• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

J Bass vs. P Bass

Do you prefer the J Bass or the P Bass?

  • Jazz Bass

    Votes: 475 56.5%
  • Precision Bass

    Votes: 366 43.5%

  • Total voters
    841
It's funny to think, what if Leo Fender's very first bass design was the PJ bass? We'd be going "why the hell do we need a bass with only the p-bass pickup on it?" (for the standard P) and "the 1-pickup version clearly a learner's bass, introductory bass with lower production cost..", and "J-bass? now they brought out a bass with thinner neck pickup, why?" hehe
 
It's funny to think, what if Leo Fender's very first bass design was the PJ bass? We'd be going "why the hell do we need a bass with only the p-bass pickup on it?" (for the standard P) and "the 1-pickup version clearly a learner's bass, introductory bass with lower production cost..", and "J-bass? now they brought out a bass with thinner neck pickup, why?" hehe

Maybe, but he didn't. He chose one pickup and decided that was all anyone needed. Until he invented the Deluxe model (Jazz).
 
Wouldn't just using the P pickup on your PJ do the same as a standard P bass?

For 99,5% yes.

P/J just means pickup congifuration, it does not mean a precision-jazz-hybrid.

For me, the Mark Hoppus signature bass can be considered (IMO) a proper hybrid: jazz body, precision neck, precision pickup.


In most cases P/J is just a precision bass with a jazz pickup at the bridge. Most don't qualify as hybrid. If there even is such a thing as a hybrid. :)

Just get a bass which body you like, which neck you like, which pickup configuration you like... and which colour you like.
 
It all depends on personal preference really. Sure factors such as sound, style of play and music, and other things can effect ones choice. I currently play a Fender Precision Special with the P/J pup configuration and I get the best of both worlds and also the option to have both the P and J sounds together.
 
Jazz bass for sure. Slimmer neck, nicer contour on body. 2x pickups. Favour neck pickup for growl, favour neck pickup for thumb. Everything cranked = studio slap tone.

Ive played quite a handful of P basses, definitely prefer jazz over them
 
woundround said:
I have both The p gets the majority of play time as IMO it has a ballsier, bark in it s voice and fills the mix up better tho the jazz still gets some work tho it s number 3 behind The P , and the Ricky

I also have both jazz and a p bass. But I always prefer the first bass I pick. If I pick the Geddy first the CV p bass will sound too dark and muddy afterwards, if I pick the p bass first the Geddy will sound a bit thin after the hearing the p bass.
 
I've been a Jazz-er for a while now, however I just borrowed a friend's American Vintage '57 Precision for tonight's practice. I want to hear what a P will sound like with my band. I have a feeling that this will lead to GAS, and an interesting chat with my wife over funds...
That's if the sound in my head is the same as the P (with SD SPB2 p'up).
I just have a feeling that the P will fit the band better. I'll then have to get used to the neck. The 57 'C' shape feels huge in my hands.
I like the "Modern 'C' shape" that's on the CV Squier P, however.
 
For my style of playing I find that I generally love the sound of a jazz by itself, but can't get it to sound right in a mix.
A P is the opposite. When I'm playing solo I hate the sound, but put it in a band and it sounds perfect.

I love my p-bass to death. 1.75" nut width, really round board and some chromes.
Heaven.