P vs. J bass?

[parksung]

how would you define the differences (other than physical) between these two basses? i'm new to bass and trying to get some bearing....and decide which bass to buy (these among others)

 

[PBass101]

#1 rule of bass buying - don't base your decisions on word of mouth. Get to a music store and try multiple basses, and buy the one you like the best.

You'll discover the sonic differences between a J and a P pretty quickly.

 

[superfunk47]

You've been here for a year and a half and you're new to bass?

 

[serein2j]

please go play yourself and PLEASE use search

 

[parksung]

You've been here for a year and a half and you're new to bass?

if you really need an explanation, i was here awhile ago exploring options before deciding to drop drums for bass

so, yes, i'm new to bass. good enough for you? do you want to try to answer the question now?

 

[PBass101]

We did already - play some basses! A Jazz bass can create all kinds of different sounds, as can a Precision. Listing and describing them all would take forever.

 

[parksung]

We did already - play some basses! A Jazz bass can create all kinds of different sounds, as can a Precision. Listing and describing them all would take forever.

i get the message! that comment wasn't directed to you but thanks for the input

 

[Linkert]

how would you define the differences (other than physical) between these two basses? i'm new to bass and trying to get some bearing....and decide which bass to buy (these among others)

Other than physical.. Hm.. They sound different? It's all physical other than that

Edit: it's the physical that makes the difference.

 

[PBass101]

We could have thrown you a curveball and described the tone of a typical P/J!

Nobody's trying to sound rude, but there are Jazz basses than sound different from other Jazz basses. Same with Precisions.

How many different models have you tried out? What did you like/dislike about them?

 

[FenderP]

I think this is thread 100001 on this topic. As everyone else has said, try to see which one you like both in terms of feel (the P and J are very different especially neck) and tone.

You can't go wrong with either. It's all personal preference.

 

[experimental bassist]

You've been here for a year and a half and you're new to bass?

OMFG I have to wipe the coffee off my monitor I spewed after seeing that comment.


Anyway, to the OP, P basses hit in the gut and can sound anywhere from Motown to Iron Maiden. J basses go Reggae deep to Geddy Lee high. Try several examples of both like others have said.

 

[Linkert]

OMFG I have to wipe the coffee off my monitor I spewed after seeing that comment.


Anyway, to the OP, P basses hit in the gut and can sound anywhere from Motown to Iron Maiden. J basses go Reggae deep to Geddy Lee high. Try several examples of both like others have said.

J basses go funky, jazzy, metal, anything.. same with p-bass you can do anything with it..

 

[Stealth]

Try the P. Try the J. Try the P/J. Then pick your favorite.

 

[Korladis]

Generally I like J-basses more than P-basses, by a large margin, but it's up to you. Try a bunch of basses. Buy what you like best.

 

[woffle]

how would you define the differences (other than physical) between these two basses? i'm new to bass and trying to get some bearing....and decide which bass to buy (these among others)

Buy BOTH
Woffle

 

[jufros]

P Bass: less "tone" and more balls.
J Bass: more tone, versatility, less punch than the P.
P/J: totally depends on whether its active or passive IMO.

 

[Linkert]

P Bass: less "tone" and more balls.
J Bass: more tone, versatility, less punch than the P.
P/J: totally depends on whether its active or passive IMO.

No, that quality is up to the amplifier. edit: and the player.

 

[jufros]

Haha I was more referring to how favoring the bridge or neck on a passive sounds different from doing the same on an active.

 

[maxbass]

Jazz bass if you play jazz music
Precision bass if you play precison music

 

[BassBob185]

SXs are cheap so buy a P and a J, problem solved.