Seriously, is there anything a Precision Bass Can't do?

[SteveC]

+1 Really two questions:

1) Is there anything (i.e., any type of gig or music) that a good player can't do with any bass, Precision or otherwise... answer: no.

2) Is there anything a P Bass can't do... answer: yes, it can't sound like a Jazz Bass.

I agree with this.

That said, IMO, a P bass is the last bass I would play. I like a "jazz" kind of tone.

I might use a P bass for (fretless with flats) an upright substitute. I think they sound better than EUB's for that purpose. Yes, I know, don't start.

 

[chadds]

What was it that hit you? What did you do to make it sound like an upright? I haven't heard this story before.

Inspiration hit me.
Now I would say that the design of the bass allows a lot of techniques to be showcased. I think that the wild 80s with modding got these basses into a limited tonal thing. They all started sounding the same with EMG pickups and badass bridges.
That bad pickup and the maple neck and hard body combined with whole side of index finger (tip to second joint) can get you an upright tone. yMMv

 

[VWbug]

I like my P bass ALOT although it is beginning to feel kind of heavy even with the wide strap I got. What's nice about having a similar Jazz bass counterpart is you have a pretty full spectrum covered, either one does ok in most situations and.......... Most people don't notice the difference and ask that embarrassing question........ "You got another bass?"

Let us know how you did.

Pics "ala Eaglemoon"

 

[conqr]

i actually like playing a ray or jazz in ska,but a p in reggae ,wierd

Weird?? For typical roots reggae nothing is fatter than a p with tone off and plucked (or better thumbed) near the neck.

I'm happy to be a very eclectic 'bass whore' mind you, too much great music out there to be limited to any brand or tone.

 

[WayneS]

Not knocking the P, they are a thing of wonder, but truth is, you can play pretty much any bass for anything. 99.9% of the world wouldn't know the difference.

All of the discussion of "this bass for that style," etc, is pretty much nonsense outside of Talkbass land. It still fun though!!

+1

 

[MtManiac]

Inspiration hit me.
Now I would say that the design of the bass allows a lot of techniques to be showcased. I think that the wild 80s with modding got these basses into a limited tonal thing. They all started sounding the same with EMG pickups and badass bridges.
That bad pickup and the maple neck and hard body combined with whole side of index finger (tip to second joint) can get you an upright tone. yMMv

Interesting - I'll play around with it.

 

[Spleenface92]

Is this limited to FENDER P or P config'd basses in general?

 

[MtManiac]

...too much great music out there to be limited to any brand or tone.

+1 - I have to agree. I only play a P bass out, and love it, and believe it can fit in any situation, but I'm a bass player, not a "Fender Precision Bass player." I also dig my fretless Jazz and my old Peavey Patriot, and really, really, wish I could afford to also own a Ray, a Thunderbird, and an upright bass.

 

[Florox]

I think any bass that can reproduce solid fundamental, which I think most basses have to do, will fit in any genre. Maybe it's because you're playing the "bass".

 

[peledog]

Wank fest + flame war = this thread

Seems like attacking people who don't dig the P is the course du jour. You say anything negative about the P and the come back is that it's the player and not the bass.

How does it go? Don't hate the player, hate the game? Don't hate the player, hate the bass?

To each his/her own. But the P can't do everything, otherwise there would be zillions of other brands.

All that being said, I don't hate the P. It's on my GAS list.

 

[CaptainWampum]

My precision sounds like what a bass should sound like to me. The only other bass I'd consider getting is a RIC.

 

[Nashrakh]

+1 - I have to agree. I only play a P bass out, and love it, and believe it can fit in any situation, but I'm a bass player, not a "Fender Precision Bass player."

Back in the day, electric basses were just called 'Fender bass' though, like on recordings credits.

 

[Salamenster]

J: Fast, defined, but thin, 'slinky', has this nice bite and edge (great for fast funky fingerstyle), for really clear and defined slap sound with that 'crisp' if you pop and that 'growl' if you thumb.

P: Solid, defined and low, fat, has this sexy hollow slap sound, WORKHORSE!

IMO, own three kinds of basses: A J with rounds, a P with flats and an EB-0 (w/flats) if you need to go REALLY low and undefined. The Holy Trinito IMHO.

Classic/psychedelic rock (Cream, Deep Purple)? I get my EB-0.
Modern rock, punk, oldschool funk, ballad or reggae? I'd take a P.
Latin, jazz, modern (tight) funk, fusion, clarity? I'd take my J.

Just my opinion, there's a Dutch saying: "There's no argue about one's taste." (Translation of: "Over smaak valt niet te twisten.")

 

[EduardoK]

Wow, thanks for reviving the thread!

 

[Ben Noblit]

Be available in decent quality, nitro finish, and no greasebucket for under $500.

 

[crashonskis]

I dont thinks P basses slap well IMO

 

[5StringBlues]

Rollerskate in a buffalo herd.

 

[soulman969]

What can't it do? Sadly......it can't book it's own gigs.

But that's one of it's few shortcomings.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Invalid Link Removed

Wank fest + flame war = this thread

Seems like attacking people who don't dig the P is the course du jour. You say anything negative about the P and the come back is that it's the player and not the bass.

How does it go? Don't hate the player, hate the game? Don't hate the player, hate the bass?

To each his/her own. But the P can't do everything, otherwise there would be zillions of other brands.

All that being said, I don't hate the P. It's on my GAS list.

Man I love Public Enemy, Classic. To much talk about gear on TB, more music.

 

[nickn]

I dont thinks P basses slap well IMO

WHAT!?

As punishment for your sins I command you to listen to this song, on loop, until you repent:

Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots - YouTube