J with Rounds vs. P with Flats - An audio comparison

[stflbn]

J's with rounds IMHO.

 

[buggy1887]

I'd go with the J... Loving the sound...

 

[nutdog]

Both clips sound good and great playing. The J seemed to have more definition between notes during the fast runs, but the P seemed to hit with more authority and fill things out a little more. I could go either way. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

I think both sound good.

 

[Jeff K]

Very nice, Dan! Excellent playing, and both basses sound killer. As I was listening to the Jazz, I thought, "This will be hard to beat!". Then I played the clip with the P and thought, "Wow, this one sounds great too!"

I love P's and Jazzes, and have several of each. I take turns playing them every day (one a day unless I specifically want to A/B two of them). I frequently think to myself, "Wow, I forgot how much I like the sound of this one". With these two clips, you just solidified my indecision regarding picking a favorite sound!

 

[seungkoo]

I loved both track for their own uniqueness but the p has it's edge on me even tho I'm a j bass guy!

 

[Doelle]

I don't hear the difference xD

But it sounds good!

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Very nice, Dan! Excellent playing, and both basses sound killer. As I was listening to the Jazz, I thought, "This will be hard to beat!". Then I played the clip with the P and thought, "Wow, this one sounds great too!"

I love P's and Jazzes, and have several of each. I take turns playing them every day (one a day unless I specifically want to A/B two of them). I frequently think to myself, "Wow, I forgot how much I like the sound of this one". With these two clips, you just solidified my indecision regarding picking a favorite sound!

I hear ya. They're both so tasty. I think I reach for the P most often simply because I'm drawn to its simplicity, and how consistently well it sits in a mix. I've never found a situation that my P didn't work for. However, I have encountered situations the J didn't work for.

So for me, I actually find the P slightly more versatile, despite the J having that reputation.

But I love them both dearly.

 

[lavmonga]

Both sound great, I think I like the P though.

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Someone PM'd me asking about my recording approach for bass. Here's my response:

My approach is incredibly simple. Lately I've been using the FMR "Really Nice Preamp" as my recording pre, then directly into my computer. The RNP is a very clean preamp, so it doesn't add any color. Then I use various VST plugins in Cubase to shape my tone, but I'm very careful to preserve the natural voice of the bass.

My secret weapon is the "Bass Amp Room" from Softube. It's a brilliant plugin. It allows for blending of the simulated amp signal and DI, which is very convenient. It also offers EQ adjustments on the DI signal, so I carve out everything except the low-mids and mids. So the DI signal by itself is very punchy (very similar to the sound of James Jamerson on the old Motown records, since his tracks were usually recorded direct into the board). On the amp'd signal, the plugin offers 3 different cabinet emulations. Oddly enough, I actually prefer the "Odd Bird" cabinet. It's an open-back 1x12". It sounds killer. I blend the signals so it's about 70% amp and 30% DI.

Then, using an EQ plugin, I remove anything below 60Hz (sometimes 80Hz) to eliminate "mud". Next, I use the free "Density" VST compressor from Bootsy to tighten things up. I shoot for about -3db of compression, using a fast attack and fast release.

And that just about does it. Hopefully that made some sense!

 

[Bassmunnky]

Great Post.

P sounds a little 'bassier' to me..but I do like the 'hair' on the J, you can hear it when you do the slide..


Hey..No Pictures..NO Basses. Please post, I love your stuff!
M

 

[phillipkregg]

Both sound great. But I slightly prefer the J sound.

And I agree... pics!

 

[pacojas]

j all the way!

 

[mgbass]

I like the J best, has a touch more ZING, and for that track it works!
The P is very nice as well...tight. The J is more open and the notes ring out ....nice job man!

 

[60bass]

I hear ya. They're both so tasty. I think I reach for the P most often simply because I'm drawn to its simplicity, and how consistently well it sits in a mix. I've never found a situation that my P didn't work for. However, I have encountered situations the J didn't work for.

So for me, I actually find the P slightly more versatile, despite the J having that reputation.

But I love them both dearly.

First, nice chops

+1 on your comment.

I admit I'm partial to P's just because of the way they sit in a mix. IMO the P will cover you in any situation you need it to. Is it the "best" bass for any situation? Sometimes no, but the fact that it will get you through anything you run into makes it (again IMO) the best "all around" bass. YMMV

One of mine is loaded with LaBella deep taklin flats, the other with Roto's RS66. I feel I'm covered

Keep Low

 

[GreenAlsatian]

Ace tune - reminded me of Jimmy Page's work on the Death Wish 2 soundtrack.

Onto the basses, then - a close one as they both sounded great with the song and although I'm a fan of P/Flats (and J/Rounds), the Jazz's clearer note definition and its bit of extra bite put it just ahead of the Precision for me in this instance.

Who votes that Dan does a Jazz with flats and a Precision with rounds next?!

 

[JimmyM]

Have these clips been pulled? I can't get them and I get file not found errors.

 

[electracoyote]

Kind of a toss-up for me. The first track's bass tone seems a little more articulated, which works better with the riff.

+1

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Hey..No Pictures..NO Basses. Please post, I love your stuff!

Thanks! Here they are:

 

[boynamedsuse]

Both are great. Preferred the P.