Help on choosing a bass!!

I'd say more like 75% or more P-power when you solo the neck pickup, but the mileage may vary between models. When you start adding in the bridge pickup, you start dipping into the more aggressive "growl" (that term pops up a lot in regards to Jazzes) of a Jazz, but from what I hear, it's not a true Jazz sound.

Basically, in trying to be "the best of both worlds" P/J's have their own unique sound that is neither wholly one or the other.

As far as which is better? There's a lot of debate all around. Some say their Classic Vibes and Vintage Modifieds kick enough a$$ to run alongside the Standard basses. I'd recommend going to Youtube and listen to demos and samples, especially ones where people are using no EQ effects. That way you hear what the bass sounds like "straight up".

 

Really depends on what you want. If you like P's, get a P. If you like versatility, then a P/J is a good choice. I found my P/J bass to be pretty effects-friendly as well. I'm not too much of a jazz bass fan due to their more modern voicing and I can't play the jazz type necks.

My suggestion would be to go to a local guitar store. It shouldn't be too hard to find both of these instruments in stock as they're pretty common. That way you can get your hands on them and see how the neck feels, listen to the pups, etc.

I personally prefer the Precision if you have the cash for it. If not, the Squier VMs have a good rep.

 

You can always check the used circuit. You can get twice the bass for half the cost. The classifieds here on TB have some good stuff. You can also stumble across the occasional deal on craigslist, though CL is a bit sketchier.

 

You really need to spend time at a GC and get touchy-feely with lots of basses. Even if you can't play a note, eventually you'll stay messing around with a particular bass and you won't be able to put it down. Then you'll know. Then you can buy it, tweak it, and customize the heck put of it! Hope that helped.

 

Yeah, I've got the 2012 Fender American Standard Precision Bass and I love it.

 

HalfPlayer, I can't remember if I mentioned this in another thread of yours, so I'll just run with it.

I should've recommended taking a look at the Fender Blacktop Jazz, that is, if you can find one to try out. Basically, it's an MIM Jazz bass body and neck (comparable to the Standard Line), but instead of having two Jazz pickups, it has two Precision pickups.

What you get is the classic "P-Bass" sound when you solo the neck pickup. When you add in the bridge, that baby begins to ROAR! It's incredibly powerful, even when you're at neck-100%/bridge-50%.

So if I want a Classic Rock/R&B sound, I'll ease off the bridge and tone. But if I want something more aggressive (which I often do) I'll start bringing up the tone and bridge.

Just some food for thought, if you can get a chance to try one out. Oh, and one other thing…the Blacktop Line is getting $50 off from the Fender Summer Sonic Boom sale. They normally go for $500 (about $50 to $100 less than the Standard Line) but are now down to $450 brand-new.