Precision or Jazz Bass ?

[RBrownBass]

IMO, if you're not certain, get the Jazz.

You can get SOME of the "oomph" of a Precision with the Jazz, maybe even replace the neck pup for an even more Precision-like tone, but you cannot come anywhere close to simulating the sound of a soloed bridge Jazz pickup with a Precision.

 

[57pbass]

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.

I think I have arrived at this location...
I own many basses and have been playing my P Bass with flats.... its just perfect....

 

[klocwerk]

P with flats... sounds like a wannabe upright player to me.

I'd say get a Jazz with an S1 switch. (Series/parallel switch.)
You get all the classic Jazz tones, and with the flick of a switch you can get a good impression of a P tone.

I was very anti-fender in general until I got my hands on a Jazz for awhile. It's my main bass now.

 

[slickhare]

people say jazz'es are limited to certain genres, but i've been able to get a nice range of tones from mine. much more versatile than my p bass.

 

[dougjwray]

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.

I got a Mexican Jazz Bass and had the series/parallel mod done to it (cost me about $25, plus whatever the push/pull switch was... $5 or something). Now I almost always use it in series mode. Highly recommended.

 

[dgce]

You know, either of these basses are capable of doing just about any kind of music. We've seen both axes in the hands of jazz, country, funk, blues, fusion, pop, etc. etc. players for years. It really comes down to the player and what he/she feels most comfy with. I personally find the Jazz neck comfier and the 2 pickups more versatile. However I could easily play the music I'm playing with a straight up, mod-free P bass as I'm sure most people on this thread can as well.

Bottom line, go to a few guitar shops, try a variety of P & Js and see what floats yer boat!

r

 

[Tony G]

This all comes down to what you like. It has been said before, but go try both, play around with each for a while, and then decide. My personal preference is the jazz bass, as I like the punchy growlier tone you can get from it. The p-bass just isn't my style, but a lot of people love them. It is really up to you.

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

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

Should I assume that your profile needs updating? (the have MM Sterling, GAS'n for a Smith 6 part)

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

Get both! That's what I did.

 

[guy n. cognito]

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...)

Most dealers will make you pay return shipping and many may charge a "restocking fee" unless there is something wrong with the bass. Something to consider before going this route.

 

[T-Funk]

P + J


or an American Deluxe Precision Bass

+1

The American Deluxe Precision is an extremely versatile and wonderful sounding bass. It has a P + Humbucker pickup configuration.

If you are not looking at the American Deluxe models, the Jazz bass is a better option, in my humble opinion.

Ted

 

[bikeplate]

HI

I would consider the feel of the neck, also. The precision is wider at the nut, usually a chunkier neck. Jazz bass have a thinner nut, usually a sleeker profile. Which do u prefer?

Rob

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Most dealers will make you pay return shipping and many may charge a "restocking fee" unless there is something wrong with the bass. Something to consider before going this route.

Certainly valid concerns...however;

I didn't intend to imply that the return shipping would be free...but if you're in the Continental US, shipping a single bass coast to coast (to return it) will cost less than the amount of money you'd lose if you bought the "wrong one" and resold it.

I've dealt with Musician's Friend, Zzounds and SamAsh.com and none of them have a restocking fee...

One should certainly know all of the rules before buying on-line, from a store, etc. When in doubt, ask questions...lots of them.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Certainly valid concerns...however;

I didn't intend to imply that the return shipping would be free...but if you're in the Continental US, shipping a single bass coast to coast (to return it) will cost less than the amount of money you'd lose if you bought the "wrong one" and resold it.

Yes, but you would lose substantially more than if you were to simply drive to the music store and try both BEFORE you buy. You might even find out you don't like either one.

Even small towns tend to have at least one music store, and that store typically stocks MIJ or MIM Fenders.

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Yes, but you would lose substantially more than if you were to simply drive to the music store and try both BEFORE you buy. You might even find out you don't like either one.

Even small towns tend to have at least one music store, and that store typically stocks MIJ or MIM Fenders.

In general, I don't disagree with you at all. But small music stores generally have minimal bass inventory...

My comments were really intended to address papjason's particular situation that he described back in post no. 3.

I have a group and we play rock, funk, (fusion)
I dont want it to play metal, hard core etc.
There is no store here where i can try them....
I will buy it from an online store

 

[rugrat]

Either would be a great choice but if you want to pick up more chicks (they might not be good looking), get the Precision.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I think the Jazz might be the better choice for the styles of music your band is playing. IMO the P-Bass is meatier and more aggressive sounding. The Jazz is a bit more refined. Both sit well in the mix. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[Dr. PhunkyPants]

Should I assume that your profile needs updating? (the have MM Sterling, GAS'n for a Smith 6 part)

Yep...that's me....only a few years ago!

 

[contrabassie]

I have both and I like both, but for live situations with my Musicman hd130 head and eden cabs, I prefer the p-bass (cuts better through the mix - more mid).
For studio situations (with my bass pod xt live), I prefer the jazz (the sound is more defined - more bass and high).

 

[BuffaloBass]

For $250, and what you play....

http://cgi.ebay.com/PEAVEY-T40-TOBA...oryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

OR, even better with a maple fingerboard, with nickle rounds, the tone will be UNBELEIVABLE

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-PEAVEY-...oryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Jsut a dufferent point of view. Played the same kind of stuff you;re playing now when I was back in college ( MANY moons ago) and sold my P and J and bought one of these since it blew both away. EXTREMELY versitle. J growl, P fatness, Rick brite ballz, whatever you;d like.