PJ Club

[aah_scary]

Bravo @Double E enjoy retirement haha!

@aah_scary that aerodyne is sweet looking! Does the binding bother you forearm at all?

I used to use both pickups full on everything like @SteveCS but now go from one to the other and a mix. I think I prefer the neck, but then again I prefer the neck pup on my jazz.

Binding doesn't bother me, but then again, I did most of my learning on it.

And yeah, definitely prefer the neck pickup. But can't really go wrong with both on full.

 

[G On Bass]

I've been kinda bouncing between genres and projects lately, from Indy-Rock to straight ahead rock to Jazz/Blues. What amazes me with the PJ5's that I have is that all I really need to do is change strings and I am totally covered with a not just an appropriate tone, but a killer tone. I go from flats to rounds to tapes as needed and it always works and I almost always get compliments on the tone. Love these PJ's!

 

[Novarocker]

I've been kinda bouncing between genres and projects lately, from Indy-Rock to straight ahead rock to Jazz/Blues. What amazes me with the PJ5's that I have is that all I really need to do is change strings and I am totally covered with a not just an appropriate tone, but a killer tone. I go from flats to rounds to tapes as needed and it always works and I almost always get compliments on the tone. Love these PJ's!

That's one of the things that keeps me from really using any of my other basses for gigs. It's also making me a little nervous about the bass I'm building...I want to cop other tones too, but I don't know if I'll be able to fit a P & J pup.

Binding doesn't bother me, but then again, I did most of my learning on it.

And yeah, definitely prefer the neck pickup. But can't really go wrong with both on full.

That's encouraging, I've been interested in one of those aerodynes for a while but was unsure if the sharper edge would bother me.

 

[Malak the Mad]

That's encouraging, I've been interested in one of those aerodynes for a while but was unsure if the sharper edge would bother me.

Only if you lean heavily onto the top edge of the body. If so, you'll have to get used to elevating your elbow enough so it's gently resting there, not digging in deeply. It might take a bit of time to get into that habit, but I don't think it's impossible to adapt.

 

[JIO]

Only if you lean heavily onto the top edge of the body. If so, you'll have to get used to elevating your elbow enough so it's gently resting there, not digging in deeply. It might take a bit of time to get into that habit, but I don't think it's impossible to adapt.

We all get cosy with our axes but a "floating" right hand, or one grounded at the bridge area (while implementing palm muting) is preferable physiologically. The 'break' point forearm resting on the edge of (any) bout of the bass is detrimental over time. (or so what I've read)

 

[Fuzmaster]

Can I join? It's a 'jazz bass' but with PJ pickups.

I have to say, that is about the prettiest Aerodyne I've seen. Maybe it's the blue color. Almost makes me want to get one... or start more ruthless hacking on my next PJ project body.

 

[Novarocker]

I have to say, that is about the prettiest Aerodyne I've seen. Maybe it's the blue color. Almost makes me want to get one... or start more ruthless hacking on my next PJ project body.

I know right?

We all get cosy with our axes but a "floating" right hand, or one grounded at the bridge area (while implementing palm muting) is preferable physiologically. The 'break' point forearm resting on the edge of (any) bout of the bass is detrimental over time. (or so what I've read)

Thanks for the tips Jio and @Malak the Mad I appreciate the advice. Never knew that resting my forearm on the bass is bad. I don't always, but I frequently do.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Thanks for the tips Jio and @Malak the Mad I appreciate the advice. Never knew that resting my forearm on the bass is bad. I don't always, but I frequently do.

No worries. Besides, I tend to lean a bit more than I probably should when I'm not using my 'Dyne. I should probably put it to more use to rebuild a proper muscle memory and posture.

 

[G On Bass]

Update for everyone, including current numbers, etc...

The PJ club has to do with pickup config, not bodystyle, construction or number of strings. Humbuckers in the ‘J’ position count. This thread is all about sharing and enhancing the experiences of what a P/J config brings to us as players in a respectful, helpful environment. Slobbering over pictures of basses posted in this thread is highly encouraged.

As the creators have decreed, so shall it be followed: There will be but two rules to comply with in order to become a member:

1. You must post a picture of your bass with a PJ pickup configuration, any body style is acceptable.
2. You must ask for a number in the post or send me a private message (G On Bass). If you post a pic but don't ask for a number, it will be assumed that you don't want one.
3. There is no rule 3

All members are members for life unless they ask to be removed.

