Settle an argument. (Fender vs. FSO vs. non-FSO)

[Greenman72]

It has been said that every "true" bassist needs both a Jazz bass and a Precision bass.
(Your opinion on this matters not. It is a simple fact of life. Thus sayeth Lord Jaco.)

That said--what constitutes a Precision bass?

Does it have to be a Fender? Or will my Sire P5 qualify?
Does my Yamaha BB (with a lone split-coil) qualify, even though it has a BB-shaped body?
What if it has a jazz body, but a P pickup? Is that too far from home?
What about a P-J's? Are they still "Precision" basses?
What if it has active electronics? Is there such a thing as an active P-Bass?

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Parzival]

Can we answer all of the above? Maybe not. If those were numbered I would choose 2-4-5. Also, not listed but placement of the split-coil I think is key in it being a Precision Bass. Sweet spot!

Saw your additional questions narrative.

Does it have to be a Fender? Or will my Sire P5 qualify? Sire would be ok by me.
Does my Yamaha BB (with a lone split-coil) qualify, even though it has a BB-shaped body? No.
What if it has a jazz body, but a P pickup? Is that too far from home? Yes, too far from home.
What about a P-J's? Are they still "Precision" basses? Yes, if the split-coil is in the sweet spot and it is correct shape.
What if it has active electronics? Is there such a thing as an active P-Bass? No.

 

[OlyWhite]

What if it has a jazz body, but a P pickup? Is that too far from home?
What about a P-J's? Are they still "Precision" basses?

I think the term these days is "trans-fender"

(Just a joke, no ill will intended)

 

[jeff62]

Doesn't have to be a Fender... plenty of FSO's out there that kick Fender butt in terms of quality/playability. No one can tell me that my Lakland P's are not Precision basses... and they are more than equal, if not better than, any standard American Fender (IMO). On par with custom shop instruments.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

I didn't vote. As far as i am concerned a P is shaped like a P and has at least a split coil pup. A Jazz is shaped like a Jazz, offset body, and has straight single coils x2. I suppose that makes them FSO's? Hold up, my 79' Musician has a P body shape and 2 single coils, oh i am confused!

 

[ardgedee]

Can't check right now but I'm pretty sure that Fender trademarked "Precision Bass". In which case only Fender can use that name for a bass.

Other companies can call their basses P-Bass, or Precise Bass, or Precisionish, but I think the law's got Fender's back on this one.

 

[JRA]

Inquiring minds want to know.

sure!

i'm with @Parzival on the "sweet spot" bit.

IMO, an appropriate pickup (doesn't have to be a split-coil) in the right location, that generates a fender precision sound = P-bass.
all of my know-it-all, 'expert' friends think my FSO p-bass is a 7ender precision when they hear it (recordings.) good enough for me!

 

[Jeff Scott]

I think the term these days is "trans-fender"

(Just a joke, no ill will intended)

 

[ardgedee]

Can't check right now but I'm pretty sure that Fender trademarked "Precision Bass". In which case only Fender can use that name for a bass.

Other companies can call their basses P-Bass, or Precise Bass, or Precisionish, but I think the law's got Fender's back on this one.

Finally had a chance to check. Invalid Link Removed

 

[mambo4]

Legalities aside , If someone says "Precision bass" I assume an FSO w/ split coil

 

[swagbotbilly]

Relatively certain that to be a bassist requires a bass.

Past that...

 

[Discount Bassy]

I am a false bassist, so I voted carrots. Six strings, carbon fiber neck, EMG soap bars...heretic!

 

[tekhna]

Technically a "Fender Precision" doesn't necessarily have a split-coil pickup.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Can't check right now but I'm pretty sure that Fender trademarked "Precision Bass". In which case only Fender can use that name for a bass.

Other companies can call their basses P-Bass, or Precise Bass, or Precisionish, but I think the law's got Fender's back on this one.

Don't get Personal he he

 

[dougjwray]

Only Fender Precisions or Squier Precisions are "Precisions"... all of the others are copies (like my '60s Univox or my SX) or "Precision based" (maybe something with a hair metal pointy body but with a split pickup in the right spot).

 

[BowserGriff]

I want a Fender p and a j. And a musicman stingray. And a rickenbacker.
That's just me and my wants. I don't judge what other people have or want. It's just my bass brain tells me I want the real deal, sticker on the headstock.

If someone put a real Ken Smith and an amazing copy of one in front of me (for arguments sake just as good if not better sounding), then asked which one id want. Id choose the real one all day. Why? Got the name on the headstock!

The quality and sound are better on other basses, I had a beautiful Lakland a while ago, I still want the original though.

(BTW, Only the stingray left to complete my dreams!)

 

[Fender_Bender]

I'm old and even though Leo is long dead I like respecting the innovators, not the copiers, whether they "are better" or not. And better is often subjective.

 

[Five or Six]

Who made the statement? Just another person's opinion. That's like saying the only good motorcycles are Harley & Indian.

 

[skycruiser]

A "Precision Bass" has "Precision" on the headstock, made by either Squier or Fender.

 

[davedamage]

Settle an argument, he says...