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Precision basses with Jazz necks

U

ulynch

Nov 8, 2010
820
31
Nor Cal
#1
After many many years playing nothing but Jazz basses, I've acquired my first Precision. I love the sound of the thing, and it fits really well in my current project. I'm not entirely sold on the neck though. After so long with Jazz necks, it just feels fat. :hmm:

I know that Fender and Squier have made Precision basses with a variety of necks, and some of them were "standard" Jazz necks with a 1.5" nut. But which? I'd like to find one - what should I look for? It's not an often-advertised attribute of used basses. Is there a particular year or three? A certain model? :help:

I know it will limit my options, but I really dig a maple fretboard. Not at all mandatory, just desirable.

Thanks for any input
 
#2
Look for an "A" stamped at the heel of the neck. At least that's how the older ones were marked. A=1.5", B=1 & 5/8", C=1.75". Pretty much all Jazz necks are going to be 1.5" unless they were special ordered so you could just get any Jazz neck and bolt it on. If you want it to say "Precision Bass", then you'll need to find one marked "A".
 
#3
thebrain said:
Look for an "A" stamped at the heel of the neck. At least that's how the older ones were marked. A=1.5", B=1 & 5/8", C=1.75". Pretty much all Jazz necks are going to be 1.5" unless they were special ordered so you could just get any Jazz neck and bolt it on. If you want it to say "Precision Bass", then you'll need to find one marked "A".
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You beat me to it.
Without removing a neck, there's no way to know what's stamped on the heel. One would have to rely on a seller's description, or be able to try it out personally.
I was going to suggest an aftermarket Jazz Bass neck. (I like Allparts.)
Sorry-- maybe a genuine Fender scholar will be able to refer you to specific models, years, etc.
 
#6
If the bass has a precision "special" name then it is j-bass specs.
Also other fenders have the "Deluxe" p-bass then it has J-bass neck.
I have a squier PJ p-bass special with jazz neck...( I also am selling it too)
 
#7
39-Bassist said:
If the bass has a precision "special" name then it is j-bass specs.
Also other fenders have the "Deluxe" p-bass then it has J-bass neck.
Click to expand...

That's what I was looking for. I assume this is true for Squier as well? Shame about that spare pickup though. Were there other models made with the Jazz spec neck?

39-Bassist said:
I have a squier PJ p-bass special with jazz neck...( I also am selling it too)
Click to expand...

Care to link us your ad? :)
 
#10
CapnSev said:
If you like the sound of your current P bass, why not just get a Jazz neck and slap it on there?
Click to expand...

Because it's a $175 beat up Squier, and I can't justify a >$200 neck investment. Also, I've understood from other folks' experience that not all Fender or "Licensed by Fender" necks will fit the neck pocket on a given Fender or Squier bass.

I might even be able to sell off this original neck for enough to cover the cost ('89 Squier II, Korea, with a maple fingerboard ... hint hint).

I might change my mind yet though, because a neck swap might be an interesting project -- never done that before. Shimming ... hmmm ... I have a hard enough time with truss rod adjustments.

I wonder if overall it might be less trouble to find a P-bass with a Jazzy neck, and keep or sell off this one, than to swap necks.
 
#12
ulynch said:
Because it's a $175 beat up Squier, and I can't justify a >$200 neck investment. Also, I've understood from other folks' experience that not all Fender or "Licensed by Fender" necks will fit the neck pocket on a given Fender or Squier bass.

I might even be able to sell off this original neck for enough to cover the cost ('89 Squier II, Korea, with a maple fingerboard ... hint hint).

I might change my mind yet though, because a neck swap might be an interesting project -- never done that before. Shimming ... hmmm ... I have a hard enough time with truss rod adjustments.

I wonder if overall it might be less trouble to find a P-bass with a Jazzy neck, and keep or sell off this one, than to swap necks.
Click to expand...

I can tell you for a fact a Mighty Mite jazz neck will not fit a Squier Jazz bass. The neck pocket is narrower on Squiers than Fenders. Tried it. had to shave each side of neck to make it fit.
 
#14
The Fender Precision Special and the Squier "Standard" were/are very similar. They had P Bass bodies with the added Jazz pickup at the bridge and a Jazz neck (1.5") The input jack is on the edge. The sound of the two are very similar which led me to believe the Squier Standard has upgraded pickups and not the one in the Affinity series.
Rocky
 
#17
Not all specials are active. Usually the 'deluxe' part denotes active although some are passive. 'Special' does seem to definitively mean jazz neck though. Check out the MIJ p bass special, squier p bass special or VM jag - all are passive p with j neck
 
#19
Brendan5 said:
Not all specials are active. Usually the 'deluxe' part denotes active although some are passive. 'Special' does seem to definitively mean jazz neck though. Check out the MIJ p bass special, squier p bass special or VM jag - all are passive p with j neck
Click to expand...

+1 This. There was a lot of variety over the years as to what special and deluxe meant, you'll have to play some or really check and verify the specs before buying if you're looking online. And then, even the width at the nut does not always translate to the same neck feel front to back. I have a 70s P with an A neck and the round profile is just amazing. I've found few basses with the same feel on the neck. IMO if you're going to look for a fender look for the california series P special from the 90s. They were a blend of US/Mexican production IIRC, P/J pickups, jazz neck.

Not sure what your budget it either but there are lots of other companies making these. If you want strict P bass with a jazz neck, look into the Lakland Duck Dunn (now the called the 44-64 custom). A used skyline will probably run in the $700-900 range.
 

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