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

Pick the answer that accurately describes a Precision bass.

  • It must be a Fender Precision Bass. No substitutes.

    Votes: 63 18.8%
  • Doesn't have to be a Fender, but it must be a FSO.

    Votes: 87 26.0%
  • Doesn't have to be an FSO, as long as it has one split-coil pickup.

    Votes: 34 10.1%
  • It doesn't have to have only ONE split-coil pickup. It can be a P-J and still qualify.

    Votes: 22 6.6%
  • It can be any body shape, and any number of pickups, as long as ONE of them is a split-coil.

    Votes: 28 8.4%
  • Carrots

    Votes: 101 30.1%

  • Total voters
    335
To me, the one set of two split pickups gives the most precision bass sound than anything else.

In terms of looks though, an FSO is the thing.

This one below is a Spector but the sound is really a typical precision sound :

1748904665399.jpeg
 
I was just thinking about this last night! I was recollecting on how certain bass sounds were hip or in fashion in each phase or decade. However, there are two things that haven't changed despite the numerous genres over the years that fit in every genre: a passive precision or jazz bass. Sure, a hi-fi jazz bass or double humbucker bass may enhance or suit better on a few styles, but I think you can make a passive P or J work no matter what.
 
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What do y'all think about my new Les Paul?

1748906235810.png



A Precision bass denotes a particular body style at a minimum, and when you spell out the word it probably implies Fender (or Squier) whereas "P bass" is probably more general with regards to manufacturer, but still the specific body style.

Since Precision basses introduced (or at a minimum, popularized) a specific split-coil pickup style, the pickups themselves are known as P Bass pickups, irrespective of what bass they are installed in.

This, for example, is a Warlock bass, and most definitely not a Precision bass nor a P bass, although it has P bass pickups.

1748906603670.png


Adding an alternative configuration of pickups to any bass with a P bass body style does not disqualify it from being a P bass. A Precision bass with a P/J configuration isn't a "Precision Jazz bass".
 
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IMO there are mini brands out there that will build a FSO better than Fender, so why by Fender if I want a P or J?

If someone wants to say that's not a real P or J, they can buy me one if they're that worried about it.
 
What do y'all think about my new Les Paul?

View attachment 7242424


A Precision bass denotes a particular body style at a minimum, and when you spell out the word it probably implies Fender (or Squier) whereas "P bass" is probably more general with regards to manufacturer, but still the specific body style.

Since Precision basses introduced (or at a minimum, popularized) a specific split-coil pickup style, the pickups themselves are known as P Bass pickups, irrespective of what bass they are installed in.

This, for example, is a Warlock bass, and most definitely not a Precision bass nor a P bass, although it has P bass pickups.

View attachment 7242426

Adding an alternative configuration of pickups to any bass with a P bass body style does not disqualify it from being a P bass. A Precision bass with a P/J configuration isn't a "Precision Jazz bass".
To me. This, is a p bass.
 
I've noticed that a neck that has more than 20 frets starts to change the Precision sound recipe a bit. When I get into longer 21 and 22 fret necks, it's not quite a spot on sounding P bass to my ears.

Also, I have seen many P basses fitted with aftermarket bridges. It does not occur to me to put a Badass bridge on a P bass. Or any other bridge that's a radical departure from a typical Fender bridge. There may be a P bass out there with a fancy aftermarket bridge that sounds fabulous. I just haven't heard one myself.

But not all Fender type bridges are the same. When I replace a stock Fender type bridge on a Yamaha bass, I hang onto those bridges, because they are much better made than the typical Fender bridges on Squiers for example.

I don't like to do oversized routing for a P pickup the way that factories do, They figure that a pickguard will cover up the oversized pickup rout and maybe also a hogged out wire channel running to the control cavity. I prefer to keep the routing tight and tidy and remove as little material as possible.
 
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.
Love my Sire P5 Neck and even the stock pickups. I can get the P sound I am looking for from that, or my MIM Fender P. My 2 PJ's come close as well when panned Neck only.
 
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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.

The true Fender P bass on my head must be vintage correct preriod P bass at least. 44mm nut width, 7.25' fretboard radius, vintage fret wires, vintage tuning machine head, vintage thread saddle bridge ......... So, i bring the Vintera 50s P home without huge spend and both GAS/ case close. Ti flat are well match, woody tone without thuddy!

For " Real ,working and enjoyable playing " P bass are belong to my cheap CIC Squier MAttfreeman Sig P. And few previous CIC Classic Vibe P bass i been own. This baby safe me out from the Am Pro II P's GAS .......

When i need a P bass that work with some modern music and need scoop hi fi tone , Charvel Pro Mod PJ just serve me well. I mod it to full time passive and the blend tone just shine on Linkin park, Foo fighter song...... I wire it to Volume/Blend only , without tone pot, she sound agressively like active PJ bass (recall while the stock active preamp still with it. )

So, when i need the Pbass or Jbass other than Fender and Squier P brand , i choose Bacchus. I have great opinion with $250 bacchus BJB1RSM since 2019, and i order a new BPB1M a week ago...... shipment are on the way by sea cargo currently.
 
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