Jazz or Precision?

[hoppusandriano]

Ok thanks for all the advice and help guys. I ended up getting a jazz.

 

[Hamrhed]

To me, the biggest difference is the neck sizes and the pickup options... they are both a blast to play

I have played and owned both (I own a Geddy Jazz and a Sting Precision currently), and it most certainly will be a matter of preference for you. The Jazz has a slim neck that is really easier to get around on, and the P bass a thicker neck that probably adds to the natural sustain of the instrument... Of course the electronics are different also- but usually I can closely approximate the sound of a P on my Jazz by favoring the neck pickup, while its not as easy approximating the sound of a Jazz on a P bass. For punk I would go P bass for sure...

You should really test drive both and decide for yourself!

 

[Pacman]

Moved to Basses, where you're sure to get plenty of responses.

 

[envika]

i would suggest the precision because you play punk, and i think it has a fatter and better tone, but the jazz has more variety of tone.

 

[peaveyuser]

P bass IMO I just love the sound and look.

 

[GregC]

They both work across a broad range of musical styles. Try a number of models of each, assessing tone and playability, then decide.

edited to add: "...decide which you want first."

 

[Moose308]

I honestly would not be worried about J or P as much as I would be worried about "is this a well made bass". Given the imperfect nature of mass manufacturing of consumer instruments, there tend to be more duds out there than gems. Give them all a try. Don't forget about other brands as well. I don't know if I have really run into a piece of music that truely demanded a P, or a J. Either model can fit, and most audiences wouldn't know the difference anyhow. Construction quality (frets, neck pocket, hardware, etc.) goes a long way to owning a nice bass, regardless of the cost or name. Sound quality once plugged in is highly important. Setup isn't as important, since that will change with time. It should just be important if it can[ be setup well. Very low on my list is color, and brand name. I have a Squier Jazz which outplays some boutique basses I have tried. Don't worry about cosmetics or names or even models. Ask yourself if it is well built, and if it plays well.

 

[NYCBass]

I have to agree with Moose, you will need to play a lot of basses if you are looking to get a mass produced instrument. Given you have a limited experience with basses at this point, I would try to have a friend with a little more time playing come alone with you. This way you can have another set of hands and eyes checking the bass out.

I myself prefer a Jazz bass out of the two. I like the feel and tone and also think it's more versatile. But that's just me.

 

[Thor]

I'm Totally with NYHole up there. Just what I was gonna
say. (From an Ex NYHole missing it. )

 

[dotcomee]

I also wouldn't limit yourself to trying just Fenders. You can't go wrong with a good Fender (I own a Jazz) but who knows, you may surprise yourself with some other brand.

 

[bobyoung53]

i would suggest the precision because you play punk, and i think it has a fatter and better tone, but the jazz has more variety of tone.

I agree the P bass has a lot more balls than a Jazz, and is great for any kind of rock. Jazz basses are a little more refined sounding with less bottom. Everyone should own a P bass.

 

[GeddyisGod]

The feel is quite different between the two. Some like the J neck, some say it's too small. I have always preferred the feel of a Jazz, but I've been playing my P the last two weeks exclusively and the neck is feeling fine. I'm constantly back and forth between the two.

You can get plenty of good sound out of either. Try them out, see which one you like best. You will have plenty of support whichever way you go.

 

[rummy]

Play them both, and see what you like better. They're very different instruments.

 

[BigMac5]

Moved to Basses, where you're sure to get plenty of responses.

He already posted this on the bass forum!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393537

 

[bassfootballguy]

Having had multiple versions of both and taking into account the style of music, I say the Precision - BUT you should give both a thorough testing if possible and then choose.

 

[mlowe]

This is exactly went through my mind at the same point your at. After many basses and gas torture it resulted in a 75 reissue J bass with an external preamp. You can roll off the highs and bring on the fat p sound or you can have that kick you in the ass J slap machine.

Come to think of it one bass that I could suggest that would do this is one of the late J basses MIA that has the s1. That was a really nice playing and sounding bass. Not expensive but really good quality and sounded fantastic passive in either switched pup config.

Would be worth at least trying one.

 

[bovinehost]

I've said this so many times now.

Main difference: you can lean a P bass against your amp. A Jazz will fall over.

You decide.

 

[playibanez]

i jazz can get a pretty aggressive tone with the bridge rolled off

 

[bpd024]

You could also look into a aerodyne or deluxe p which has the p pups and a jazz pup at the bridge. I personally think a jazz feels more comfortable than a p but you should try both and see which one you like more.

 

[afroman]

I would say you go to a store and try all the P and J basses you can get your hands on. Feel which one fits your body, your hands better and listen to the tone.

Any of them would be great. Get the one that speaks to you and look for construction flaws and get the best one you can.

And a +1 to all the comments about trying every bass you can, don't go to the store with preconceived thoughts.