Want a P/J; Which would you pick & why?

[noeinstein]

Keep in mind that there's no drawback to a P/J configuration over just a P pickup. You can turn the bridge PU all the way down and it's out of the picture altogether. No, it doesn't still affect the tone of the P when it's turned off, as you'll sometimes hear folks say. Not true.

So there're only advantages to the P/J over just a P configuration. Other than maybe the PU gets in the way of something, but that's it.

L

This is true, at least for my Fender 60’s Hot Rod P. It has a 63 PB pickup that soloed sounds just like it should. Dialing a bit of the 64 JB pickup is super sweet. I’ve tried several Fender/Squier PJ’s including Tony Franklin and this is my favorite. But it’s more than $500

 

[rocu]

I had an SB-2 tribute and liked it. I now have a P with a jazz neck and a J. I like having two different basses more than having one PJ.

 

[Krizz]

You might keep an eye out for an 80's MIJ Jazz Bass Special. PJ pups, P body, and jazz neck.

 

[Ggeorges]

I’ve got some very nice basses, but lack a fretted P. I don’t want to spend more than $500, and I also do NOT get along well with a typical Precision-spec neck; my Pedulla Buzz and CIJ Geddy Jazz are my favorite necks for feel.

So to get a P with a neck like that and with finish and fretboard style I want (maple fretboard and 3-tone tobacco burst), I’ve narrowed down to these two P/Js (used). Which would you choose and why?

- Fender Deluxe Active Precision Special (Mexican)

- G&L SB-2 Tribute (Korean) (and probably add the Tone mod)

Check the esp ltd 214 or 204

 

[Spectrum]

I have a Squier VM Jaguar. Passive only, and if you have your heart set on a Precision body it's not the one, but I like the Jazz style neck on it, it gives me the P sound when I want that, it's got some cool features like block inlays etc., and it looks cool.

 

[Nobis17]

+1 Ibby early to mid 90s SR800 or above.

 

[BaltBass5]

For Sale - Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass - Sapphire Blue with Maple Fingerboard

 

[Matty Koff]

Sire P7 w/ ash body, jazz neck, maple fingerboard, tobacco sunburst finish.

 

[nixdad]

Here's a variation on the P/J theme that seems to have some very smart features:

I don't own one, I'm not in the market, and have no idea how it sounds or performs:
- Hipshot Ultralight tuners
- Spoke truss rod adjustment
- Jazz sized-neck
- Badass-type bridge
- Multiple pickup configurations possible
Cort GB74 Gig | GB Series Electric Bass

 

[PotsdamBass8]

I have played the deluxe fender, and owned a USA SB-2 but not the tribute. I also own one of the recent Yamaha BB basses. All three are well made instruments, there’s really no bad choice. The big differences are in the pickups. The Fender and G&L are on total opposite ends of the spectrum, with the G&L being very aggressive and raw sounding, with the ability to clean up and roll off some high end with the volume down. The Fender, to me, sounded much smoother and even sounding. The Yamaha (at least the BB424X that I have), is kind of in the middle. The P sounds good, not too smooth or aggressive, but the blade J balanced really well and brings a great punch. The neck feels a little wider and deeper than a J, but not as wide as a P. It might be a different contour with the current models.

 

[80jazz]

Here's a variation on the P/J theme that seems to have some very smart features:
View attachment 3918342

I don't own one, I'm not in the market, and have no idea how it sounds or performs:
- Hipshot Ultralight tuners
- Spoke truss rod adjustment
- Jazz sized-neck
- Badass-type bridge
- Multiple pickup configurations possible
Cort GB74 Gig | GB Series Electric Bass

Here's another vote for this, but I much prefer the MM/P setup.

I voted for the SB-2, but you may find the Ibanez Talman basses worth a look.

 

[HolmeBass]

I voted carrots because of tradition.

But I arrived at PJ not because I decided I wanted a PJ, but because I was looking for a bass with a more modern voice for a band I was in at the time that had a dense soundstage because of a heavy-handed keyboard player and a loud, busy-strumming acoustic guitarist (who was also lead box and BL).

I tried out a number of used basses and the one that I felt would work for the band, and felt good in my hands and was fun to play, happened to be an active SSD PJ, basically a Czech Republic made NS2.

Then I happened upon a used Warwick Streamer Stage I in a different shop and fell in love with it, and it also just happened to be a PJ.

I am sure there are PJ basses that I would not like. The point is, like 1x15 speaker cabinets, a “PJ” is not a one-size-fits-all proposition; nor is it a description of a particular sound.

I could not pick between those two basses without playing specific instances of them. I know with Fenders different versions of the exact same model will sound and even to some extent feel different.

If you have to buy sight unseen then use Sweetwater or another retailer with a solid return policy.

 

[ShawnG]

I’m surprised nobody’s said it yet, Fender Aerodyne. Japanese Jazz neck, p/j config. Known for its sweet P tone.

