Looking for a mildly offensive PJ bass

[Chicken Wing]

I’m looking for suggestions on a PJ bass, something loud, bright color, maybe a bit offensive. Yes, you may joke that all PJ basses are offensive.

Here’s my front runner, the Charvel San Dimas High School Rules PJ in Ferrari Red.

something destined for a rock cover band, 1980’s vibe. Fender Jazz bass special another contender.

 

[who]

Get one of these and route it for a bridge pickup:

 

[Sharko]

The green version of that charvel

 

[BGroovy]

80s guild pilot. Most comfortable PJ I’ve played. There are some wild paint jobs on some. Usually undervalued.

https://reverb.com/item/81082676-gu...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81082676

 

[sunbeast]

Might be more than mildly offensive to some, particularly members of the Rickenbacker Club! But active PJ bass that actually plays and sounds surprisingly good (don't own one, just had to plug it in when I saw it at GC)

 

[evs]

I've got a red Fender Boxer.
Got that sound and vibe.

 

[J Wilson]

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ESP's LTD reissue of the 80's Surveyor, a staple in hair metal bands in those days. Alder body, maple neck, real ebony fingerboard, Gotoh hardware and Seymours for the pickups. Solid as they come. Black, White, or Blurple.

Now, if they'd only revisit the 90's Horizon II basses . .

Carved top and crazy cutaways? Check.

Weight Watchers Tummy Cut? Check.

Gumby headstock? Got it.

 

[2112]

 

[bikeplate]

I have a green Charvel. Killer!!!!

 

[buldog5151bass]

Solid bright color, no pickguard, black hardware. Bonus points for
Points at headstock or upper horn, or black headstock.

 

[evs]

Also the Rainbow Crackle Surveyor if you can still get one:

 

[Killing Floor]

Blocks on a P, that’s offensive.

 

[PapaBearBass]

Get one of these and route it for a bridge pickup:

View attachment 5453001

I have long thought those are the most hideous basses ever made. So yeah - add a j pick up and there you go

 

[bmusic]

every PJ is at least mildly offensive

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I've got the blue sparkle San Dimas. If by "loud" you mean volume-wise as well as appearance then this bass fills the bill. I wish I had red instead! It's by far the most aggressive sounding bass I have and those cream pickup covers scream "80's". Oh, and it's a great player, too!

BBB

 

[Chicken Wing]

I've got the blue sparkle San Dimas. If by "loud" you mean volume-wise as well as appearance then this bass fills the bill. I wish I had red instead! It's by far the most aggressive sounding bass I have and those cream pickup covers scream "80's". Oh, and it's a great player, too!

BBB

I keep seeing good things about the San Dimas other than the rumored noise issues. Is the neck really pencil thin? I prefer a moderate sized neck like a slim C.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Most mildly offensive PJ basses will have slim-to-broomstick necks, I’m afraid. My quest for a 5-string P (in which an additional bridge pickup was no problem) ended with a Yamaha BB735A which doesn’t come in visually offensive (though the budget-friendly BB235 does come in bright colors), but to finally make my non-parenthetical point, I picked these up along the way:

2020s Ibanez RGB305 on your left, modeled on the 1980s RD828LE on your right. Both well made, particularly the RD, though I prefer the sound of the RGB (and eventually sold the RD). Slim necks, but not excessively so. Aside: Not all Ibanez necks are broomsticks, TalkBass

You might also consider the LTD AP-4 (comes in frosty blue with a black scratchplate) or the Ellefson 30th Anniversary Jackson (silver, no scratchplate).

All of those would cost no more than the San Dimas (also a fine choice, from what I hear), some considerably less.

Which leads me to ask: do you have a particular budget?

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I keep seeing good things about the San Dimas other than the rumored noise issues. Is the neck really pencil thin? I prefer a moderate sized neck like a slim C.

I don't experience mine as pencil thin but I'm not as picky as some folks. Thinner that my Squier 40th Anniv. P-bass but not radically so and not like those '60's Hagstroms that were sort of P-bass shaped. Hope that helps.

BBB

 

[Spidey2112]

G&L SB-2, anyone?

 

[perfektspace6]

Now, if they'd only revisit the 90's Horizon II basses . .

Carved top and crazy cutaways? Check.

Weight Watchers Tummy Cut? Check.

Gumby headstock? Got it.

Nice to see some ESP Horizon love. Had a 5 string. It was a great bass. Wish I still had it.