P/J CLUB as of 04/08/2017

1. Gorn Captain
2. SunnBass
3. snyderz
4. Doctor K
5. wild4oldcars
6. StereoPlayer
7. Luckydog
8. Malak the Mad
9. Fernando Costa
10. GBassNorth
11. Double E
12. G On Bass (P/J Club Number assigner)
13. Rocken17
14. Atomic Cow
15. ExaltBass
16. Rip Topaz
17. dedpool1052
18. ambissonnett
19. Apolicious
20. brokenstoned
21. DocGeorge
22. JIO
23. frankieC
24. DerekW
25. bassthumpersf
26. jdy
27. JimmyM
28. Classic69
29. khutch
30. kzr750r1
31. Giorgetto
32. srcTW
33. theNecatoR
34. spiritbass
35. wyleeboxer
36. psp742
37. zacmac
38. AndyMan
39. Technotitclan
40. RedMoses
41. Jiker75
42. Shanebo
43. Templar
44. ebozz
45. rujulian
46. KeithAlanK
47. God’s Favorite Bass
48. topcat2069
49. inframan
50. CTC564
51. Bassbubble11
52. Classic69
53. makaspar
54. Charley Umbria
55. BassHappy
56. Maxdusty
57. mouthmw
58. MAJOR METAL
59. Jamesray740
60. wolfmancharlie
61. Damonjames
62. monkeybass68
63. rujulian
64. dave_bass5
65. Down_Low
66. Amara
67. Doug Parent
68. Kirk Bryant
69. reddog
70. LagBox
71. Coolhandjjl
72. brenner182
73. newyorkiddo
74. FacelessBeard
75. A-Step-Towards
76. IanA
77. RedHotFuzz
78. atomicdog
79. Just Fingered
80. chuck norriss
81. pinz
82. Chef
83. Hank Scorpio
84. NorCal Dog
85. devinp17
86. Fxpmusic
87. bass_case
88. Instagator
89. mojomike001
90. MasterMonkeyMan
91. Sputnik Monroe
92. Smallequestrian
93. TimWatson
94. Ken J
95. Awesomesauce57
96. reddavid
97. Haji
98. pgolliher
99. Gyver
100. bray101
101. jamersonburton
102. peterpalmieri
103. Maxdusty
104. moishelichtfuss
105. tomersg
106. Grand Moff Tim
107. Thornton Davis
108. StrangerDanger
109. tastybasslines
110. ResponseRx
111. CrashGordon
112. Thebrownarrow
113. nilpla
114. Fuzmaster
115. Back2Bass
116. Dgl44
117. bassmusic17
118. mrb327
119. MSGNoff
120. jstar
121. OutToPlayJazz
122. Icculus
123. tangentmusic
124. dewbass4
125. Big Hoss
126. AuBassMan
127. Tbone76
128. AnalogKid4003
129. Flashgod
130. Shardik
131. gunlak
132. BumeStik.
133. And I
134. EclecticLady
135. marko138
136. Marko5657
137. AREA
138. bass4worship
139. _jaxon5
140. 99Z3
141. Thundar
142. 142 WRM
143. ksm
144. Available
145. SteveCS
146. Dams
147. bassclef112
148. Hounddog409
149. mysteryclock
150. HalfManHalfBass
151. Jguess85
152. gadgetgirl
153. exidor
154. vanderbrook
155. Buzz E
156. gjbassist
157. R.I.P.
158. RiZzoy
159. Bollenator
160. 2cooltoolz
161. Feralhog
162. BigDanT
163. gimmeagig
164. FourBanger
165. ack
166. Nev375
167. superdick2112
168. stonewall
169. gsgbass
170. Edmang
171. Novarocker
172. madjazzbass
173. 39-Bassist
174. Rocker47
175. davy4575
176. Aahzz
177. Jonahlane
178. JRA
179. BassJuju
180. TB24
181. OldFunBass
182. crucislancer
183. alotabass
184. Mark76
185. Mktrat
186. scuzzy
187. ScottfromCalgary
188. PeaveyPlayer
189. aah_scary

 

[JIO]

I know right?



Thanks for the tips Jio and @Malak the Mad I appreciate the advice. Never knew that resting my forearm on the bass is bad. I don't always, but I frequently do.

It really comes down to avoiding an unnatural bend in ones wrist over many years of playing I think. Of course every bass player will rest their arm on the edge occasionally depending on their mood or whatever - it's more avoiding detrimental chronic/repetitive positioning. By 'floating' you're using the muscles in your forearm more dynamically (and actually giving your hand more freedom to articulate) and if palm muting (I use this technique quite a lot) your wrist is lightly resting on the bridge area. Because of this I'm very picky about bridges as they need to be 'interface friendly' - no rough or sharp bits. I love the retro look of bridge covers on P's and J's but only for photo-ops. I do have a neck pu cover on one of my J as I'm more likely to play at the bridge and rarely play at the neck. Everyone has their own style so there isn't one 'right' way - it's all about what you create with whatever technique used.

 

[psp742]

it's been some time since I post in PJ club.. i just remember the headless bass i acquired has PJ pickups, so i share pictures here too.
PICTURES:

80s mach1 headless bass

headless bass is relic'd when i got her, i restore her as best i could and had my guitar tech install SS frets.

This bass is neck thru and has great sustain.. the pickups are a big surprise for me.. i was going to upgrade them to Guitar Fetish PRO series PJ 16k 10k respectively but changed my mind.. this bass is BAAADDDD!!!

