I saw a SDOD for a classic vibe 60s P Bass that looks great. The problem is I already have a P bass that I really like. It’s a sonic series so it’s got the jazz nut width. I am wondering if a traditional width nut is worth adding to the stable. My instinct tells me the thinner nut is more playable, but maybe that’s not the case? Anyway, any opinions are welcome and considered.
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How many P Basses do you need?
- Thread starter NotHereNow
- Start date
at least 2 - one single coil, one split coil. I guess 3rd would be a fancy active one with a preamp, but that's pretty low priority for me, besides which, already got me one.
Simple. The answer is 2. One with rounds, one with flats.
Sigh yeah. Now I need at least 4. Gee, thanks. hehe
you don't need any! 
it's true: you don't need a P-bass at all!
but in the spirit of the 'P-basses rule' meme, i have two, and they rock!* and i also like the 1.5" neck width at the nut, just like the OP --- fun to play! but i voted "0" because it's the truth! 
*
it's true: you don't need a P-bass at all!
but in the spirit of the 'P-basses rule' meme, i have two, and they rock!* and i also like the 1.5" neck width at the nut, just like the OP --- fun to play! but i voted "0" because it's the truth! *
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You need:
P
PJ
P-MM/P-HB
Another of each for tuning down
Another of each with flats
A "Not really a P but bassically a P" (like a 1st Gen Peavey Fury or T-20...)
P
PJ
P-MM/P-HB
Another of each for tuning down
Another of each with flats
A "Not really a P but bassically a P" (like a 1st Gen Peavey Fury or T-20...)
I’m afraid the quantity only increases exponentially.
I have three MIA P's, a few MIM P's and some SX P Basses, both fretted and fretless.
You can never have enough.
You can never have enough.
I voted two, but really need three for myself: One for rounds, one for light flats a la TI, and one for the big LaBellas.
All of them / as many as you can fit in your man cave / as many as you can get away with under the wife’s radar. But seriously I voted for 2….one with rounds and one with flats. At one point I had 4 p basses at the same time which was overkill. Right now I have 1 and I fully intend to get another and I’m also considering a 5 string P. I have no self discipline.
Simplicity is what draws me to P basses, so it would be kind of moot to have more than one. Spoils the whole concept.
For me, it’s 3 :
One with a vintage (70's) sound with rounds.
One with a vintage (60's) sound with flats.
One with rounds and a more aggressive and modern sound. Fender nickel rounds with Nordstrand Power Blade pickups work perfectly for this for me.
One with a vintage (70's) sound with rounds.
One with a vintage (60's) sound with flats.
One with rounds and a more aggressive and modern sound. Fender nickel rounds with Nordstrand Power Blade pickups work perfectly for this for me.
I don't know if this is an American thing, or Western thing, or "affluent society" thing, but you NEED far less than you WANT.
Plus, the rush of buying things fades pretty quickly. I do think the enjoyment can be longer term if you buy an instrument that genuinely enhances your creativity, but let's get real: Buying a second P bass won't do that for you.
So....
If you're playing Madison Square Bedroom, you only "need" one or two basses.
If you're playing with people, in most cases you "need" 2 instruments, one to play and one as a backup. Rounds on one, flats on the other.
If you are playing in the type of bands where you need to nail a specific sound or a specific look, then you'll likely need several instruments.
If music is your primary source of income, well... best of luck.
There's almost no difference in terms of "playability" based on neck shape. You might prefer one shape over another, but a 2.5mm difference in nut width is not going to make an instrument somehow unplayable. I.e. that is not a need, it's a justification for a desire.
I voted none, but I have two - one with flats and an active one with rounds. Love them, but don't need them.
Strictly speaking, you don’t need any. Want is another matter. 
That said, it’s useful to have one, and it might be also useful to have a backup. I have a P, a J, and a PJ that can do backup duty for both. Of course, I wouldn’t exactly mind a second P either.
That said, it’s useful to have one, and it might be also useful to have a backup. I have a P, a J, and a PJ that can do backup duty for both. Of course, I wouldn’t exactly mind a second P either.
