Jazz - Precision dilemma

[SirGrotius]

I'm in a quandary. I'm brand loyal to a fault and really steer toward Fender products. I get great sounds out of my P bass, in fact, I've had bandmates say "that's the most amazing bass sound I've ever heard" (caveat it's definitely not due to my playing, I'm average with just a touch of style to stand out), but the neck is too thick for me and I don't feel as comfortable playing it.

When I play Jazz basses I feel as though they don't sound as good with a live band, but they're much more comfortable for my hands and I play better technically.

WWJD? And what would you do?

 

[LowKee]

Get a P-bass and put a jazz neck on it. Best of both worlds!

 

[Bassguy1]

Get a Fender Reggie Hamilton P/J (MIM)...the best of both worlds...comes with a jazz body, jazz neck, jazz and P bass pickups and an awesome preamp.

 

[Gord_oh]

no dilemma.
precision bass.
done.

seriously though, i think the precision bass is one of the most versatile basses out there.
its just an overall great tone in any situation IMO.
i have a precision bass with a jazz neck, and i love it.
you could always do a PJ too.

 

[seansbrew]

How about a neck replacement?

 

[Spleenface92]

You could get a hoppus bass and put a jazz neck on it, but the new ones have reversed P pickups.

 

[chuck norriss]

i have jazz fretless neck on my pbass. i think jesus would sell his gear & feed the poor.

 

[StuartV]

Am Std P Body
'62 RI pickups
CTS pots and cloth wiring
Allparts Jazz neck (same construction as a vintage Fender Jazz neck -made in Fender Japan plant, I believe)

 

[StuartV]

ps. Or, keep your eye out for a vintage P bass with an "A" neck (i.e. the standard Jazz bass neck profile).

 

[faulknersj]

Dude, I just got an 84' Med Scale Fender MIJ P because I had a similar dilema. I still prefer my 73'Jazz to any bass, but as far as finding a P with that perfext fit, this is it imo! It has a 32" scale neck, so the 1st fret is about 2 inches closer to reach for, and the neck width is just barely wider than a jazz bass. The body Is a bit smaller and lighter than a regular P Bass, but the sound is that same fat low mid range pillowy cushion under the mix. If you have never considered a Med Scale perhaps you should!

 

[coreyfyfe]

ps. Or, keep your eye out for a vintage P bass with an "A" neck (i.e. the standard Jazz bass neck profile).

That's what I did. Picked up this skinny little fella' here on TB:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Phalex]

I put one of these on my Precision: Invalid Link Removed It's my favorite bass by far!

 

[StuartV]

Phalex, do you use that when you're canoeing, too?

 

[bassbenj]

When I play Jazz basses I feel as though they don't sound as good with a live band, but they're much more comfortable for my hands and I play better technically.

WWJD? And what would you do?

Do? Well first pause a bit and be thankful for how lucky you are. Just imagine your dilemma if there were other great playing and sounding basses out there to choose from other than a P and a J!

Your problem is simple. Just put a J neck on a P bass. But make sure it's a genuine Fender (R) neck! Otherwise you'll ruin the whole vibe of the thing.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Just once I'd like to see someone leave one of these as is.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

I'm talking about the boat paddle headstock, like fron Carvin.

 

[Phalex]

Phalex, do you use that when you're canoeing, too?

I know you're referring to the paddle head on the neck, but oddly enough, YES! I took it up north last summer for a big canoe trip! (I didn't take it on the river, but I played in the party tent in the evenings!)


Here we are under the big top!

 

[Phalex]

Just once I'd like to see someone leave one of these as is.

Me too. I think it would look a lot like a Martin guitar.

 

[4andnomore]

ps. Or, keep your eye out for a vintage P bass with an "A" neck (i.e. the standard Jazz bass neck profile).

I just happen to have a really nice vintage 1975 "A" p-bass neck with matching neck plate for sale. PM me if interested.

For what it is worth, I have been around the block on this P vs J thing and for me nothing beats the tone of a P. Just sayin...