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P-Bass Vs. Jazz Bass

#104
I gig with a P and a J, using them where they fit. The P fits more often than the J. More songs, that is. We play cover music from each of the past five decades.

In my experience of watching other bands' shows, when I hear a bass tone that sounds REALLY good, it's usually a P.
 
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#105
2 JJs and a PJ, basses covered.

(Warmoth builds, J neck and P body on all)


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#106
Playing a P makes you a better person. Playing a J makes you even more ordinary. When you play a P, women like you more. Dogs wag their tails at you even if they are mean and nasty. The police help you carry your bass past airport checkpoints. A P makes your cholesterol levels go down so you can eat more bacon.

A J does none of those things. Plus, a J has two pickups because it feels inadequate. A P has no such issues. Is there any reason to consider a J at all, ever?
 
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#110
I go for the P because of the wider neck and the particular roundness and thump of a P-pickup in the p-position. A J with split coil pickups (like a Dimarzio model J) and/or a series/parallel switch can get close but it's just not the same.

Tombolino said:
So, what are some examples of solid Ps without breaking bank? Thinking of used but no idea on how to vet them
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If you're set on used, watch your craigslist and a MIM "Standard" P or similar MIM P will eventually pop up for 3-400 bucks. Depending on the model you may want to switch out the pup, but that's a minor operation. Hard to beat a used MIM P for value and quality. Vetting them comes down to the usual factors considered when considering a used instrument.

As for new (or used), the Squier CV P-basses are well regarded for good reason as are some of the Signature and VM series.

However, if you're not addicted to the fender headstock and don't mind having less choice of colors/woods, I'd strongly suggest checking out the ESP/LTD Vintage-214. It's only available in 3 versions, but I've played alot of Squier's and IMHO it kicks their butts. With the proliferation of Squiers, not alot of folks seem to be aware of these instruments, but they really should be especially since they can often be found new for the same price (they retail for a bit more) as a Squier. I found bought mine used for even less.

Natural Ash
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Black Alder
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Sunburst Alder Fretless
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I've got the Sunburst Fretless and it's a great instrument. It's also just about the only option for a budget priced naked board fretless precision. You can see my review HERE.
 
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#112
I think you can get a J close to a P, but not quite there. Personally, I prefer most elements of a J (except the body feels so big) and probably like a Stingray better than either, but they are all perfectly defensible choices
 
#115
Tombolino said:
Thank you Eilif, that was super helpful! Ill check those out. So in other words, those ESPs you mentioned or a Squier or a Fender MIMs are on the cheaper side?
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Yep.
There are of course occasionally super-used deals, but generally...
-A '90's or early '00's MIM P can be found used from 3-400.
-CV series squire P's and ESP/LTD Vintage 214's go for $379 new. Knock about 100 off if buying one used. Can't say enough about these my 214 is better built and equipped than my '95 MIM Precision. The 214's seem to be available in a few places new right now for $300 sometimes with case and add-ons included.

Lastly, I would be remiss in not pointing out the best deal on a p-style bass, that is a used USA-made Peavy Fury basses. They have a thinner jazz style neck, but other than that they are really well made p-bass style instruments that typically go for only $100-200! IIRC, most were made with bi-laminate necks so they are really stable which is a reassuring thought when buying a 20 year old instrument. Note that there are some bases made more recently under the Fury name that are imports. These are beginner instruments that I wouldn't bother with. There are also some 80's Fury basses with a rectangular "Super Ferrite" pickup.

There are cheaper deals to be had on instruments like SX and some of these instruments can be quite good, but in general I prefer to spend a bit more to get into the range of instruments that are a bit more consistent and made with better parts.
 
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#117
boristhespider9 said:
I digress....

(Fender American Design Experience build: (a) Ash body, translucent blonde; (2) American Std. Jazz neck (3) '63 P pickup)

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I agree that you simply can't get the P-Bass thump out of a Jazz no matter how you fiddle...believe me, I tried for many years.
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HOLY BALLS THAT BASS IS BEAUTIFUL! God I wish we could have the American Design in England...and also that I had enough money for an American Design bass...
 

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