How many P Basses do you need?

[sleddogn]

+4 more than the number of threads asking this frequently

 

[MechaSparky]

You need at least two, but you can't have two unless you have at least three.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

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.

Thats pretty much why I had a second P.
I had been trying different basses as backups, and realized that what I really needed was a one for one replacement when the occasion happened.
I didn't want to adjust to something different if something went south on my primary.
I ended up mostly using it to change the color.

 

[Gopherbassist]

So far I don't need any.

 

[Bent77]

2

One E std
One C#

 

[Pings Bass]

I bought a 76 P in 87 and haven't needed it since 93 so my answer is zero

 

[Ric Vice]

1 I don’t believe in tempting fate. I’m very fortunate to have this one.

 

[Bikeguy57]

No one NEEDS more than one bass. They are such cool objects, and relatively inexpensive, so why not indulge?

 

[PNW Tony]

Need? I think two; one flats, one round would be sufficient for me. Have? Six. Want? I'd like four total, but can't choose who goes.

 

[JZQuantum]

Get a bass with 2 high output pickups like Delanos and an Underhill preamp and you will only need one bass. It will cover P bass, J bass, StingRay…et.al.

 

[Heiwa]

At least 2, in different colors

 

[shirojiro]

I spend 20 years playing bass and not needing a Pbass.

Now I prefer playing either a Pbass or MM style single pickup bass.
I have no idea why, but the tone I’m chasing changed a bit.

I like having two - one with flats and ne with rounds.

If a PJ counts, well then it’s 3.

I have more than that, but that’s the number I would want to keep.

 

[Crusher47]

I have 4...
Vintera II - All stock w/tort & flats and Rosewood neck
MIM LPB w/Maple Neck - rounds
MIM '51 style w/single coil, Maple neck - flats
MIM beater - Rosewood Neck and rounds

Should have all bases covered

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

Truth be told, you don't need any...but for me, I'll always have one bass with a 'P' pickup. It's simple and it just works.

I actually prefer my P bass with rounds and have flats on my Jazz...

 

[alack]

Need? 0!

I could gig something else, but I don’t “want” to. I could trim it back to 1, but I think I’ll keep the 4 I have.

 

[FenrirofOld]

Simple. The answer is 2. One with rounds, one with flats.

This is what I came to say

 

[Winton]

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.

To answer your question, it depends on what’s comfortable for you. A traditional but thin Pbass neck was most comfortable. A traditional jazz neck was always uncomfortable for me. So when I got my current Lakland Pbass with a traditional jazz nut, I wasn’t as comfortable playing it at first. I’m used to it now and can see how I don’t get as tired playing it.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

If I had a P bass, I would trade it for as many carrots as possible.

 

[jd56hawk]

The same number Paul McCartney needs.

 

[Deleted member 394512]

Zero. I have never owned a P or a J.