Sorry, didn’t see Maple/Burst requirement, Aerodyne doesn’t have either of these, but it’s still a sweet bass with the closest thing to a Geddy neck profile that’s not a Geddy.

 

[thisheregiraffe]

My two ideas to contribute for consideration:

Godin Shifter Classic 4
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Ibanez SR650E
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Shopping used, either of these should fall within your budget. I think you would find both necks very comfortable. The Shifter is a passive PJ with 4-way switch. Lots of good tones and overall a really quality instrument. The SR650E is active but has an EQ bypass if you don't like the active preamp, and you get the reverse P pickup on the Ibby if that's a selling point for you.

Edit: oops, didn't see the bit about wanting a maple board and 3TSB. Maybe disregard the SR650E recommendation... though it is a really nice sounding and playing bass.

 

[Hounddog409]

I’ve got some very nice basses, but lack a fretted P. I don’t want to spend more than $500, and I also do NOT get along well with a typical Precision-spec neck; my Pedulla Buzz and CIJ Geddy Jazz are my favorite necks for feel.

So to get a P with a neck like that and with finish and fretboard style I want (maple fretboard and 3-tone tobacco burst), I’ve narrowed down to these two P/Js (used). Which would you choose and why?

- Fender Deluxe Active Precision Special (Mexican)

- G&L SB-2 Tribute (Korean) (and probably add the Tone mod)

My last bass purchase was a US G&L SB-2. Got is used for under $800 with original hard case.

The Tribute line is the best deal going. Cheaper than a MIM Fender and loads better. I would have went that brought if I didnt see the used SB-2 for sale.

 

[DuluthDank]

I'd take the fender passive PJ special over the active one. Never been a fan of fender preamps.

I'd suggest the last generation Yamaha BB424X over the current gen BB because the pickups were voiced much better IMO.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I’ve got some very nice basses, but lack a fretted P. I don’t want to spend more than $500, and I also do NOT get along well with a typical Precision-spec neck; my Pedulla Buzz and CIJ Geddy Jazz are my favorite necks for feel.

So to get a P with a neck like that and with finish and fretboard style I want (maple fretboard and 3-tone tobacco burst), I’ve narrowed down to these two P/Js (used). Which would you choose and why?

- Fender Deluxe Active Precision Special (Mexican)

- G&L SB-2 Tribute (Korean) (and probably add the Tone mod)

Of the two I would buy the MIM DAP Bass! Had one and wish I had never sold it. Great bass!

 

[CTBassGuy]

You might keep an eye out for an 80's MIJ Jazz Bass Special. PJ pups, P body, and jazz neck.

Check the esp ltd 214 or 204

Sire P7 w/ ash body, jazz neck, maple fingerboard, tobacco sunburst finish.

Here's a variation on the P/J theme that seems to have some very smart features:
Cort GB74 Gig | GB Series Electric Bass

Godin Shifter Classic 4
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Great suggestions all; thank you!

- The Godin is really nice looking; likely out of the budget though
- I'd love to find an 80's Japanese Fender; the quality of the Japanese stuff is great. My Vantage and Geddy are excellent. Most are out of the budget, that I've seen, or are IN Japan and would cost a mint to ship
- I've eyed up the Sires too, if I could find once for less than $500, I'd seriously consider
- Had not thought of the Cort or LTDs; I'll have to dig in to those

 

[40Hz]

Keep in mind that there's no drawback to a P/J configuration over just a P pickup. You can turn the bridge PU all the way down and it's out of the picture altogether. No, it doesn't still affect the tone of the P when it's turned off, as you'll sometimes hear folks say. Not true.

That’s not entirely accurate. Even with the JB pickup dialed completely out there’s still additional capacitance and resistance in the circuit due to the presence of the second volume pot and pickup. In a passive circuit like a PJ they can’t be fully isolated from the rest of the circuit. So there will be differences in the circuit’s impedance and transfer characteristics. And in a passive resonant filter circuit any component change, even relatively tiny ones, result in a tuning change for the filter.

There’s probably many situations where those differences might not be audible. But that would all depend on the characteristics of whichever split coil PB pickup was installed in a particular bass. Some of them are more sensitive to loading than others.

If you get a chance to read Helmuth Lemme’s excellent book Electric Guitar: Sound Secrets And Technology, you'll find an in-depth explanation of how all these factors come together to give you the tone you hear.

If you’re not up for reading the whole book, one of its most salient chapters is available to read online for free. Find it here.

 

[CTBassGuy]

I voted for the SB-2, but you may find the Ibanez Talman basses worth a look.

+1 Ibby early to mid 90s SR800 or above.

It's funny, I've never really given Ibanez much consideration. I've demoed a few and they always just felt like a toy to me. I'm sure the upper end models are probably great, but I've not found one to try.

I'll have to reconsider that position and see if I can find others to try.

Thanks for the suggestions!