Jazz bass tone

[4StringDave]

Isn’t a p bass better than soloing the jazz neck pickup?

Not for me. Or Joe Osborn.

 

[4StringDave]

Jazz Bass on the regular pickup is a slightly weaker tone than a P, with a severe volume imbalance from string to string.

Mine doesn't have that at all, and no staggered pole pieces either. It might affect some basses/players/set-ups but I don't think it can be classed as a definite.

 

[Geri O]

Without the long flowery explanations and descriptions, yes, I prefer the both pups of a Jazz bass dimed and all tone control flat (active). I set the bridge pup between 1/16” and 1/32” lower than the neck pup so I’m not constantly fiddling with the two volume pots (well, it seems to work for me, anyway).

Or the bridge pup only with the treble rolled off.

 

[Frank Vozak]

It is interesting to me how often members of TB split over the Prci9on and the Jazxzx Bazz. IOs the PJ for the who can't make up his mind

 

[Pacifus]

really, really, really don't like the bridge-solo burp-y type tone. Yet I still own no Jazz (or Fender) basses, just PJs with super comfy neck profiles.

And I really love that tone for some high and tight finger funk.

I really love the tonal variety you get from a Jazz bass. I like the way it sounds, I like the way it feels. I think they're great basses. Owned a P didn't like it as much. That's why they make more than one bass.

 

[ricardol]

 

[Stubbrnmule]

I've been an avid J bass user for many many years, and had purchased a P quite a few years ago and it never hit the spot for me. Then last year, I picked up a Fender P/J American Ultra and have found it to be one of favorites. The neck on the Ultra is super nice- may the best Fender neck I've played. But moreover, I have found that the versatility of using the neck PU for most of the bottom end, then soloing or blending in the bridge has given me some tonal flexibility that I'm really enjoying. Playing in the worship team at a church is part of why I picked it up because the P pup seems to really fit well in the mix, but when I want to bring out some snarl, I am able to bring in the bridge. I won't go as far as saying best of both worlds, as I still love the Jazz bass. In fact, since I put the Fralin's in the Geddy Lee Jazz, it has been very very hard to put down. Love passive basses- actually pulling the electronics out of the Ultra PJ and reconfiguring to passive VVTT setup with new pup's. Then again, I just like working on guitars...

 

[Ash Jazz]

I've enjoyed owning and playing both but recently sold my PBass. The reason is that I am just more comfortable with the string spacing. Most of the time it doesn't make a difference but I have a few cross string riffs in my riff toolbox and I wiff it every time on the PBass. Sometimes the PBass tone is right for the song but I find I can get close enough with a little knob twisting.

 

[SuBass1000]

A lot of people when they hear "J-Bass Tone" they think of the classic Marcus Miller sound, boosted bass, and high frequencies.

How about Aston Barrett? He plays a 70's jazz bass, the same as Marcus, but he gets such a different sound.

Found this list of some of his most famous bass lines.

Bob Marley Songs We Never Get Tired Of - Insta of Bass

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

Was that an envelope follower on that.
That'll 'cause a different sound, all right.