Source of the P-sound

[kampfgolem]

Hello all.

I was wondering... what's the main design feature that lends the Precision bass its tone?

I thought it had to do with its pickup position/design... am I right?

The reason I'm asking is because I tested a cheap Squier P and liked the way it sounded, however I really dislike not having access to a 21st fret and my budget is pretty limited.

What about Ibanez SRs? Would I be able to get the sound off them?

Thank you for your help

 

[Bongolation]

I thought it had to do with its pickup position/design... am I right?

Mostly, yes.

I really dislike not having access to a 21st fret

If you're a bass player, you have no earthly business playing at the 21st fret in the first place.

 

[Kwesi]

Mostly, yes.



If you're a bass player, you have no earthly business playing at the 21st fret in the first place.

That depends entirely on the kind of player you are. But I suppose you knew that already .

 

[soulman969]

Don't know anything about Ibanez basses but the sound of a PBass in a combination of that wide split coil pickup and it's ideal location in the "sweet spot". They combine to give the bass that solid bottom and thump that it's known for.

In comparison a JBass places the 2 pickups on either side of the "sweet spot" and gives you more tonal variation but somewhat lacks that big punchy bottom that a PBass provides. Different strokes for different folks but you hear one or the other on a whole lot of recordings.

I'm not certain which Squier PBass you tested but what would be your reason for wanting to play at the 21st fret to begin with???? In almost 40 years of playing I've never played a bass line that high on the neck. I've got a deal with the guitarist. I'll stay out of his register if he'll stay out of mine.

 

[KingRazor]

Hello all.

I was wondering... what's the main design feature that lends the Precision bass its tone?

I thought it had to do with its pickup position/design... am I right?

The reason I'm asking is because I tested a cheap Squier P and liked the way it sounded, however I really dislike not having access to a 21st fret and my budget is pretty limited.

What about Ibanez SRs? Would I be able to get the sound off them?

Thank you for your help

The neck pickup in Ibanez SR basses is very close to the p pickup position. Running the onboard EQ with a slight mid bump and soloing the neck pickup might get you close.

Ibanez basses seem to have more of a "modern" tone.

They make P basses with more than 20 frets, I believe. If the number of frets is the only thing you don't like.

Personally I think a P bass with an Ibanez neck would be my perfect bass. Love Ibanez necks.

If you really like the Ibanez and want to get it really close to a P sound, I think some Nordstrand big splits wired passive would be a big step in the right direction...but that might cost a bit much.

 

[Martin89]

^Not to mention countless used soundgear basses with the p/j configuration and you could solo the P, even active they still have that P thump...

 

[Stranger Danger]

That depends entirely on the kind of player you are. But I suppose you knew that already .

No money past the 5th fret? Right?

 

[Tupac]

It's all in the pickup placement.

 

[mongo2]

No money past the 5th fret? Right?

7th fret...I play "modern" music

 

[Liam Wald]

I'm not certain which Squier PBass you tested but what would be your reason for wanting to play at the 21st fret to begin with???? In almost 40 years of playing I've never played a bass line that high on the neck. I've got a deal with the guitarist. I'll stay out of his register if he'll stay out of mine.

I play a Modulus Quantum that has 24 frets and I use all 24 frets.
I can't understand why some players would want to limit the scope of their music by not using the potential of the instrument. To me it is like a singer with a 4 octave range who only uses one octave...
That would be rather boring.

 

[giacomini]

I play a Modulus Quantum that has 24 frets and I use all 24 frets.
I can't understand why some players would want to limit the scope of their music by not using the potential of the instrument. To me it is like a singer with a 4 octave range who only uses one octave...
That would be rather boring.

Using all 24 frets, OK, but then it is no "bassline" per se, it is either a bass solo or you're comping/chording. I guess that's the point people are trying to make.

 

[AdamR]

No money past the 5th fret? Right?

Probably shouldnt be using the D or G strings either.

 

[AmadeusXeno]

I own a few Ibanez basses and have played many others. With some you might be able to get something kinda like a P tone but never really there. If you are only missing 1 fret that you'd use you could always bend the note at the 20th fret to get you there, or just get a different neck from the many companies that make them. Some of the aftermarket necks even have as much as 22 frets.

 

[Liam Wald]

Using all 24 frets, OK, but then it is no "bassline" per se, it is either a bass solo or you're comping/chording. I guess that's the point people are trying to make.

You can keep a solid bass line going by covering the 1/4 notes. I am not constantly soloing. In fact I seldom solo at all. I am a solid R&B groove player, but I play a lot of fills and 64th note arpeggios that end up at the top. I like being able to go all the way to the second octave on one string.

 

[kampfgolem]

Thanks for all the quick replies.

If you're a bass player, you have no earthly business playing at the 21st fret in the first place.

We do a bunch of drums+bass moments, and lots of "Open-E-Heavy-as-Hell" moments where having that high E (only available at the 21st fret - I do some harmonic work, but it's an entirely different sound) is a must

I was thinking about a P/J configuration too, since I like the sound of the Jazz Neck, but unfortunately the only ones from Ibanez that come to mind are Gios.

I mainly just want the P-sound. And tbh I've never really been a fan of the huge pickguard.

Speaking of pickguards, say I get a P... is it possible to remove the pickguard without revealing the electronics? :/

 

[P. Aaron]

The most expensive part of a Precision is probably the wood. It's really a collection of average stuff that at the time, was what was available. I have no idea if the PU placement is the only reason they sound like they do. A Precision, like so many other instruments is a sum of its parts.

The legacy has something to do with it too I imagine.

 

[Turtlejimmy]

It's not just the pickups and the placement, it's the shape of the guitar and the neck and the wood used. I don't think you could just throw a P-Bass pickup on ANY bass, in the proper position, and get the P-bass sound. It's a whole system.

That's why, if you are a sensitive player with good ears, you should hear and feel a little difference between the real Fender P's and the Squires, which are a slightly different design. They don't feel the same to me ...... I try them out without an amp to get the real feel of the instrument and the vibe of it. You need a quiet room for this.

As somebody in the recording industry said, "A precision bass sits in the mix like a cold beer in a glass." Nothing else records like it ....


Turtle

 

[Faderoktopus]

The OP expressed an interest in a 21st fret, if you guys wish to help then you have no earthly business doubting his need for one.:scowl:

 

[Spencerthegreat]

Probably shouldnt be using the D or G strings either.

What about my high c? Should I give up?

 

[Scott549]

Haven't these people ever listened to New Order?

Even if you don't play the high notes regularly, they can have great value. I've occasionally gotten my bandmates to look back at me and smile after I've hit the highest conceivable note on the bass.