Following bassaussie's thread about the sound differences between the J/J5 and the P/J5, I recorded a few soundclips because notes speak better than words! Both basses have fresh 045-128 Sadowsky Stainless Steel Strings. I have used the onboard preamp to boost the bass and treble on each bass. For the neck pickup slap sound I lowered the treble a tad. As usual, sorry for the bad playing Harmonics test #1 JJ5 PJ5 Harmonics test #2 JJ5 PJ5 I feel that the harmonics are richer and stronger on the PJ5. I don't know if is because of the alder or because of the different pickup placement though. Fingerstyle, both pickups full JJ5 PJ5 Fingerstyle, neck pickup only JJ5 PJ5 Fingerstyle, bridge pickup only JJ5 PJ5 To me, the sound of the PJ5 seems stronger in the mids, it sounds a bit "fuller" IMHO. Must be the alder... Slap, neck pickup only JJ5 PJ5 Slap, bridge pickup only JJ5 PJ5 Slap, both pickups full JJ5 PJ5 BTW, I am putting the P/J5 for sale, will post an ad soon!
Wow! Great thread! The most honest test between JJ and PJ would be if both had the same body woods and Fingerboards. But still, the similarities and consistancy of Sadowsky basses shown through. If I had to choose, I'd take the JJ. The PJ cleary possessed more mid tones and to my ears was just a little muffled in comparison. The fundamental tones seemed a bit more pronounced with on PJ as well. Probaly the Alder body and Rosewoof Fingerboard added to the darker tones. Still a truly wonderful bass. Another true test is to listen to how they cut through the mix in a band setting. How do they balance with the overall sound? Great job! Thanks so much. Back to thread - Loved the clarity and purity of the JJ. That would be my pick as a winner if I had to choose. Loved the JJ slap tones with both Pickups! MMMM yummy. Just curious, how does our Benavente Vortex sound tonally compared to your Sadowsky's? Is your Bene a JJ Pickup configuration? What kind of wood? Alder or Ash?
Thanks! I am like you, I think the P/J5 sounds great, it is more versatile but sill, I prefer the sound of dual J pickups, especially for slap. That is why I have decided to put my PJ/5 for sale. Concerning the vortex, I made a thread a few days ago with soundclips. It is a dual J configuration (custom DiMarzio Dual Coils) with alder body, birdseye maple top, maple neck and fingerboard. I think it sound great too, but more hi-fi and modern than the vintage 5. Maybe a bit more scooped too. You can check how it sounds on this thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=8 ]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=8 [/URL]
Thanks Ari, they're great! The difference is certainly noticable, the JJ seems to have a bit more bite in the top end, while the PJ has a bit more thump to it. As you said, though, that may be down to the woods involved just as much as the pickups. Great stuff. Damn shame the PJ is a 5 string - I'd be all over it, as it's probably one of the only PJ Sadowskys in Europe.
LOL. Hilarious typo! but anyway, if I had the chance to steal one from you, I'd have to say I'd take the PJ. I dig the more crunchy mids. plus it's really purdy.
LMAO! If I could only type! Hmmm. Guess I prefer Maple fingerboards as opposed to "rosewoof dingerboards" huh?
