I'm a guitarists who is in the process of adding bass to my musical resume and I was wondering if you could help me buy my first bass. I listen to the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, etc and I was wondering whether a Precision or Jazz bass would be more appropriate. Also I was wondering if I should get a 5 string bass so that down the road if I want to play some more notes I don't have to detune my bass and I could save money by purchasing one bass instead of two.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
First Bass Guitar
- Thread starter derrickgoodrich
- Start date
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
Try a search for "precision vs. jazz" or "which bass". There may be a post or two that addresses this very question...
I've been doing that for a few days now and have found that the Jazz bass has more treble while the Precision bass has more bass and depth too it. I also read that a Jazz bass was specifically made by Leo Fender to be a bridge between the guitar and bass which is why the Jazz's neck is much thinner than the Precision's.
The Fender Precision Bass was made as an alternative to the Stand-Up or Double Bass. The Fender
Jazz Bass, also made by Leo Fender, was considered an all around upgrade to the Precision.
For a first bass, are you talking about an actual Fender bass, or a Squire type instrument? Fender's are quite expensive, especially for a first bass.
Jazz Bass, also made by Leo Fender, was considered an all around upgrade to the Precision.
For a first bass, are you talking about an actual Fender bass, or a Squire type instrument? Fender's are quite expensive, especially for a first bass.
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
Well, honestly, TB is a great site, but yours is the question that is as old as those two fine basses. Your assessment is pretty good. I used to be a Ric guy to the bone, then I got a Jazz for Christmas and it was love at first sound. I was never all that satisfied with the real deep bottom end of the Jazz, though I love it's growl and playability. That's when I started looking for a Precision. The P with flats is the bass for deep tone. Like the James Earl Jones of Bass.
Here is a brief preview of the upcoming responses you'll hear most:
1. Get a Precision - they will blow away a Jazz
2. Get a Jazz - they will blow away a Precision
3. Don't get either - they both suck
4. Get one of each - you can't live without both
5. Go and play both - buy what you like
6. Etc.
I went with #4. That said, there are "P/J" basses out there that can approach the sound of both. I'm a Fender fan, but there are lots of great basses that will work as a first bass. I plan on getting my son, who is just starting, an SX P/J bass: Link Removed. At $100, you can't go wrong!
In fact, check out this thread from 2 days ago: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=555286. It discusses the very issues you will need to consider as you begin your enlightenment away from guitar and toward bass. Be careful...most never return.
Here is a brief preview of the upcoming responses you'll hear most:
1. Get a Precision - they will blow away a Jazz
2. Get a Jazz - they will blow away a Precision
3. Don't get either - they both suck
4. Get one of each - you can't live without both
5. Go and play both - buy what you like
6. Etc.
I went with #4. That said, there are "P/J" basses out there that can approach the sound of both. I'm a Fender fan, but there are lots of great basses that will work as a first bass. I plan on getting my son, who is just starting, an SX P/J bass: Link Removed. At $100, you can't go wrong!
In fact, check out this thread from 2 days ago: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=555286. It discusses the very issues you will need to consider as you begin your enlightenment away from guitar and toward bass. Be careful...most never return.
How much do you wanna spend??You are a guitar player,so,I guess you know the advantages of buying used....Don't you??
Fender American Standard, if I'm going to do something I might as well not do it half assed lol. I've been leaning towards The Jazz because of its versatility. Should I get a 4 string bass or a 5 string bass? I know most songs only need 4 strings but I wanted to know if it would be hard for me to get used to a 5 string so that way I dont have to buy two separate basses and could get it all in one. Couldnt I play the standard strings then graduate to the B string when I am more experienced?
If you mostly only play classic rock music and what not,I personally don't see any reason to buy a 5 string,because you won't use it. The majority of the music you listed is pre-5 string era.
roger waters and colin greenwood both play precision basses, ............i can't remember whether John paul jones played a jazz or a precision, but i think it was precision?
do you like the bass sound of the floyd and radiohead? that kind of fat, p-bass, 'sit-in-the-mix' sound? if so, maybe p-bass is the way to go?
do you like the bass sound of the floyd and radiohead? that kind of fat, p-bass, 'sit-in-the-mix' sound? if so, maybe p-bass is the way to go?
I disagree. The use of the B string is not limited to the notes below the low E. For example, if you are playing up the neck a bit, it's nice to be able to grab that F at the 6th fret on the B string rather than having to drop out of position to get down to the 1st fret on the E string.
