Why the P bass obsession

[Brendan]

I literally have a 1:1 set of P-bass pickups tattooed on my forearm. I am not qualified to engage in jazz-pickup apologia.

 

[goodformetal]

I literally have a 1:1 set of P-bass pickups tattooed on my forearm. I am not qualified to engage in jazz-pickup apologia.

Lets see your tat dude! - I like that idea

 

[Runnerman]

One of my latest, greatest, favoritest P-bass sounds....



bland....don't think so....maybe it's the reverse headstock

 

[Batmensch]

To those who keep saying the P bass is not "versatile' -
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." (Inigo Montoya)
According to the new American Oxford dictionary -
"Versatile - Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities. "
Substitute the words "music styles or genres" for "functions or activities'' and that sounds like a pretty accurate description of a P bass to me.

 

[joel406]

To those who keep saying the P bass is not "versatile' -
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." (Inigo Montoya)
According to the new American Oxford dictionary -
"Versatile -Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities."
Sounds like a pretty accurate description of a P bass to me.

One tone fits all?

 

[rogerbmiller]

Try doing a search?

Leo. Got it right the first time.

It's better than a fodera, especially the squiers.

Lastly, should I switch to 5 string?

 

[Fxpmusic]

Why the "why the P Bass" post obsession?

 

[Frank77]

This and the "4 string vs 5 or 6" debate...seems like we go through this every week.

 

[Fxpmusic]

This and the "4 string vs 5 or 6" debate...seems like we go through this every week.

Week?

 

[joebar]

I don't understand all the hate on pbasses

actually-there is very little...

 

[I am Soma]

actually-there is very little...

i see an anti fender p, fender jazz, or overall fender post daily

 

[ChefKen]

I dont think its hate.....I personally think they are just fine....just not the end all be all of the bass world. Is there not room for us all???

 

[Doner Designs]

See that dot in the center of a bulls eye? That’s a P.

All those rings around it are where the "versatility" of other basses allows you to go.

Well said.

 

[Gaolee]

See that dot in the center of a bulls eye? That’s a P.

All those rings around it are where the "versatility" of other basses allows you to go.

Yep. Astray.

 

[Jesús David]

I have nothing against precision bass guitars, they can play very good in the right hands. They aren't anything crazy though. I always felt like they have a very bland tone. They don't have much versitility either. I much prefer the depth and range of a jazz for example. Im just curious about everyone else's thoughts on this.

I think they have a certain appeal. But I personally prefer a more versatile bass. I enjoy playing a pbass, just not as a main bass. I myself own a vintage '73 pbass.

 

[Jesús David]

P basses kick ass. They have awesome tone and are extremely versatile, for me at least.

I wouldn't say they're EXTREMELY versatile. I'd say that they adapt well to most situations.

 

[crucislancer]

i see an anti fender p, fender jazz, or overall fender post daily

Lately there have been a lot of threads that were started about Fender in general or one of their bass models in particular, most of the time with an honest question, and all the Fender haters come out to play. But, whatever. I find gear snobbery (or any snobbery for that matter) to be distasteful at least.

I may be a Fender fan, but I'll play any bass if it gives me the tone I want. Right now that's Fender basses. 15 years ago, it was Ibanez, and in a few years, it might be something else.

As far as Precisions go, they can be very versatile. I've seen them used in just about every genre of music. Some folks have moved on from them, and that's great, find your tone someplace else if need be, but the Precision isn't some one-trick pony.

 

[ggvicviper]

They sound good to me, and many other people here. There are tons of recordings and performances with a P bass. While I don't own a FENDER P right now, I'll always appreciate the sound and own one in some form. My G&L L5000 (which is a 5-string P with a monster pickup) did a great job at a wedding I played at recently.

However, they're not for everyone, and they don't have to be. If you do fancy a good P, there are plenty of options to buy one, from cheap to boutique: Fender, Squier, Lull, G&L, Sadowsky, MTD Kingston... no shortage.

 

[DwaynieAD]

For me it always seems I hear a bass line, bass tone, or bass player I like if I look it up... Boom P bass. It really is that simple for me. I own a jazz, p, mm, p/j and have had various with soapbars. Like em all.

 

[nerkoids]

P is the peanut butter. J is the Jam. B is the bread.

All you need to know, really...