That is a fact. I created one out of a Yamaha BB many many years ago because it was something I never saw . The tone was incredible, especially when using an eq and dropping out the 4k range. I really would like that again but I dont wanna chop up my MTD to do it. I would like that in a jazz body though.
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That is a fact. I created one out of a Yamaha BB many many years ago because it was something I never saw . The tone was incredible, especially when using an eq and dropping out the 4k range. I really would like that again but I dont wanna chop up my MTD to do it. I would like that in a jazz body though.
That's the formula a lot of guys settle on.
You have a loaded body that gets the job done, and you see a neck that just completes it.
My parts basses all have AAAAA flame maple bling necks that are on there for no real functional reason.
There are enough wenge, rosewood, mahogany, composite, roasted maple, etc necks on people's #1 bass bc it just completes their sound.
A killer neck with regularly maintained frets has always been more important to me.
Agreed, to me, the neck is the most important part of the instrument so that would be my choice to upgrade if I'm otherwise happy with the body and pickups.
The 80s MIJ jazz bass specials are the bomb.
You need look no further for a quality PJ!
You need look no further for a quality PJ!
Thats the only PJ Fender in the current lineup that fits the bill but as usual with the MIA Fenders, its overpriced IMO. For $1200, I expect more than a synthetic bone nut and a satin finish neck, the $200 Squier I have has that. Also expect a case, not a gig bag for that price too, not enough to justify the price IMO which is why I typically avoid MIA Fenders. The G&L SB-2 has a Jazz neck which is a no go. Unless they make one with a P neck I haven't seen?
What kind of finish on the neck are you looking for? I personally prefer the satin finish compared to the sticky glossy finished. My ideal neck is more like a musicman so I would just sand the neck down regardless and finish it with some tru oil. And the nut is what, a 7 or 8 dollar upgrade?
Try the Ibanez Talman TMB600, TMB2000.
The TMB600 I picked up, is solid, decent pickups, active preamp that can be bypassed, plays and sounds very good.
The TMB600 I picked up, is solid, decent pickups, active preamp that can be bypassed, plays and sounds very good.
American G&Ls allow you to choose whatever neck or finishes you want: shapes, sizes, etc... take a look here:
USA Bass Options
Regarding the Fender, IMHO the synthetic nut might be as good if not better than a bone nut and the satin finish neck is usually considered to be a better option since it doesn't stick to your fingers. Furthermore, if you get bored of a Fender you can sell it loosing 25% of its value. If you get bored of a G&L you might loose about 40% of it. Considering this I'd suggest you to take a look at used G&L SB2s. You might find one with the neck you like for a good price. Good luck searching.
Full disclosure: I have a G&L Tribute L2000 as my main bass and I actually love it.
There's also the new Duff McKagan deluxe MIJ with binding and inlays along the neck and interesting passive electronics .. fact is, however, that it is sold at almost the same price of the American Performer which, maybe, constitutes a more orthodox approach to a PJ bass stylistically-wise ..
This. And the mismatched output levels. There's a reason why Leo designed the P and the J the way he did.
If I was a stock holder at Fender I would rather have people buy 2 basses instead of just one. 
Yeah I don't get the "hard to find" thing either. Virtually everyone offers a PJ model, from Alembic & Fodera, all the way through the conga line of builders, and down to the cheapest stuff on the market. Wut?
PJ's are cool. The following are all 1.5" necks unfortunately for you...
The Fender Deluxe Active MIM ones are decent... swap the electronics (I think of doing so as an opportunity to try some great pickups that don't come stock). I have some PJAX and an EMG EQ in one, it's great. You can go passive with your electronics of course.
Older MIJ PJ's are very cool. My PJR-65 is extremely comfortable, and very light.
The Aerodynes are an option, but I personally wouldn't recommend them. Here in the Japan market, there are more colors. I thought for sure I was going to pick one or two up when I got here, but unfortunately, many of the used ones had various cosmetic damage that suggests to me that the paint/clearcoat on them are not very durable, easily damaged, and in my opinion any damage on those at all looks bad.
But, to get at a P bass size neck, maybe consider buying a P bass and a PJ body and swap to get at the features you seek.
PS - Someone mentioned G&L as 1.5"... I will have to look again, because I thought I was seeing them as P bass size... Interesting.
Good luck in your quest.
The Fender Deluxe Active MIM ones are decent... swap the electronics (I think of doing so as an opportunity to try some great pickups that don't come stock). I have some PJAX and an EMG EQ in one, it's great. You can go passive with your electronics of course.
Older MIJ PJ's are very cool. My PJR-65 is extremely comfortable, and very light.
The Aerodynes are an option, but I personally wouldn't recommend them. Here in the Japan market, there are more colors. I thought for sure I was going to pick one or two up when I got here, but unfortunately, many of the used ones had various cosmetic damage that suggests to me that the paint/clearcoat on them are not very durable, easily damaged, and in my opinion any damage on those at all looks bad.
But, to get at a P bass size neck, maybe consider buying a P bass and a PJ body and swap to get at the features you seek.
PS - Someone mentioned G&L as 1.5"... I will have to look again, because I thought I was seeing them as P bass size... Interesting.
Good luck in your quest.
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I have a Fender Tony Franklin P-J. It is an excellent bass, but I never use the Jazz pickup or both pickups together. To me it is a P Bass that just happens to have some other stuff on it lol.
Just have a pickup installed in the P of your choice. Much cheaper than a new Am Elite and more unique. Lakland is also an excellent option for a near-fenderesque bass.
It's for me. I'm currently looking for a PJ, only because I love the P pickup but need Jazz nut width.
I feel your pain man. Those performers look awesome. But I don't like the P bass neck. I actually prefer the jazz neck. I'm gonna order a used ebmm Caprice. If I were in your shoes I would do one or two things. 1) buy the perfromer and immediately rip out the pickups and replace with custom shop 60s. 2) crawl eBay and reverb until I found a PJ body i liked and build around it. But ...those blue performers are reallllllly pretty
That's a great recipe.... shows how good a squier model that is to have the same sought after features as an American fender. I love artificial bone nut... had one put on my les paul copy after market. I only like graphite better on trem guitars. .. and brass if strength matters (like on my kramer forum bass).
Also there is generally a lot more popularity in the jazz bass neck versus the precision bass neck.... the jazz was fenders improved design over the older precision, don't forget, and he listened to the feedback on the p and invented the j. He got it right cuz more bassists seem to look for the jazz neck dimensions.
Me... i don't care. So many great instruments.... so many great designs lol
But yea that might explain why you're having trouble finding the precision neck dimensions on a pj... not as common a request. However... don't dismiss other brands.... Fender isn't the be all and end all of great basses... lots of excellent other brands mentioned in this thread that have dimensions and pickups you want in better build quality than even USA fender builds.... let alone squier.
And I love fender and squier.... but if i want the best, i look at all brands.
Me... i don't care. So many great instruments.... so many great designs lol
But yea that might explain why you're having trouble finding the precision neck dimensions on a pj... not as common a request. However... don't dismiss other brands.... Fender isn't the be all and end all of great basses... lots of excellent other brands mentioned in this thread that have dimensions and pickups you want in better build quality than even USA fender builds.... let alone squier.
And I love fender and squier.... but if i want the best, i look at all brands.
