Is a P bass necessary?

[cowsgomoo]

It just seems to me that when I solo the neck pup on my Jazz, I get pretty close to a P sound. So why not play a Jazz and have the option of both?

I don't know if you've ever compared the neck pickup on a jazz to a P-bass pickup in an ensemble setting, but they're not the same.. they poke through in different places... they both have that slightly 'hollow' midrangey sound but in practical use one's not a substitute for the other

that's why you (comparatively) rarely get people using neck only on a Jazz bass, and why people don't say "thank god I ditched my P and started using the a Jazz with the neck pickup soloed etc"

 

[nemo]

Is a P bass necessary?

You tell me.

But seriously, you do get close to P by soloing the neck pickup on a J.
If you do it often and find yourself digging it, you are hooked and there is no way back other than getting a P!
Thats how I got to P-basses!

 

[FL Knifemaker]

For me it's not just the sound, it's the wider fuller neck. Skinny jazz necks cramp my hand The one Jazz bass I have has a very old Warmoth neck that is a FULL C shape. So........for me the question is........Is a J bass necessary??

 

[Rathead123]

A p bass and a jazz all have ther places. That being said a jazz will never (replace) sound like a p. This " I solo my neck pickup" wont make you have the full rich tone.It makes a jazz fuller than with both pickups on, but thats not the nasty growl a jazz is for.

Some settings a jazz sounds good . some a p. I like my geddy, soloed or in a 3 piece where the aggresive tone can shine. But in our 2 guitar 4 piece rock band, the p supports the mix better.

 

[Framus-bass]

Its all based on the individual playing the instrument... For me a P bass is absolutly necessary for me and my style of music. I own 2. For others its the jazz... Im sure the P-bass die-hards could ask if a Jazz is necessary.

 

[LowBSix]

No.

Whenever a producer requests a Precision, I take my Yamaha BB1200 with EMG PJ pickups... No one says a word and it sounds amazing... If you want something P like, the BB1200/2000, etc. were known as "P-Busters" in the early 80's...

 

[elBandito]

Close, but no cigar. If jazz can do it all, P wouldnt be as popular as it is. Soloing the neck on jazz will give you crazy hum as well. You dont really 'need' a precision. It's all in the p pickups.

It just seems to me that when I solo the neck pup on my Jazz, I get pretty close to a P sound. So why not play a Jazz and have the option of both?

 

[Relic]

my honest opinion - EVERY serious bass player should absolutely have a P and a J in their collection. Somehow Fender basically nailed perfection within the first decade of the creation of the electric bass and has not looked back since. I love Ricks, I love Hofners, I even have a 68 Vox and a Warwick Infinity that I adore, but if I had to narrow it down to 1 only, it would be a P, J would be my second choice.

 

[mongo2]

Mongo, You're more of a buzz kill than Buzz Killington. Way to give the most reasonable and accurate answer.

I'm sorry.

I'll try to do better next time.

 

[LowBSix]

If I "had to have" a Fender, I'd get a MIA Deluxe with the PJ active set up... Probly change out the preamp...

 

[MNAirHead]

Not necessary - listeners can not hear the difference..

REcording is different.

 

[Relic]

Not necessary - listeners can not hear the difference..

REcording is different.

Right - but it's not only about the listener, it's also about the feel of it to you as the player, the sound of it as it sits in the mix, the vibe of it etc etc

 

[bh2]

I reckon you've decided to get one by asking the question!

Bought one at last after 30 years of Jazz, SB1000, Stingray bliss... at last is all I can say...

Link Removed

Superb!

 

[spade2you]

Fender P bass? Nah. P bass sound? Why not.

 

[elBandito]

True. Dont players listen? They can tell the difference in sound. Who cares if people cant tell. If the player gets inspired by the instrument, thats what matters most.

Right - but it's not only about the listener, it's also about the feel of it to you as the player, the sound of it as it sits in the mix, the vibe of it etc etc

 

[savit260]

Spade, do you have any soundclips of that bass? I'd be interested to hear it.

That's the CB correct?

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

The one thing a P-bass will get you, no questions asked: If you show up to a studio with one, the engineer will know *exactly* what to do with it. Same with a J bass. And, provide you can play, he will make it sound *good*.

Anything else is a bit more of a crapshoot.

 

[spade2you]

Spade, do you have any soundclips of that bass? I'd be interested to hear it.

That's the CB correct?

On the Sam myspace, STA Swan Song uses the P pickup. The guy playing lead guitar brought over some small digital recording mic that was placed in the center of the room for the sake of jamming and testing it out. No pre or post production work done. Touch of clipping, but not terrible. LOL, 2-3 weeks after that, everyone split and suddenly I had to beg to audition to some really crappy bands.

 

[MMcC]

Maybe necessary was a poor choice of words. My point was "if you have a J, is it necessary". And you've all brought up great points.

I'm not considering getting a P, but I'm not ruling it out. I wasn't asking for the reason of helping me make any kind of purchase decision.

I just wanted to start a conversation.

 

[Relic]

Maybe necessary was a poor choice of words. My point was "if you have a J, is it necessary". And you've all brought up great points.

I'm not considering getting a P, but I'm not ruling it out. I wasn't asking for the reason of helping me make any kind of purchase decision.

I just wanted to start a conversation.

Well then, you've got a J, all you need now is a P and you're set for life