So it's about time I got a Fender... but which one?

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I've been playing for a while now and have used Ibanez basses almost exclusively throughout my time with the bass. Don't get me wrong - I love my Ibbys and they are great basses - but I think it's about time I finally got a Fender; they're classic instruments that have a root in almost all genres of music. So, over the past few weeks, I've been perusing the GC website and Reverb, but I'm still not quite sure what I even want. Most of the music I listen to uses jazz basses, and thus I am inclined to get one, but I went to GC yesterday and liked the deep, round tone of the Precisions. Still, the necks on the jazzes are much thinner, faster, and closer to the Ibanez feeling I'm used to. So I'm presented with the age-old question: precision or jazz? I feel like most of the answer lies in whether I want to prioritize the deep bass of the Ps or the articulation of the Js, but if any of you have other facets to consider or personal opinions I would love to hear them.

If anybody could also inform me of the difference between Standards and Players, that would be appreciated, as I'm pretty sure I am going to be buying one of those two lines.
Thanks.

Precision deluxe

In Olympic white

The top is active, the bottom is passive.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Astre

I think it's about time I finally got a Fender; they're classic instruments that have a root in almost all genres of music

You make a strong case here! I have a Fender Jazz since 1985 and have giged it more than any other bass

(including other Fenders )

Most of the music I listen to uses jazz basses, and thus I am inclined to get one

I listen to a lot of music that I don't play! . Do you gig?

If you want to have fun playing bass, just get the neck that feels best for you!

That said, a one pup + volume + tone simple, straight forward instrument (the P bass)

can help you to get a good right hand technic

Need a different sound? Move your hand instead of playing with the knobs.

Sounds like you want a P with a Jazz neck.

Sustained! (buy a bunch and switch necks and bodies until...

... wait, these were only P basses with P necks)

there are so many great, non-fender versions of Ps, Js, and PJs that you couldn't possibly try them all to make an actual informed decision...even though they're better versions than fender offerings

But!

these kinda threads were more funny back in the days when people insisted on tort and flats!

i agree with those who are advising that you consider a PJ with a J neck, and as always: play as many as you can before you spend the money it costs to own that logo! good luck on your "fender quest!"

No and yes.

IME a PJ gives you a P sound, but it won't give you "the" J sound! (both pups wide open)

I played a bunch of PJs (high end active as well as passive)

None of them sounded like my Jazz Bass (not without fiddling with the EQ)

There are exceptions for "fretless solo bridge pup Jaco stuff".

I don't think a bridge pup adds real Jazz to a P bass!


but that's JMHO (the J is not for Jenious, it's for just)


Wise(b)ass

 

[JRA]

...JMHO (the J is not for Jenious, it's for just)

that's what they all say!


also:

 

[John Webb]

I have a Hot Rod P (PJ) with a Jazz neck. The tone versatility and the Jazz neck make it a bass I will never get rid of.
I think there are many PJs out there that sound awesome....it doesn't have to be a Fender IMHO.

 

[Sharko]

Lol, is it tho?

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

The one with the stylized "G&L" on the head stock.

 

[BishopHastur]

Be like me. When I decided it was time to get a Fender I went out and got a Fender made Ashbory.

 

[basseux]

So I'm presented with the age-old question: precision or jazz? I feel like most of the answer lies in whether I want to prioritize the deep bass of the Ps or the articulation of the Js, but if any of you have other facets to consider or personal opinions I would love to hear them.

The precision neck makes it feel like another instrument, and along the sound, you just don't play the same thing than on a Jazz Bass.

So to make it worth it, you should go on the instrument that feels the most different to you, and that would be the PB.

Anyway all that is a matter of which one of jazz or precision you will get first, because in the end you will get both.

You might also want to try to get a PJ instead of just a P.

I barely play my active Leduc Pad with EMG active since I got the Fenders.
I consider puting passive pickups in it.

 

[pie_man_25]

The thing with fenders is they're basically a dime a dozen, no matter which one you're looking at they're hardly rare.

Coming from an ibanez, a jazz makes more sense than a P, but honestly, just start picking stuff up off a showroom wall and don't buy anything until you come across, "the one."

You'll know what I mean if/when you ever find the one, but it's just that simple, fenders aren't magic.

 

[bassliner50]

IMHO, get Precision. Which one? In my mind it really does not matter. What matters a whole lot are the pickups (I really dig Fender Original '62s) and a perfect setup and responsive strings that last. So, Squier classic vibe, vintage modified, MIM Fender P, Fender player, American standard all make wonderful bass instruments....

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

Best Fender Bass I have ever played.

 

[CallMeAl]

For the serious minded.
One thing I love about my G&L basses?
Whenever someone says "Why didn't you buy a Fender?" I simply plug in and show them why.

Speaking of G&L, I can't believe I forgot to mention the SB2. Punchy, articulate MFD PJ pickups, and a slim, Soundgear-esque neck.

And if you think about it, they kind of are Fenders!

 

[Lowendchamp]

I love my P special but honestly if I had the money for a new Fender right now I would break the mold and get a new Meteora before they get discontinued

 

[dland]

To answer your second question, Standards and Players are the same basses, Players are just the newer version of the Standard.

I second the comments about getting a PJ with the jazz width neck. Fender makes the Deluxe PJ right now that might fit your needs.

Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special - 3-Color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard

The Player Plus is a nice Precision (PJ) rig.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[jamro217]

I'd shop around for the best deal on a P bass with a Jazz neck (or an A neck) 1.5" nut width. Find one you feel comfortable with. If you get it home and don't like it, sell it. You won't lose your shirt and you'll get some experience with the brand. Since the J bass sound is already covered by your current gear, the P is the model to focus on. The type of strings you use will greatly affect the tone. Hope this helps.

 

[Phlipper]

Which one?

The one that says Ibanez on the headstock, of course.

 

[57pbass]

You might want to take a look at a good J Bass. Modify the electronics to include the S1 switch which will get you into the P Bass area while still having the J Bass configuration.

 

[bmusic]

You want a P. And at some point down the road, probably also a J.

But today, you want a P. Don't try to have it both ways with the PJ. Don't even bother with a Jazz Bass neck. Dive in—all in—on the P, get to know it, and let it tell you how it wants to be played.

Yes, the neck will be wider than your Ibanez. You will approach it differently. You will approach it like a Precision Bass. (But I would opt for one with the 1 5/8" nut width rather than the 1 3/4" you'll find on the reissues and such. Because let's not be crazy.)

And it has to be a Fender, unapologetically. I don't think you'll be satisfied with anything rlse.

 

[logdrum]

I recommend a J. The neck is narrower and your transition from an Ibanez will be more comfortable. Plus the J offers a bit more tonal control than a P.
But keep in mind that eventually you may also want a P ... just because.

Don't get a Jazz or PJ. Only P. All the recording pros are going to ban you from producers' list$. Also no active preamps

 

[Chrisk-K]

Get the best bass in this universe - a MIA P.