Precision or Jazz, that is the question

[drjohn6oy]

Hiya everyone. I'm contemplating a new Bass, depending on next months wages that is. I've been toying with the idea of getting a Precision Bass, although every time I get to the point of purchase somebody says, why are you getting a precision when you can get a Jazz. Very annoying! I understand that the question is limited and it's mainly down to personal preference, but what are the main differences? Also, has anyone had any experience with a Fender Jaguar Bass, I'm told they're s'posed to be pretty incredible?
Thanks Guys

 

[bmason81]

I was a Jazz player for about ten years, just bought a Precision bass, love the tone and the wider nut. Dont think I will ever go back to the jazz

 

[Vintagefiend]

P-bass for me, always.

they look cooler, sound better, feel better. etc.

TO ME, at least.

lots of people dig J-basses because of the smaller neck profile, but P-basses are SUPER comfrotable, and I have small hands.

I have a J-bass, and it gets played barely ever.

my P-basses get all my love. they're perfect.

to the point that I didn't even list the J-bass or T-bird on my gear page; I never play them.

whether recording or live, whether it's my $250 VM Squier or the $1100 AVRI, it's almost always a P-bass.

 

[perutxo]

Hi, get a PJ! Best of both worlds.

 

[JACink]

If you get a Jazz, you will always wonder about a P until you buy one, and then may never return to a Jazz!

However, if you get a P, you will always wonder about a Jazz, until you get one, and then you will probably return to the P sooner or later!

(ps: I have more Jazz necked basses than P's)

 

[SasquatchDude]

What type of stuff do you plan to play? That is the question.

 

[Vintagefiend]

If you get a Jazz, you will always wonder about a P until you buy one, and then may never return to a Jazz!

However, if you get a P, you will always wonder about a Jazz, until you get one, and then you will probably return to the P sooner or later!

wow.

quoted for absolute truth.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Both, gotta be both. I don't care what level you're at- if you intend on being a bass player you HAVE TO have a P bass in your arsenal. Even if you never use it. I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten a call and they're like, "You got a p-bass?" YUP!!

 

[bh2]

That is the ONLY question...

I bought my jazz back in the seventies... still play it.

Bought my first P bass in 2008, wish I'd got one sooner. I've two now. I love em.

I still only gig my Jazz however.

 

[bmc]

Both are great. You can't go wrong with either one. I have both and love them both. One isn't better than the other. It all gets down to which sound you prefer and which neck is most comfortable.

 

[purfektstranger]

Like others have said..can't choose?....get both.

 

[Kmonk]

I own both. I like the fullness of the P but like the neck on the J better. I also find the J to give me more tonal options.

 

[boristhespider7]

Depends what tone your after and what feels right to you in your hands. I disovered in a round about way after yrs of playing bass that the bass tone that was in my head is a classic P bass tone. Now i own a P for a couple of yrs i've tried out quite a few Jazz's thinking i should get one, but they never have the tone i like, plus the body shape and neck of the P just feel right to me.
Jazz's always sound too scooped or too honky to me (although it may be i need to spend more time playing around to get a tone i like)

For me nothing beats the tone of a P when you dig in with a pick or fingers. Brings a smile to my face evry time i gig it.

 

[4OnTheFloor]

Neither/other

 

[Pokerdweebz]

I would pick a Jazz over a P, but I'm probably in the minority.

 

[1960jbass]

All depends what feels best in your hands and sounds best to your ears. I own both and play both, but like the majority here I spend more time with the P than the J. But give both a try and see which you like best!!

 

[Batmensch]

My preference is for the P, but that's just my taste. I am also of the ''If you can, get both" brigade.

 

[mrjim123]

It doesn't matter what everybody else thinks. Play both as much as you can before you buy and decide for yourself.

 

[Philibuster]

Play both blindfolded and see which one feels better?? Worth a shot!

 

[pinz]

I have played in a rock covers band for over 20 years,and used a couple of Fender Jazz basses (MIM then MIA) for almost all that time with great results and no complaints.
But I scored a MIJ P bass (70's Series) nearly 2 years ago and never gig the Jazz's any more for 2 reasons,

1.I love the P Bass better,the feel and tone is killer.
2.The band loves the P Bass better sound wise in the mix.

I have also just picked up a Squier P Bass special (J&P pups) which after a few upgrades I hope might get a similar reaction from the band as the P Bass has.