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I really need help... P or J?

#21
It sounds to me like you will always wonder about the "other" bass that you didn't choose, so I say just get either one now based on gut feeling, and then save up for the other one. You can't really go wrong with either style. They are both very versatile in their own way.

I preferred J's for years; I prefer P's now. I am sure I will change back to J's at some point in the future. It's good to have both if you can afford it.
 
#22
Poke said:
It sounds to me like you will always wonder about the "other" bass that you didn't choose, so I say just get either one now based on gut feeling, and then save up for the other one. You can't really go wrong with either style. They are both very versatile in their own way.

I preferred J's for years; I prefer P's now. I am sure I will change back to J's at some point in the future. It's good to have both if you can afford it.
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^^^^True^^^^

I have a nice sounding jazz, but since I put flats on a P Bass, it is tough to play a Jazz out again.

I say I will bring my 08' Am Std to the next gig, and my 50's P with flats gets to come for the ride and is being played that night.

I have flipped back and forth, but lately it is my P.
 
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#23
Well, first, I'd recommend the neck that feels better in your left hand. I'm a really "it's gotta be comfy" kind of guy.

After that, the weight would be my next consideration.

To be honest, the tonal sculpting capabilities on today's equipment, IMHO, renders the P vs. J tone debate moot.
 
#24
Get the P, at this point in your playing career you'll find its "set and forget" nature means a little less to worry about. Concentrate on your chops, and
on the nuances available through different playing positions, strings and the like.

A couple years hence, when you will better appreciate sonic nuances and thus the ability to tweak, get the J. Play it for a few years, then
decide to "return to your roots" - which is to say, the P.

Post your results here.
 
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#26
topcat2069 said:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-deluxe-p-bass-special-4-string-bass

the best of all possible worlds.
Click to expand...

You can also find the older passive version of this at an affordable cost used, as well as the 1980s MIJ Jazz Bass Specials.

I like the P body with J neck combo.

If you decide to re-route, the placement of the J pickup will impact the sound.

Closer to the bridge (like "70s" position) will sound a little thinner; closer to the neck pickup (like "60s" position) will sound a little thicker.
 
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#27
either one is good...I'd pick one and live with it for awhile...if you've got the right type...then look to upgrade in that style...or if it doesn't quite cut it...trade for the other...either way you'll have a decent bass to get you through...until you make a final decision on which you prefer...I've owned several Fender jazz...and several Fender Precision...and I wound up with a nice Precision...
 
#28
Poke said:
It sounds to me like you will always wonder about the "other" bass that you didn't choose, so I say just get either one now based on gut feeling, and then save up for the other one. You can't really go wrong with either style. They are both very versatile in their own way.
Click to expand...

This^^^^

I own both but I started out with a P and still prefer the P.
But they are both great basses.
 
#35
I'm a P guy (currently own 4), but every few years I get on a Jazz kick and buy one.

Never fails, after the first rehearsal/gig with the J, I miss my P's.

Oddly enough, my P's sound great with my current bands. The last J I owned did not, so I traded it away for another P.
 
#36
I have a P and a J (love 'em both!!) and if forced to stick with one I'd go with the J. In my VERY humble opinion, I like how the J can do a fairly good approximation of a P bass if needed that actually sounds pretty good. No, I didn't say exact because it's NOT exact and never will be. But it does a pretty good job in it's own way that I'm happy with.
 
#37
The test for me was rather simple.

Do a 5 fret reach and see how it feels.
If you have to strain a bit to cover the reach fretting notes cleanly on a P-Bass, then a Jazz neck will be easier to play.
 

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