Why Do You Prefer a Jazz Over a Precision?

[lkngro]

I think Jazz basses are just smoother in general. I mean, the neck pickup by itself with the tone all the way open can get pretty gristly, but both pickups just sound so good together.

 

[Medford Bassman]

I own one of each. I like them both, both have the qualities and drawbacks. I just choose the one based on my mood.

I can make them both work for what I need.

 

[JoeVictim]

I like my Jazz because it just has a great mid flavored tone. With my BFD cab, theP just sounded off. It was like putting a fork in a blender. My jazz is like putting icecream andmilk in a blender. It just shakes it up right. The neck is also nicer to me. I liked my P while I was still playing a radiator cab, but now it's Jazz all the way.

 

[wshines1892]

i love a jazz for playing complicated or funky lines, they work especially well in a three piece, with their crisp fast articulate tone.
on the other hand especially if you're peddling semi-quavers, nothing beats that big fat low mid thump of a p bass.
I guess depending on your rig with a j bass you're gonna be heard, and with a p bass you're gonna be felt.

I'm sure Pino would disagree with the trio statement.

Personally, however I feel the day of when I'm playing is what I'll go with. Unless of course it's a weekly/regular gig, then I'll usually stick to the same bass so the sound man gets used to that bass and will be able to get me a in the ballpark tone right off the bat instead of having to dial it in for half an hour.

That being said, I own and play both. I love all of my basses. I identify the P bass as home bass (pun intended) because it's what I learned on, it's simple, and it's got a fat tone to boot.

 

[BrandonBass]

I just never sound good on pbass. I hear these bassists churning out beautiful tones from pbass on the records. But whenever I try one at the local guitar store, it just sounds too 'hollow' to my ears. Maybe its just me, who knows.

J bass with all knobs cranked ftw

 

[Dudaronamous]

Bridge pickup on the J and I like the look.

 

[benjammin420]

I love the feel of the Jazz neck; the tonal possibilites of having 2 pickups; and the look

 

[FretlessMainly]

I have a '76 P FL and a '97 J CIJ FL. I like them both. I prefer the neck on the P since I have fairly large hands. I prefer the fingerboard on the J because I prefer oiled rosewood over finished maple. The J has more tonal possibilities, but the P just feels right and gets a nice thick growly thump.

 

[Engine207]

Jazz bass is much more articulate, notes speak faster and with more clarity... that being said, P bass, while not particularly exciting sounding by itself, always sounds great in a rhythm section mix.

I like both and I am glad I own one of each

Precisely...only a couple of each!

 

[spaz21387]

I prefer P basses just due to simplicity. And the thick grindy tone. I own one jazz but it hardly ever gets played. One p bass has a j neck. Then the other is a project its a mim fender j bass routed out for a p bass pickup at the neck.

 

[39-Bassist]

I like the balance of the J and the neck feel, But I prefer the body and tones of the P. (That's why I got a P-bass special....)
Just my opinion...

 

[Greevus]

Straight up P bass hands down. Simple, thick, cuts, and Steve Harris and Phil Lynott played 'em.

 

[Ric5]

I like the jazz and p-bass both about the same. I have a couple of each.

 

[Tusec]

The J is so dang cool looking, and it's got the fast neck. But to my astonishment I usually reach for the P first. Love 'em both though.

 

[ProfGumby]

I like the nut width and the sound of the 2 pickups. I don't mind P basses but like jazz basses more.