What makes a Precision so good?

[Humbled]

This is like asking "What makes a Rib eye steak so good".

Some are, some aren't. But a superb example of one, executed well, when added to the right situation can seem a lot like perfection. It's just been this way for a long time, because of a stack-up of variables that just tend to often work well together.

And if you're limited to bringing only one thing to the party, in most cases, few people are going to bitch.


My 1964 Precision. Sometimes, it's just the flavor I need.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'venever heard someone complain about a P (except a bass player who wants more toys). What does that tell you?

 

[placedesjardins]

So really, it occurs to me that there is a question here - what is it that makes a P-bass so useful? Is it simplicity, (which is excels at), the pickup design (which only seems to work well in one, single place on a bass - but does work really well *right there*); Those are about the only things that have been consistent in the design...

Really, it could be made with one volume knob and no tone knob.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Really, it could be made with one volume knob and no tone knob.

actually, rolling off the tone gives some different useful tones.

 

[Humbled]

Really, it could be made with one volume knob and no tone knob.

I dunno. Even if a P is routinely played both knobs WAO (which I usually do), I believe if you remove either from the circuit, the sonic character of the output would change.

 

[churchbass3]

I have my own opinion. I'm just curious of yours. Nostalgia? Tone? Feel? History?

If the P bass wasn't the 'original' (so to speak) would it still be as popular today?

I'm a big P bass fan, it's got what I'm looking for. Growl, tone, looks... etcetera.

I haven't found a P bass yet that can stand toe to toe with a Jazz bass. I do like P bass but not like a jazz bass. But of course I haven't played every bass there is. The P bass reminds me of a standard yet good sounding bass. The preamp is better on the jazz bass. My opinion only. Time will tell.

 

[JesseVMT]

I'venever heard someone complain about a P (except a bass player who wants more toys). What does that tell you?

I hear you. I played a nice MiA today that's calling my name. I did an A / B with a MiA jazz and the P bass won hands down.

 

[JesseVMT]

Really, it could be made with one volume knob and no tone knob.

I use the tone knob quite a bit.

 

[Showdown]

The pickup. It's all about the pickup.

This is the correct answer. Leo got it right on his second try. A P just sits perfectly in the mix.

 

[Showdown]

I use the tone knob quite a bit.

I do too. Sometimes you need a lot of treble, sometimes you don't. But either way it still sounds like a P.

 

[ShirazBop]

Happiness is a warm p

 

[Mastermold]

I like to P.

 

[JesseVMT]

I do too. Sometimes you need a lot of treble, sometimes you don't. But either way it still sounds like a P.

Exactly

 

[JesseVMT]

Happiness is a warm p

Ha!

I like to P.

A good P can mellow you out or rock you pretty hard.

 

[joebar]

As mentioned repeatedly, a lot of the attraction is simplicity, ergonomics, and sound. That's what attracted me. But that's not the real reason I play a Precision-style bass. I'm reminded of an old question Microsoft used to pose when interviewing job candidates: "Why are manholes round?" Answer: It doesn't matter why. It's a standard. When I show up to an audition with a Precision, I'm already halfway through the door.

yep-
respect you don't have to earn makes it a lot easier.

 

[Mvilmany]

Leo Fender gave us everything we need when he graced us with the P Bass.

 

[joebar]

I think it is nostalgia or just sheeples following the crowd. Often Fender P's are modified to make them "better". There are so many copies like Lakland it is hard to figure out what attracts people. I like the Aria Pro II range of basses, because they are more midrange and can be heard easier in a band setting.

I don't think so-
if they weren't good, many people wouldn't use them.

a good P bass (mine has TI flats) should be in every bassists arsenal IMO.

I just bought a G&L L2500 and it has about 30 combinations and guess what? front PU/series/passive and I could die happy (very close P bass tone).

I tried every bass over 30 years and I just wasn't happy until I lastly tried a fender P-I should have tried it sooner- I wasted a lot of time.

 

[joebar]

I disagree. Even giving the J a head start, people back in the 60's would have discovered what we know now; that the P sits in the mix better than the J. There would have been a group of players who move to the P at that time and we'd be right where we are now.

truth is, the jazz is way nicer looking so you'd think that would be the one-

 

[Kukulkan61]

I dunno. I don't own one.

If you don't own a P Bass your not a real Bass Player..

 

[Glazenn]

We don't need no explanation...