NBD New Bass Dilemma... Versatility vs. Simplicity

[funkycoldmedina]

Okay, it's good that you returned the bass you weren't happy with. What I don't get is why you don't just put flatwounds on your PJ and go for it? Probably I missed something in reading the thread.

He doesn't like the P/J because of the Jazz neck IIRC. I have a '66J I don't play for the same reason.

ACTUALLY, I do have flats on the PJ right now.. but I one I don't really like the jazz neck or the active eq with no passive bypass or passive tone control. Plus with a new passive P, I can put rounds on the PJ and use it for my main slap/aggressive music bass. That way I can still retain the P flavor I love but also have both an entirely modern sounding bass and a more vintage sounding bass, while still keeping the same flavor.

 

[lpdeluxe]

I played a P (with flats, of course!) in a dance hall band for a few years. Lately I've been playing in a group with a more eclectic repertory, and switched over to a Godin A5 fretless to accommodate our capo-ing guitarist/singer.

But last night at rehearsal, I took my Classic '50s Precision (the same one I used in the honky-tonks) and was blown away by the ease of playing. Our little group has no lead players, so I find myself playing intros to songs and break "solos" on the bass. Man, that 4-string sure takes the work out of things. And it's no problem playing in whatever key I want, with the qualification that sometimes I can't drop down to a V from the root.

I still really like the Godin, but it can't compete.

The P, in my former incarnation as a cowboy:

Mr Godin:

 

[JZQuantum]

To me, you've answered your own question...P bass all the way. You even said you don't like j bass neck width anymore. Some of the best songs I can think of were recorded with p bass. And please don't think the p bass isn't versatile tone-wise. Changing right hand positions helps with this.

Oh yeah, and can't you just buy a P bass neck for your p/j bass? Warmoth could help?

 

[funkycoldmedina]

To me, you've answered your own question...P bass all the way. You even said you don't like j bass neck width anymore. Some of the best songs I can think of were recorded with p bass. And please don't think the p bass isn't versatile tone-wise. Changing right hand positions helps with this.

Oh yeah, and can't you just buy a P bass neck for your p/j bass? Warmoth could help?

I never meant to imply that the p isn't versatile at all, I simply meant that a for string one pickup bass is less versatile (as in the amount of tones) than a give string two pickup bass.

Also, I may put a p neck on my pj, but as I said i'm my last post i'm going to keep this bass active with rounds likely for a different feel and sound. Plus when it comes toslap I prefer the jazz width so it will make for its own unique style

 

[HuntYouDown]

This is kinda redundant. I love my 5 for just pounding away songs in D. Like Lamb of God, like all the songs are in D. But, I like my 4 for the simplicity and tightness. I say keep the 5 though, those squiers are nice and you will miss it, I swear, if you get rid of it. I like the beastiness of it, the masculinityness of a monster 5!

 

[bassbenj]

Oh and just a random thought... Why are there no real affordable 5 string precisions?? Just curious why P basses get the shaft on the low B string.. Sidebar ended/

Boy you got that exactly right! Which is why there is a Squier P-bass downstairs right now being modified with real pickups into a nice P/J 5er! It's SO dumb that Fender doesn't even sell a PJ 5er.

As for advice to OP. Well, it's no surprise that a question like this always get answered with: sell everything and buy a 4 string P bass with flats and tort pickguard. Consider the source.

Personally I gave up buying 4 string basses so many years ago I can't remember when it was! (Note I said I have FIVE string P-bass down stairs!) I think you've derived it all perfectly. The bass you have and love does everything you want. But there is a problem. Weight.

What can one do about that? Hard to say? Buy a Sadowsky? Route cavities in the bass and install a new top? Switch to a lighter weight body? None of these seem very practical.

I'm afraid the problem is you'll have to just go out and start playing basses until you find a light weight one that speaks to you like this one does.

But I'd also recommend trying a wide decent strap before you jump off the deep end. All my heavy basses (and I'll admit that heavy basses don't bother me) use the Carvin deluxe strap. $!5 and VERY comfy. Only downside is the HUGE ugly white "CARVIN" printed on it. Maybe some spray shoe dye...

 

[pnut166]

Swap the P Special neck here on the classifieds. Fix the electronics. Keep the 5`er. Problem fixed

 

[GladToBeBack]

I'm going to throw this in there... take it as you will.

The Aerodyne J only weighs about 7lbs. The combo of P & J pups should give you lots of tonal control. Costs around 800 new.