So, right now I've got a Fender P bass and an SX J bass. I'm having to sell some stuff to clear out space. I play mainly hip-hop and R&B and use them for recording. I like the thump and beefy sound from the P but also enjoy the smooth sound of the J. In addition, I really would like to get a 5 string to get that deeper sound. I'm looking to just have one bass that accomplishes all this but has the clarity and doesn't get muddy when I record. I would like to stay below 500-600 if possible but can go up to a grand if needed. What would you recommend to accomplish both the P and J tones or that would be good for recording? Any recommendations or help would be greatly appreciated.
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What would you recommend in a 5 string to get a P and J tone?
- Thread starter Mannas
- Start date
Take a look at the G&L L-2500 "Tribute" model. You might also be able to find a used USA L-2500 for under a grand.
While the L-2500 will not give you an "absolute" knock-off of either a P or J, it will get you about 85% of the way to either sound, and will do a lot of other tones as well.
Also, a Fender Roscoe Beck V will do a very convincing J and a good "near p" sound, but they seem to be going for more than your $ level.
While the L-2500 will not give you an "absolute" knock-off of either a P or J, it will get you about 85% of the way to either sound, and will do a lot of other tones as well.
Also, a Fender Roscoe Beck V will do a very convincing J and a good "near p" sound, but they seem to be going for more than your $ level.
You see good reports on Squire V's which will be in your price range . [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
When I want a P-bass tone on my Jazz, I just solo the neck pickup. It's surprisingly close. In fact, I'm preparing for a Motown tribute show using my Fender Jazz V with rounds (sacrilege, I know) and I'll be playing it with the neck pickup soloed and the tone know cut by about 25%. I'll also bump up the low mids on my amp. I've done this before for a Motown-type sound and it is very convincing. 60-cycle hum is not that bad unless you are using OD/Dist, and if you get a P/J you'll get the 60-cycle hum from the bridge pickup whenever it's turned up anyways.
So, I would just recommend getting a good Jazz V. I don't know if I would recommend the MIM Fender 5er (haven't played one since they updated them though, so they might be nicer now), but the MTD Saratoga 5 would be a nice, inexpensive choice.
So, I would just recommend getting a good Jazz V. I don't know if I would recommend the MIM Fender 5er (haven't played one since they updated them though, so they might be nicer now), but the MTD Saratoga 5 would be a nice, inexpensive choice.
You might also check out the Schecter Dimaond P Custom 5, or try to find one of the old P/J Fender 5's used... sometimes you can get lucky.
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
The Squier Jaguar PJ is a decent enough bass for dirt cheap; if that's your pricepoint.
It's not Sadowsky, but, nothing else is.
It's not Sadowsky, but, nothing else is.
G&L Tribute L2500. I had the four-string version, and I was able to get sort-of P, sort-of J, sort-of Ray sounds out of it. Full disclosure: once I got a REAL Precision, I had to stop telling people how the Tribute could sound like one! But players are 'way more critical about sound that dancers. If you can get 'em to shake their butts, your job is done.
Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help. I have been looking at the G&Ls and the Fender Deluxe Ps but have not had a chance to play either one yet. I like both but with the G&L I'm not sure if I am content with having just a "close to" sound. I really don't have to have it exact though. I just want a beefy bottom end that the P brings with some smoothness and clarity that the Jazz brings and that sits in the mix well. I still am not sure about whether I actually need a 5 or not. I may just look at a 4 and tune it down when needed. Besides, I'll be using a sub bass for the lower parts mostly anyway. I also may just look at a Jazz. I really like the smoothness of it and it's more flexible but I hate to give up the punch of the P.
Chef said:
You know, after seeing this I've read a lot of good things about the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Special. Is it actually good or just hype? I always take low end instrument reviews with a grain of salt since there are usually a lot of beginners buying them.
I actually ordered the Squier P/J Jaguar today and can't wait til it gets here. They gave me one in a different color for now until mine comes in next week. I played it two days in a row and fell in love with it. I decided to just go with a 4. I think a 5 string is really just more of a want than a need for me right now.
I've played a lot of active 5-string basses that have the basic tone of a Jazz (with some obvious differences). Most Ibanez sound gears can get a jazz-type tone (heck, you can even get a P-type tone by solo-ing the neck pickup).
