Telecaster style precisions

[Vosk]

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What is the tone like with the telecaster pickup? Is it just like the traditional split-p style?

Basically, what I'm asking is what is a tele bass like? Chunky/thin necks? Good playability? Etc

Thanks guys

 

[canopener]

It looks like that's the original P to me. But I could be wrong, if it's not a lefty, I don't pay much attention.

 

[Jim Carr]

The tone is somewhat different from a split coil P. The pickup is also
much more noisey. With the tone pot rolled OFF, the sound is
smooth and fundamental rich but with a unique color.

Turning up the tone pot adds uppermids and a slight bump in the output.
This is not a bright bass, nor does it have a big thick bottom.

It does have a unique thumpy voice. Mine is a 55 P. I actually prefer my
69 P for Soul, but the 55 is great for blues, oldies, and old-school country.
You can get a lot of tones with a good pre. Ask Sting.

The 55 is not great for slap, but it is possible if you remove the thumb
rest. Same goes for the '69.

 

[marwady]

My '51 Re-issue is not a thumpy as my split P Basses but it has a nice bark when you play over the pickup. Also, a bit more noise than a split P Bass.

 

[Vosk]

I guess I'll just have to find one and play it one day. No '51 reissues near me.

I'm looking for passive instruments, and the Jazz, Precision and Tele (all fenders, coincidentally) are all I seem to have to go for. Any other options?

 

[TheMightyQuinn]

Whats your price range? What tone are you looking for, etc.?

I'll just throw another passive bass at'cha: Rickenbacker 4003.

 

[tplyons]

The '51 reissue like you're showing is a unique sound. Little more growl to them, but not quite a Jazz bass. Has a unique sound that still screams P-bass.

 

[chadds]

I put a Mui Grande Tele bass pu in my Japanese Ri. The original sound and more bass and low mids. Seymour Duncan makes 3 different pu for these.
Choices are Japanese Ri, Fender Ri and Sting or a 69-72 Fender Tele. They can actually sound like uprights. Mostly technique as I have done it with round wounds but tape wounds and you're getting close.

 

[steveb98]

Tele bass I haven't heard that term since I was a kid, that is what we called them in the 60's. I played some of the originals back then and sound is different from a PBass, but good for classic rock and blues. The necks on the ones I played were kind of chunky, but I like big necks. IMO chunky necks are more comfortable if you are playing 5-6 sets a night. Fender released these basses again in the late 60's with a big square PUP real fat sound like a Gibson EB0.