Making myself crazy-Deciding new Am.Standard Fender

MM Sterling HH




Between J and P I think ultimately it's gonna come down to feel. I think both basses can do thick and thin and everything in between, albeit with their own nuances.

 

I had the same problem, thin neck and bridge pickup, i ordered a jazz!

 

Which neck do you like the best? J or P

 

I think conjunction usage is the problem. Just change the "or" to "and." Then you'll be just fine.

Or, perhaps get the Jazz and install a series/parallel switch like the discontinued S-1. It really fattens up those low mids on the Jazz. It doesn't sound like a Precision, but it's a few steps in that direction.

Perhaps even better, since you like G&L, get an SB-2. It's one of the best imaginable P-bass tones, and when you dime both pickups it's closer to a Jazz. You'll get single coil hum from the bridge pickup, but it's really an amazing bass.

 

I'm a jazz guy so i say get a jazz. Try a few out, then ask if they have any in back, try those. the QC is much better than previous years, but still all fenders are not created equal.

 

so why are you not buying a new g&l ? no one can deny the precision or jazz, but for someone like you who plays different music, the wider tonal variety may be your best choice? someone like me who already has records out, i cant go and change my sound, i need to sound like the record. enjoy the tonal freedom : ) johnny a

 

Check out the Tony Franklin fretted, it has a P/j configuration.

 

Fair enough. Unless you play through 15" speakers, through which I think Precisions almost always sound better, I'd say start with the Jazz as I did. It's a little more versatile, and I think Fender's Jazz pickups are slightly better, relative to others, than their Precision pickups. And you can always fatten the low mids with EQ. I think my 2003 Am. Ser. Jazz and 2008 Am. Std. Jazz V are amazing. I'm more of a P-bass guy at heart, but these things just get the job done time and time again, and the stock pickups in the Jazz V sound as good as the noiseless Fralins in my 2003. It's incredibly resonant, and sounds huge. Fender knocked it out of the park with the new ones.

Another option might be the Tony Franklin fretted Precision, which has P/J pickups and a three way selector. The pickups are balanced for relatively even output in every setting, which is cool. I bet it's awesome, but haven't tried one.

 

I'll sell you my P

 

How about a Deluxe P bass? Got the P covered, and alot of other tones in the active eq. Also, the body is slightly smaller, and the neck is sortof in between a P and a J.

 

Bingo. The P/J tone of course is not a Jazz tone, but it's closer to a Jazz tone than a Jazz bass can get to a P tone. I'm thrilled with my P/J Peavey USA Millenium Standard. Absolutely convincing P tone with more flavor avaiable when we need it. (I don't likw the J pickup however).

Another option - pick one and get an SX of other cheapie of the other style for the times when you want that tone.

Look at it this way - you can't lose either way - you are definitely going to end up with a winner with a USA Fender. And if you change your mind they have great resale value. Have you considered used? You may be able to have both!

 

From what you say above I think your L2K should do just fine. Why fix what ain't broke?

 

I've played quite a few of the new American Standard P's and Jazzes. IMHO, they are both great.

If I were faced with your dilemma, I would get the P-bass. For the styles you mention, it is perfect. Also, IMHO, the P-bass IS is the most important bass tone in all types of recorded American Popular music of the last 45 years.

Once you save up the capitol, you can go back and get a Jazz.

 

In my opinion the new AM standard is mind blowing. I played a Candy Cola Jazz with maple yesterday and it was dreamy.

I think it's really about the neck. You should be able to get any tone using an eq or ur amp, but playability wise it's about what you want from the neck. What do you feel more comfy playing?

 

James Lomenzo of Megadeth plays a Marcus Miller Jazz. Yes, a jazz bass for Megadeth.

You can do a alot with either the P or J. Just get what feels right and sounds more versatile to you.

 

You know, I'm glad I don't have to make this decision. I fell into a Jazz and am happy I did. It's an awesome versatile instrument, of course the flip side to that is that I won't rest until I get myself a P.