Why are P-basses more expensive than PJ basses?

[Basslice]

Here is a question I have pondered over the years. Why are P-basses more expensive than PJ basses? At almost any level of instrument, it seems like regular P-basses are more expensive, sometime considerably more than PJ basses by the same company, tier-level.

What could be the reason for this? You would think that it would be a lot cheaper to build a single pickup P than have to route and supply both a P-pickup and a Jazz pickup. What am I missing here?

 

[FRoss6788]

Same tier-level?

I've not seen this... example?

 

[Lackey]

Really? Just out of curiosity, can you post some links of examples of same same P v. PJ?

Personally, I really like having a J at the bridge... Never had a PJ but it's on my long-term list I guess.

Actually that's not true, I had a Yamaha BB fiver. Sold it to a friend who loved it but probably should have kept it.

 

[Killing Floor]

I know a Mod Shop P, it’s about $100 adder to make it a PJ.

 

[Basslice]

For example, look at pricing of Fender 4 string basses from low to high. You will find PJs below Ps. Go to any only site, like sweetwater.com

 

[WillyW]

You will find PJs below Ps.

There, answered your own question…

that was easy.

 

[Basslice]

OK, it looks like Fender recently flattened their pricing so a Jazz / P / or PJ are all about the same (still not clear why). Squire has a large number of PJ basses before you can afford their lowest tier P bass.

 

[Flamingo21]

The thing with Squier is, they feel a PJ will appeal to beginners, so their whole bottom range consists of PJs.

Or so I think.

 

[Lackey]

OK, it looks like Fender recently flattened their pricing so a Jazz / P / or PJ are all about the same (still not clear why). Squire has a large number of PJ basses before you can afford their lowest tier P bass.

Yeah but these are all wildly different lines from each brand, despite all being FSO. An Affinity PJ is not as "good" as a Classic Vibe...

Fender has so many incomprehensible models I can't tell anymore. But it doesn't seem PJs are cheaper.

 

[Basslice]

The origin of this observation started for me last year when I wanted to buy a cheap p_bass and do my own upgrades. I didn't find anything used for cheap at the time and when I looked at prices, the only cheapo, full-scale basses I could find were all PJ. By the time you get to a low tier P, the price no longer made the idea tenable.

I ended up walking into a music store earlier this year and played a $425 Squire CV 70s P bass that was simply great. I walked out with it. I gave up my pursuits of a Frankenbass. However, I wonder why all the cheap PJ. I guess they must make them cheap and they sell better.

 

[JimmyM]

The origin of this observation started for me last year when I wanted to buy a cheap p_bass and do my own upgrades. I didn't find anything used for cheap at the time and when I looked at prices, the only cheapo, full-scale basses I could find were all PJ. By the time you get to a low tier P, the price no longer made the idea tenable.

I ended up walking into a music store earlier this year and played a $425 Squire CV 70s P bass that was simply great. I walked out with it. I gave up my pursuits of a Frankenbass. However, I wonder why all the cheap PJ. I guess they must make them cheap and they sell better.

There are just plain way too many variables and apples to oranges comparisons to be made to answer that question without a 2-hour roundtable of MI execs discussing it and answering questions.

 

[dougjwray]

Maybe the PJs are cheaper because they are harder to sell?

 

[roller]

Folks like a classic. I would imagine it's similar to trying to unload a Strat with a humbucker in the bridge (regardless if it was done at the factory or not). More people tend to want those original designs that were around decades ago.

Maybe the PJs are cheaper because they are harder to sell?

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Same tier-level?

I've not seen this... example?

Me neither. More routing, more wire, more pots, side jack mouting and jack, more pickups. Everything points to, if it were the same model, more for the pj.

 

[Indiana Mike]

Fender wise the PJ either falls under the American Standard* , now known as the professional II, or above it as the ultra P.

It’s not apples to apples concerning build and more so the individual components.

* That’s the way I see it,the professional series,as they replaced the American standard.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Tony Franklin; $2,000.00

That's the 1st PJ that comes to mind for me...

 

[OOD]

The thing with Squier is, they feel a PJ will appeal to beginners, so their whole bottom range consists of PJs.

Or so I think.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an affinity PJ. Is that a thing?

 

[Element Zero]

 

[Jazzkuma]

I have not noticed the price differences but if I had to guess its probably resale value. Harder to sell a PJ I suppose.

 

[bobyoung53]

Tony Franklin; $2,000.00

That's the 1st PJ that comes to mind for me...

Prices have recently gone way up, that same bass was selling for 1600 bucks a year ago, prices are still going up and down, they haven't settled yet. What is an American Original Precision going for now, I bet it's about the same.