Jazz Bass or Precision Bass?

[treekiller]

What is the difference between p and p/j? i mean if you turn off the j on p/j then its just a p but in p/j you can still have your j bridge, so, isn't better to get p/j instead?

im confused >,<

While you are indeed correct and the difference between the P and P/J tonally with the bridge p-up off would be nearly non-existent, the neck is like a Jazz. For those of us that prefer the P, it is a factor. Tonally it isn't the same as a jazz either, so if you really want a Jazz get a Jazz. However if those are things you like, then it might be the one for you.

To open another can o' worms, I could definitely tell a difference tonally when I put P necks on my Jazz basses. My guess is that more wood in the P neck resonates differently than the Jazz neck, while not a big difference it was noticable.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

Both, but if I have to choose one over the other it would be my P, which is actually a PJ. The passive P with flats just sits in the mix better and is easier to find a good usable tone. I have a Modulus VJ with U-Retro preamp and a Lakland Bob Glaub PJ. I love them both, but the Lakland has the winning edge for me. That being said, I still LOVE my other basses that I didn't mention.

 

[Russell L]

I have an '87 Jazz Bass Special that is a wonderful P/J instrument.

Now, I want a Blacktop Jazz. Heh, heh, that should have a unique sound with both pickups on. Anyone tried one? (Sorry, I haven't read the entire thread).

 

[Engine207]

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with one of each!

This. Maybe even more than one of each. And a P/J fretless. Gotta have a P/J in the mix. The bigger question is to Fender or not to Fender.

I have a Standard Precision, but much prefer my Lakland P-Bass (Duck Dunn model). My Jazz...that's the Fender 70's Classic.

 

[chadhargis]

Put me in the "both" camp. The J and the P have entirely different tones, especially when you string a P with flats.

 

[MisterFabulous]

Couldn't do without either of 'em.

 

[Batmensch]

So I have 2 of each just to be sure.

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!
Actually, I currently have A Squier VM J and a Squier VM P, and a Fender MIA Jazz, and looking to save up for an MIA Precision. That should have me completely covered. Best of both worlds.

 

[HeyBlair]

I would look for something like a Fender "Cowpoke" so named for its odd looking pick guard. It has an active P/J setup that can pretty much get the full sound of either a J-bass or a P-Bass! It may take a little experimenting to find which sounds you like best. Or you might really like the Aerodyne Bass with passive P/J setup. Or look into some of the G&L products. I love their L-2000. Good luck.

 

[thmsjordan]

Gotta catch them all!

Sorry couldn't resist.

I was thinking the same thing.....you have kids too eh..?

 

[HMZ]

I like Turtles.

Funny!

 

[MrLenny1]

Put both into one bass.
P Bass Special, best of both worlds.

 

[PDK]

Both are really a must.

 

[Tom Howland]

Bottom line, you must own both.
I can't live without either.

 

[Truktek2]

What do you prefer blondes or brunettes?

 

[Russell L]

Put both into one bass.
P Bass Special, best of both worlds.

Or an old Jazz Bass Special, like my '87.

 

[Russell L]

Last night I kept going back and forth between my American Jazz and old Jazz Bass Special. The Special is basically a P bass when on the P pickup (I don't think the Jazz neck on it makes any difference in sound). So, anyway, I was trying to see if I really like one over the other. It's really hard to tell. But, as much as I've always loved that P sound, I'm telling you, that American Jazz sounds REALLY good. Can't describe it, but somehow it just has a refined tone to the notes. And it still punches, too. I have come lately to enjoy it with the bridge pickup rolled off just a hair (doesn't take much). Maybe it's because I changed the pickguard from parchment to black, ya reckon, LOL? I dunno which is best.

 

[DannyZ]

For me this is the best write-up yet. I love my '77 P and IM getting my '12 American Std J Monday. Can't wait. I think it will fit with the varied styles of music I play. My SVT top and bottom is gonna take a CHT when it hears this one...

Make your choice depending on your music style, band mix and personal preference.

IMO, latino rhythms, ballads, jazz and fusion sound better with Jazz, but pop, rock, soul and funk go with Precision. Of course, this is only (my personal) general guideline - with proper EQ (and some compression for Jazz) you can use any of them for any kind of music.

As for band mix, in trios or bands without guitars you have enough space in upper-mid frequencies to use Jazz, but playing in a band with two guitars it gets crowdy there, so it should be easier to fit with Precision. Nevertheless, with smart EQ - Jazz could also fit, although you need to know how to make it work.

Bottom line - if you have good equipment and know how to setup your sound according to musical style, you could use Jazz for anything. Precision is simpler to setup, but could come short in some styles of music because its sound is less rich (specialy on upper frets), ie when playing ballads.

Having said that, I have both of them (well, decent clones at least), and my SX (Precision copy) is my personal preference.

 

[Headroom]

4-string P + 5-string J is a nice combo.

 

[noetical1]

Have you ever considered a ferret? Awesome tone!

 

[electracoyote]

I could never be happy chosing between them. At least one of each for me, please.