To Jazz or not to Jazz?

I can empathize with what you're going through - I have the same issues with the J-Bass body (NOT the sound). I'm getting ready to order a raw P-Bass body from Warmoth and have it routed for Jazz pups in a 60's configuration. I'm undecided if I'll have it professionally finished or do it myself (probably the later, as I'm pretty fair at such). I now have a P-Bass, a J-Bass, a P/J-Bass, and they're essential to my palate of tones. All you'd have to do (like myself) is replace the body - you already have everything else you need but a scratch plate...IF so desired. Give it some thought. The 3 bass types cover most of what I wish. I plan on repeating a similar project with a fretless neck after completion of this mod

 

I'm always of the mind of:

- if I'm not going to play it regularly,
- if it's not a collector's item or something that might be worth a ton of money someday,
- if it doesn't have sentimental value,

then sell it.

But that's just me.

 

If any of your bands or songs need the jazz bass sound in the future then you might be in trouble if you have sold it.

 

If you don't need the money, it always helps to have several basses, all with different 'tonal' possibilities, to use as needed. I've got a 70's reissue J-bass - don't use it very often (it's the heaviest of all my basses, and I really prefer the 'active' tone for most of my playing) but when I need that J-bass tone, I've got it available to use.

 

You can give it to me, I'll give it a good home.

 

Keep it. Down the road you'll be glad you did. Every bass player should own a Jazz bass.

Signed: guy who regrets selling the Jazz...

 

Sound advice...I'm with you.

Just to play devil's advocate...If a tool that you will use and if the price of that tool is what you paid then keep it.

 

For God's sake, keep it! You're only gaining regrets if you let it go.

 

been on my P for a month,doing some mods,not done yet,,i love the MIM P i have it's not for sale anytime soon

my J i felt like i was just getting sloppy because it was a fretless so i've abstained,but i'll tell you i love it a LOT more after NOT playing it for a month,seems like i can create sweet `upright' style tones easier without EQing a bunch ( practice odd styles i guess with country,bluegrass AND rock all part of my practise's)

and i aquired a new strap witch made a world of dif.,pitched the straplocks too,felt like they were`outriggers',just feels a lot lighter, tighter and better fit to my body now,sexy like a perfect fitting pair of Tony Lamas!!!,i love mine she's not leaving

dunno like you indicated you had a new girl you'd like to see,don't let the old girlfriend ruin it for you get the 5string or whatever you want life is short

 

I think you'll have to send it to me to try it out before I can recommend anything.

 

You'll regret selling this one. Believe me, in the future you may need a J and maybe you should be lucky enough to score another, but this one looks very nice, seem to be a keeper.

2008 was a very good year for Fender basses.

 

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. There seems to be a pattern...

 

You have two P basses already? What would you need another one for? The versatility of the Jazz may come in very handy someday. And nobodys forcing you to twiddle the knobs. Find a unique tone or two from it and use them when the P's can't cut it.

 

I have a Warmoth JJ bass with J neck, P body.

It is my favorite set-up, slightly ahead of my PJ with same neck and body.

I have wished Fender would release this combo; G&L did it right with the JB-2.

 

always have a jazz in your tool box...

 

I'm a P bass guy too, so I know what you mean. Personally, I'd ditch it. It's a great instrument, but if it's always coming in second to your P bass, why bother?

I'm looking to sell a Schecter Studio 5, because I prefer my P bass. Great instrument, just not for me.

 

Im the opposite
I tried Ps and I always go back to the Jazz Bass
I too roll the neck on full and the bridge back a quarter for the warmer sound

Its always great to have a Jazz
and its always great to have a solid P Bass
I have done without a P and I am fine
You may be fine without a Jazz
Want more versatility with a P bass body?
Sell the Jazz or one of the P basses and get a P/J configuration in a P Bass
ala Tony Franklin or a Precision Bass Special

 

I like the idea of getting a PJ. You have the P if all you want is a P kinda sound, but you have the chance to add that J for some more versatility.