 

[devnulljp]

Recently acquired a 72 PBass that had been routed for a PJ setup. Had a friend open up the route a bit for a 3-way blade switch, just got round to wiring it up Tony Franklin style this morning.
Put a Nordy NP4 in the P position and so far I've kept the old EMG J that was in the bridge position.
Thinking about going for an EMG geezer PJ set though if I can get a hold of the buss for the solderless wires.

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[birdman14]

Here's my humble submission! I got this guy about a month ago, and it plays like butter. The photo makes it much more purple than reality, which is much closer to a burgundy mist.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I sifted through this thread and discovered I hadn't posted my P/J-related findings and updates, so here I am remedying that oversight.

Last year, I had some additional routing done to my "Projekt Blue" parts-bass. Originally, I had used a Blacktop Jazz pickguard as a J/J-to-P/J conversion template.

Of all the split-coil-bearing Jazz basses I've encountered, the Blacktop's neck pickup placement is the closest to the neck pocket, while the Aerodyne is a smidgen closer to the bridge. However, after reading @Reggie Hamilton post to a TB thread about the engineering put into the placement of his signature Jazz's neck pup, I decided to give it a go.

Thanks to the fine people at WD Music, I got myself a reproduction of a Reggie-sig pickguard and had it routed out a bit more, as seen below…

In my final analysis, I can say without reservation that between the Aerodyne, Blacktop Jazz and the Reggie Hamilton Jazz, Reggie's has my favorite pickup placement. The growl and grind of the others are quite excellent and give them their own, distinctive sound, but if you're looking for that classic, fat, Precision sound in a Jazz package, a Reggie-sig should be high on your list of considerations.

On a related note…I'm giving some thought of doing a similar conversion to a Classic '70s Jazz. I'm rather curious how the deep, Precision "thump" will blend with the extra "growl" of a bridge pup in the seventies-position.

 

[Fuzmaster]

Of all the Fender factory PJs based on the J body, the Reggie Hamilton model has the P pup about as close as possible to the actual P-bass location, without cutting through the bridge side of the J pickguard.

Crazy (mad?) as I am, I am sorely tempted to acquire an Am Deluxe Jazz V, and hack it for a P pup in the Reggie location, for a poor man's RHV wanna be. I might do that, right after I hatch my current scheme to transplant an Am Deluxe P neck onto a non-Deluxe P body (with PJ pups, of course).

 

[JIO]

If certain Fender folklore is correct, it's funny how the much sought-after extra-growly "70's J pu bridge position" was born. Apparently (as one of the more accepted versions go) the CBS suits thought the upper tabs on the bridge pu peeking above the ashtray was not (visually) "neat" enough for their tight sphincters and had it lowered to hide completely under the large F cover. "...what (they thought) difference could that possibly make?" Maybe that's not a fact, (I read it, but that as you know does not necessarily make it a fact) but it definitely sounds like something that could have occurred under the new corporate (clueless) structure that was CBS back then. Any ex-CBS executives (now on tb ) from that era who recall anything remotely concerned w/Fender R&D can verify or deny this "myth". I'll hold...

 

[JIO]

Here's my humble submission! I got this guy about a month ago, and it plays like butter. The photo makes it much more purple than reality, which is much closer to a burgundy mist.


View attachment 1102705

I'm a fan of BMM on Fender (and otherwise/other brands) basses/guitars but a J ashtray on a P is ONLY for a photo-op in my book. (same with J's) - it takes up WAY too much valuable (articulating/playing) real estate. I personally play at the bridge on my P's and J's, a lot. (palm muting etc) Looks cool but bridge covers are for photo-ops only! (of course, YOMV)

 

[Malak the Mad]

Of all the Fender factory PJs based on the J body, the Reggie Hamilton model has the P pup about as close as possible to the actual P-bass location, without cutting through the bridge side of the J pickguard.

Crazy (mad?) as I am, I am sorely tempted to acquire an Am Deluxe Jazz V, and hack it for a P pup in the Reggie location, for a poor man's RHV wanna be. I might do that, right after I hatch my current scheme to transplant an Am Deluxe P neck onto a non-Deluxe P body (with PJ pups, of course).

Quickly, old chum…to Invalid Link Removed!
(…that's where I got my aforementioned Classic '70s Jazz body, thanks to last year's Christmas Sale)

 

[hypercarrots]

On a related note…I'm giving some thought of doing a similar conversion to a Classic '70s Jazz. I'm rather curious how the deep, Precision "thump" will blend with the extra "growl" of a bridge pup in the seventies-position.

I believe an American jaguar bass is set up this way. I have the classic 70s jazz and the deluxe jaguar bass (Japan) and the bridge pickup is the same distance from the bridge on both. I don't have the American jaguar but it looks like that bridge pickup is also the same distance from the bridge.

 

[hypercarrots]

One of my favorite PJs.