• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Why do I have to want a P...

I believe the party says that Mao got about 80% right, 20% horribly wrong (that whole Great Leap Forward famine and cultural revolution). More objective people would reverse the numbers. Unlike Mussolini's main claim to fame (made the trains run on time), Mao actually did some positive things. But the cost was brutal.

Back on topic, I don't think Mao played a P-bass, though it is the proletariat instrument of choice.

My community organizer suggested you might benefit from a stint wood-shedding
with the "reeducation pedal."

pedal.png
 
It was a A revolutionary instrument in 1951 and there is no doubt that it has had an immeasurable impact in the music world...

because of the solid body and pickup placement it's sound is rooted in putting the emphasis on the fundamental harmonic, which is why it sits in the mix so damn well. I can tell you from experience that if you want to do session work and don't own a "P" or be able to get your hands on one you won't get work. Every producer and engineer in the known universe knows what a "P" sounds like and knows what to expect from one!

I view it a lot like a Crescent wrench....every mechanic should have one in his tool box.....as you never know when you might need one!

I like the ergonomics of the Jazz Bass but can't stand the smaller neck (My Jazz basses have "P" necks on them) and it's no secret that Jazz basses are brighter and richer in the Midrange and treble departments....which makes it nice for solo work.....but to me always sounds honky and brittle no matter how it's eq'd

there is no substitute for that P thump!
 
The affinity I'm looking at has DiMarzios. Are they good?
Many players like the DiMarzio Model P. It has ceramic magnets IIRC, similar to older MIM Fenders. I find that particular tone brittle, though others might call it "crushing." Vintage Fender "sweet P" tone is found with AlNiCo magnets. JMHO, YMMV. And if you're going for a Squier, do yourself a favor and make it a Classic Vibe. Waaaaay better.
 
I have never owned a P bass, but our drummer is a craigslist junkie and bought a squier affinity P for $40.
After I gave it new strings and a serious setup, it plays decent and has a "P" sound to it that I instantly recognized.

it's fun and different from my jazz for sure.

EDIT: my current jazz bass has a Made in Japan P bass neck which I like way more than my old MIA jazz neck, go figure.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: FlatwoundFunk
So, I guess you've never heard of James Jamerson.

Oh yes I've heard of him, oneof my teacher introduced me to some of his music, not my thing at all. But Motown is considered to be so sort of soul music with element of R&B, gospel, funk and blues. Well according to Wikipedia.

But you listen to some modern act and it is more of a 6 strings landscape with scooped mid kinda thing. Just like old rock was played on a Fender P or J but now you have many different brand in it because Fender isn't well sought after when you want a 5 strings.
 
I owned a MIM Jazz since 2008. I upgraded the pups to CS 60s it has nice tone. Front pickup is warm and mellow for reggae and even some r&b. Always wanted a precision...bought a Squier CV 60s P. Very nice. Totally different animal. Added fender vintage original pickups and flats...even better. Was that necessary, no, but to me it made a difference.

Do you "need" a precision bass? No. You don't. You can play anything on that jazz. But the sonic space that a p fills is, well pretty amazing and pretty different. If you get a chance to go to a GC or similar, play a MIM Jazz and a p on the same amp you use at home. You will figure out if you "want" it.
 
I agree with other people who said to keep the jazz and save up for the p bass. It's good to have a back up if for no other reason. I find jazz basses to be far more comfortable and prefer them live but sound of a p bass is an indispensable tone that you're not going to get from anything else. The MIM jazz bass I had been using for years developed electrical issues and i had to scramble to find something cheap to fill in while I got the other bass fixed(see jazz clone in avitar). I replaced them with a parts jazz bass and a squier p bass that I'm currently trying some mods to.
 

Latest posts