This is kinda of like a James Jameson versus Joe Osborn question.
Both were brilliant!!!
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which classic look do you like best?
- Thread starter bon viesta
- Start date
This is kinda of like a James Jameson versus Joe Osborn question.
Both were brilliant!!!
I find the Jazz Bass body shape more ergonomic, and also the narrower neck more comfy. Of course, soundwise there also is good reason to play Precisions. Whereby tone also depends on wood choice (alder, ash, "poplar" etc. for the body, maple, rosewood, pau ferro, ebony etc. for the fingerboard), hardware, PUs/electronics, strings, and, of course, playing technique.
As for aesthetics, I grew up with the looks of 3-tone sunburst + tort (and mostly rosewood fretboards, on Jazz Basses mostly w/ block inlays).
So, no wonder I had to play stuff in sunburst
But prettiest is a Jazz in kind of a dark burgundy translucent w/ gold hardware (and a rosewood fretboard w/ dot inlays) 
As for aesthetics, I grew up with the looks of 3-tone sunburst + tort (and mostly rosewood fretboards, on Jazz Basses mostly w/ block inlays).
So, no wonder I had to play stuff in sunburst
But prettiest is a Jazz in kind of a dark burgundy translucent w/ gold hardware (and a rosewood fretboard w/ dot inlays) 
The bound and blocked sunburst J is iconic mid century modern design. The P is nice, but it's more utilitarian in design (which had its own appeal for sure). I like em both. But hold a gun to my head and make me pick one, it's gonna be the J.
That is my main gripe with the Jazz bass shape, but it really isn’t that much of a problem - you only need to use a hanging stand. They work with P-basses too.He wasn't that much of a genius. When you put a Jazz bass on certain types of guitar stand it falls over. How ergonomic is that? OTOH a Precision bass is a bit meh. But the good news is ........... other people also make basses!
(runs for cover)
.....
ive always admired em that way.Cheers..
I think the Jazz is a cooler looking design, but they both have their place:
Of those 2, I'd prefer the jazz. I just think the sunburst suits it better, but if given a choice, I would not pick an instrument with sunburst. I'll echo what others have said, sunburst just looks a bit dated, overdone, and boring. I prefer something a little more unique and fun for my instruments.
I always have to stop and take in the view when I spot a nice cherry sunburst... shuh-WINGGGG!!
The two burst basses up top look great. Both are timeless. Hard to describe though - sometimes I think a pickguard looks right, but then other times I wish I could see the wood underneath it. No biggie.
Hey, wasn't the design of the Jazz bass at least partially inspired by the idea that it would be easier for playing while sitting down?
The two burst basses up top look great. Both are timeless. Hard to describe though - sometimes I think a pickguard looks right, but then other times I wish I could see the wood underneath it. No biggie.
Hey, wasn't the design of the Jazz bass at least partially inspired by the idea that it would be easier for playing while sitting down?
I like both shapes but favor the Pbass because I'm a Pbass guy!! Although my burst jazz is one sexy momma!!
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RE: High Wearer
I wear my bass so my belt buckle sits in the curve of the lower side of of the bass. I hate scratches on the back of an instrument. Anyway, am I a High Wearer?
Credit where credit is due: at Fender, the guy with a real eye for design seems to have been Freddie Tavares. The visual styling of the Jazz Bass was his work, by and large, as was the Stratocaster guitar.
Personally, I admire the J look, but prefer the more sedate and anonymous air of the P.
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I find the smaller P bass body more ergonomic for me. And slightly lighter. I’m a late convert to the cult of P. But I’m making up for lost time by guzzling the kool-aid.
I’m also a recent convert to black guards on translucent (but not burst), metallic or flake finishes, on both guitars and basses.
I’m also a recent convert to black guards on translucent (but not burst), metallic or flake finishes, on both guitars and basses.
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I like both. But they gotta have black or anodized gold pick guards and cream pickup covers. Also my preference is for sunburst or natural color instruments.
Love the looks of the Jazz bass (shape wise) but prefer the P-Bass sound wise. Don't get me wrong I love the sound of the Jazz, just prefer the P. As far as ergonomics go?.... Hmmm, either one works for me as I wear my basses pretty low. There is something about a Jazz bass's offset body that is just cool (to me) though. Sunburst looks great on both basses and tort is..... well.... tort.
i’d say so! i wear my bass so basically my forearm is actually angled ever so slightly upwards! so my hand just of sits in the position you imagine a princess to do as she extends her hand to be... kissed? a weird example but it’s the best way i can describe it. basically my arm is at about an 80 degree angle, and my wrist area is being placed on the bass.
