P or J - Have we all chosen correctly?

[meatwad]

I went from -

1) Jazz
2) Precision
3) StingRay

and after around ten years with the SR, back to a...

4) Precision

The main reason for the total departure of all things Jazz is mainly the neck. The other reason is sound. I could get a good sound with a Jazz, but higher notes would disappear, and the G-string practically didn't exist. And not with just one Jazz, but many 70's CBS-era basses. I do love the look of a Jazz, probably my favorite instrument, visually.

 

[atomicdog]

I own both and a P/J configured P-Lyte. The P-things all about punch. The J-thing is all about the right mix of mids and the light touch to make those mids work for you. Just remember, there's no such thing as the perfect bass (or the perfect amp). Each one has its own fine qualities and our job is to bring those qualities to the forefront through proper technique. Ultimately, you need to indulge your G.A.S. and buy as many basses as possible, so you can experience the full spectrum. No matter what anyone says, you can't own enough basses. Repeat that anytra.

 

[VWbug]

" The other reason is sound. I could get a good sound with a Jazz, but higher notes would disappear, and the G-string practically didn't exist."

Wow! That is so weird. My experience with the P is just opposite. I love the thunder and warmth of the E and A strings but I have trouble hearing the D and G strings live in a band setting. I hear the D and G clear in a mix with the Jazz bass. Wonder why that is. We are all different individuals also different equipment maybe? Preferred EQ settings? Where we stand in relation to amps drums or guitars?
interesting.

 

[Stumbo]

Never owned a P. Didn't care for neck. Love the tone. Cuts through great.

I played Fender Jazz Basses for years until I ran into a 4 string '83 Ibanez P/J:
-active/passive switch
-3 band cut/boost e.q.(easy to dial in lots of different tones/cut through w/o increasing volume)
-blend control
-passive tone controls always on(cut the high end quickly, if needed w/o changing volume level)
-Jazz Bass style slim/fast 24 fret neck through
-brass high mass bridge
-using dead rounds(still a little spank left with some treble boost/bass cut)
-kinda heavy. Need to get a more comfortable strap.

 

[sj_bass]

I kinda like the OP's take on this, so I'll say that when I bought my first P (after playing for 30 years), it's tone was so narrowly focused that it didn't fit my cover band's range of tunes. Then, I got my first J and fell in love with it's versatiliy. BUT... the bass that completely sold it for me was my Lakie JO... but I digress.

There is a P that has a nice rounded tone and not as narrowly focused out there, and it's taken me a number of tries to find it. For me, it's an old E-series that's still completely stock. I have 5 J's (Fender and Lakland) and I feel like all of them are 'right' for the given song... Unless I want to slap.

Then it's the Musicman

 

[shawn2000]

I prefer the J for the thin neck, tonal variation, and the way it sits on the body. But, all four of mine are loaded with EMG's. Low end is not lacking.

 

[M.Wrenn]

I chose P/J. Win-win!

Same. I always thought the neck pup on a jazz just wanted to be a P pup anyway (in some contexts, obviously it has its place).

 

[SJan3]

I find that the J sound is better for small venues and the P for larger venues. This is for playing Classic Rock. I would not use a P for jazz.

Leo Fender did a LOT of research before bringing each one out - they were each designed for a particular sound and purpose.

WOW! If it's straight ahead jazz (standards), I ONLY use a P Bass. I feel it gets MUCH CLOSER to the upright vibe than a J Bass.

 

[Korladis]

I don't own a P or a J.

 

[Batmensch]

WOW! If it's straight ahead jazz (standards), I ONLY use a P Bass. I feel it gets MUCH CLOSER to the upright vibe than a J Bass.

I recently saw a Jazz quartet on a local TV show, and their bassist was playing a beat up old Precsion and it pretty much nailed the upright tone, at least as much as you possibly can on a solid-body electric. It seemed to me to be perfectly at home in that environment.