P bass vs PJ bass

[Matty Koff]

The word "Precision" in "Precision Bass" was chosen due to having frets when dudes were still mostly playing uprights.

A Precision bass can have a P/J pickup configuration. A jazz bass can have a P/J configuration too. But we'll still call them "P/J's".

 

[klejst]

PJ bass has my vote, but cannot go wrong with just a P too if you ask me.

 

[nnnnnn]

A Precision Bass has a single humbucking pickup

This definition is too strict. For one thing it excludes the original model Fender Precision basses that had a single single-coil pickup - I don't think one can reasonably argue that the original Precision Bass is not actually a Precision bass. But also it goes against the fact that for a long time Fender has sold "Precision" basses with PJ pickup configuration.

Even if a Precision bass left the factory with only a split P pickup, I don't think it's reasonable to say that the addition of an after-market J pickup (without removing the P) somehow stops the instrument from being a Precision any more than painting it a colour that Fender doesn't offer would, especially when there are official PJ models.

 

[JW56789]

This definition is too strict. For one thing it excludes the original model Fender Precision basses that had a single single-coil pickup - I don't think one can reasonably argue that the original Precision Bass is not actually a Precision bass. But also it goes against the fact that for a long time Fender has sold "Precision" basses with PJ pickup configuration.

Even if a Precision bass left the factory with only a split P pickup, I don't think it's reasonable to say that the addition of an after-market J pickup (without removing the P) somehow stops the instrument from being a Precision any more than painting it a colour that Fender doesn't offer would, especially when there are official PJ models.

I'll maintain that a Precision Bass is generally thought of as a single pickup bass (whether the original style with the single-coil pickup, or the later version with the split pickup), and regardless of what the decal says on the peghead, add a back pickup and it now becomes a different instrument functionally and sonically.

I'd also add that with the perpetual churn of the basic Fender building blocks for bass (mixing the two basic bodies, the two basic necks, and various combinations and variations of their pickups and electronics and hardware), the mixed products (like a Jazz in a PJ layout) and what they call them is down to marketing in most cases.

I also quite remember with advent of the Yamaha BB2000 in the early 80's, it was a sensation as it was a factory-built PJ style instrument at a time when IF you wanted a Fender equivalent, your only choice was to take your Precision Bass to a tech, and have it routed and modified to add a Jazz pickup. You could not buy a Fender PJ till more that a few years later.

Semantics aside, we'll agree to disagree in some ways.

 

[robert43]

Hi thanks all I made up my mind I have a spare neck tuners bridge so I am going to buy a P body route the j pickup etc put it together and see what I think if I dont like it I sell it

 

[nnnnnn]

I'll maintain that a Precision Bass is generally thought of as a single pickup bass (whether the original style with the single-coil pickup, or the later version with the split pickup), and regardless of what the decal says on the peghead, add a back pickup and it now becomes a different instrument functionally and sonically.

I agree with the point I highlighted, but disagree that adding a back pickup makes it functionally and sonically different, because in my view you can always turn the back pickup off and then you've got a standard P tone.

By way of analogy, if you install a new transmission in your Ford Mustang it doesn't stop being a Mustang.

Semantics aside, we'll agree to disagree in some ways.

Sure. Happy that we can each state our views and then shake hands and move on to other topics. (Or whatever it is we're supposed to be doing in Covid conditions: I guess not shake hands; perhap nod politely?)

 

[JW56789]

Well then, G'Day, mate !

All the Best,

JW

 

[WillyW]

 

[Brad Maestas]

My PJ is by far my most versatile bass, other than my separate Ps and Js. It was my main bass for years in NYC playing styles ranging from jazz, funk, rock, pop, salsa, samba, reggae, soul, fusion, prog, you name it. Alongside my Ps and Js it is the only 'modern' bass that gets a lot of studio time.

 

[Lunatique]

I always picked PJ, and always dialed in the middle between them for a nicely balanced sound.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

If you look for a typical P-bass sound, then, you don't need a PJ bass.
If you look for the typical set of tones a J-bass can produce, then a PJ bass won't get close enough in my opinion, hence, again, you don't need a PJ bass.
If you look for a more versatile version, tone-wise, of a P-bass then you can definitely consider a PJ, which, unless letting the bridge pickup substantially prevail, will sound as a "more refined" P-bass or as a P-bass by muting the bridge pickup.

For the way the question has been asked I'll also go for carrots this time.

 

[JimmyM]

Hi thanks all I made up my mind I have a spare neck tuners bridge so I am going to buy a P body route the j pickup etc put it together and see what I think if I dont like it I sell it

Just remember that not all PJ combinations are created equal. Some suck badly. Some are amazing.

 

[Groovin1122]

Just remember that not all PJ combinations are created equal. Some suck badly. Some are amazing.

What pjs would you consider amazing? Looking to pick one up.

 

[Lunatique]

What pjs would you consider amazing? Looking to pick one up.

Ibanez SR650E with the Nordstrand designed PJ pickups.

I also like the Fender Mustang PJ.

 

[bigtone23]

What pjs would you consider amazing? Looking to pick one up.

It's sometimes bass dependent. Smaller shifts in pickup location and voicing can result in a phasey honk.
I have had great luck with EMG P/J sets for active and love my passive Wilde P46/J45L, too. The Wildes replaced the factory Peavey actives (which were the closest non EMG looking EMGs I have seen). The Peaveys honked, the Wildes didn't.

 

[odarellmc]

What pjs would you consider amazing? Looking to pick one up.

Yamaha 734/5 a, its a great sounding pj, and the j pickup has plenty of balls just like the p pup..

 

[mongo2]

P bass for me, preferably an SCPB. Maybe with a humbucking SCPB pickup but that's not required.

I've never liked the sound of a bridge pickup.

 

[mongo2]

... playing styles ranging from jazz, funk, rock, pop, salsa, samba, reggae, soul, fusion, prog, you name it.

Same with my SCPB style basses.

 

[JimmyM]

What pjs would you consider amazing? Looking to pick one up.

My favorite sets are EMG Geezers and DiMarzio Model PJ's, but there's a whole world of sets I haven't tried that I hear are good like Nordstrand, Fralin, Lollar, Novax, and the like. Generally, though, I prefer sets with a humbucking J so you have a lower possibility of introducing noise.

 

[Hypercaffium]

Hi yes I dint think any 1 used the J by itself as even with a J bass I guess no one really just uses 1 pickup only or do they?

I do, on both my J and PJ basses. Soloed neck pickup on a J is beautiful, soloed bridge pickup with some EQ adjustments is a cool usable sound imho. With PJs you have different options.