jazz bass tone and I've noticed that the extra girth of the Precision neck improves the tone a bit, as well as how the bass feels in my hands. But, I'm probably in the minority in preferring this combination...

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Yes

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Precision bass fits better on most stands due to the shape

That's my only complaint about the Jazz.

 

[Basspaolo]

Precision because it's more plug and play