Precision or Jazz Bass ?

play both, get the one you like


also it depends what style of music you play.
I bought a jazz because i heard it was more versatile

 

Jazz Bass is ideal for funk and fusion. Try reading some of the Jazz vs. precision mega threads.

 

P + J


or an American Deluxe Precision Bass

 

If you slap alot I'd say get the jazz. However if you want a great R&B, old school funk machine and you play mostly finger style get a p-bass. I'm in the process of getting a USA Bob Glaub 3-tone burst with a jazz neck.Not rubbing it in of course. Down the road you can always get a jazz or a P-bass depending on which decision you make now.

 

Everybody knows P's are better.

 

+1...hahahahaa!!!!



- georgestrings

 

If you're buying online, find a seller that has free shipping, buy them both and then send back the one that you like least.
(I'm actually serious...)

Really only you can tell once it's in your hands, playing through your amp, etc. Most on-line sellers will give you 45 days to decide...you just have to come to grips with the credit card bill coming in the meantime...

I have big hands and prefer a P in a 4 string, but my 5 is a Jazz type bass...

Which particular P and J basses are you considering?

 

i also play in a jazz, funk, rock type band. I play a fender jazz and am really happy with the tone. I would reitterate what these guys are saying. Go to a huge music store that carries fenders and try out the jazz and precision basses and see which one you like better. Also experiment with the different fingerboards because those can affect tone as well. Good luck!!

 

I have both a J and a P. I think the J is more versatile but at this time I’m really digging my P bass.

 

When I went to the music store yesterday I played a P-bass and a J-bass, I didn't like the P-bass that much, the J you got a wide range of sounds. But I ended up buying a Music Man SUB, just becuase I wanted something diffrent and in my opinion better than a fender.

 

Jazz: more versatile, cuts through mix better, more user-friendly neck, off-set body is still pretty cool looking after all these years.

No brainier here.

r
PS I also have a P bass as a backup. Its fun to play, however if I had only one bass, it would be the J over the P.

 

P basses are way cool!
J basses are way versatile!
P J basses are the best of both worlds!

If I had to choose one, it would be a PJ (like a Fender precision deluxe, which isn't exactly a PJ, but close enough )

If I could own two it would be a '62 RI Jazz and a '57 RI Precision.

If I could own three it would be the '62J + '57P + the new Jag!

I currently only own one (not a Fender, but VERY similar) a homebuilt P-bass that is "way cool"!

 

I have American Series Precision and Jazz basses, and I think you should start with the Jazz, as I did a few years ago. It's more versatile, well-suited to your material -- it's well-suited to everything, really -- and easier to play.

Plus, if you're going with the American Series, you'll get the S-1 switch, which switches the pickups into series wiring for a fatter, humbucking tone vaguely like a P-bass. If you're really into p-bass tone (who isn't?), it won't get you there, but might tide you over until the inevitable happens -- you get a P-bass! We know you will.

You could consider the Aerodyne P/J bass, but IMO it doesn't sound nearly as good as the American Series basses.

 

Nothing compares to the look, the sound, and the feel of a fender precision bass.

 

I've owned 40 basses in my life. All I want anymore are P's with flatwounds.

Does that mean anything for you, probably not. But five years from now, you'll reread that sentence and know what I mean. We all get there. It's just a question for most as to whether they can deal with the chunkier neck.

 

... and get one of these:

Reggie Hamilton Standard Jazz



I played one yesterday and was VERY impressed. It seems like a "do it all" kinda bass.

Active with Precision and (Noiseless) Jazz Pickups. The price isn't bad either -- right around $750.

 

Personally I'll just say this...

I've got a MIM Jazz which is the best bass I've got by far - why not go for both? - you can get a nice mexican of each, they MAY not be amazing, but they'll last you for a pretty long while - you can always sell them both and buy that ONE american P OR J if you really want to - but it IS good to have both I find...

..oh yeah - get the jazz first!