Why would you choose a P over a J?

[chris_b]

I'm really a P bass guy. I played them exclusively for 25 years. I only stopped when I went to 5 strings and bought an SR5 and a Lakland. Now I have a Lull PJ5 and love it, but my go-to bass is my Jazz.

A P bass has a tone that just works for me, but a great jazz bass has dynamics and a range that appeals to me now.

 

[ERIC31]

Because Paul S. played one!

 

[whero]

Why would you choose a P over a J?

Because a P doesn't sound like a J. If you want a J sound, choose a J. If you want a P sound, choose a P.

 

[nilorius]

You take the bass that sounds and looker better to you.

 

[NOVAX]

Jazz Chicken or
Precision Steak?
Rickenbacker Fish!

 

[Tommy V]

why would you use a spoon, instead of a fork?

 

[BassmanM]

String-to-string balance can be perfected, unlike with a J (my biggest annoyance about Js is the weak middle strings).

Adjustable pole pieces, problem solved!

Invalid Link Removed

 

[BassmanM]

why would you use a spoon, instead of a fork?

I sip my soup from a cup.

 

[4001]

I don't know. I wouldn't.

 

[CallMeAl]

I know a lot of guys have a P bass as their weapon of choice. What is it about that model that would make you choose it over a J bass? I own both 4 and 5 string J basses and every time I pick up a P it just doesn't speak to me. Perhaps it's because I'm used to the neck on a J? I dunno. Sound is so nuanced anyway.

So what is it about P basses that grab you?

I like the simplicity and how it cuts through in a live band setting. I always liked the warmth of a J so it took a bit of a leap of faith to actually buy a P bass, never really liked the sound of a solo P bass in the music store. So glad I did though!

I'm the same with necks. I just put J necks on my P basses. When I'm playing on basses at the store I gravitate towards the J bass, but through some trial and error I found the best of both worlds!

 

[bassliner50]

My J has a problem with hum when near electrical interference (often). The tone is more nasal than my P's. My Precisions always sound better (rounder, punch, full lower mids, responsive in a good way) . My mind has long been made up.

 

[CallMeAl]

Perhaps it's because I'm used to the neck on a J

1) Squier P bass with a Peavey neck, 1.5" nut.
2) Squier Standard P bass special, comes stock with J neck

 

[mongo2]

I mostly used both P and J for decades only because it seemed that was what was expected. About 35 years ago I started moving away from them and I finally abandoned both in favor of other basses.

 

[Wesley R]

I have owned both. I prefer the P body over the J, and the narrow at the nut J neck (I certainly do not remember the nit width, etc. . For me I have found wanting a P is a good way to go as few can match my memory of how mine were, and they never stay with me very long.

 

[comatosedragon]

Perhaps it's because I'm used to the neck on a J?
So what is it about P basses that grab you?

I'm the opposite. I need a thick chunky P neck to feel comfortable. Small (thin) necks cramp my style (and hand).
See my signature -- A Jazz Bass with a P neck -- Best of Both Worlds!

So yeah, the neck is what makes me chose a P over a J (assuming stock).

 

[comatosedragon]

why would you use a spoon, instead of a fork?

...rip Alan Rickman ....

 

[CLMSHQ]

This never gets old. And I believe many of us feel the same.

I have owned many P's and J's. I like them both. I have gone months just wanting to play my Jazz, then I take the P out and just want to play my P from now on.

I keep flipping between the two. I like them both for various reasons. Both sound great in the mix, BUT there is something about a P Bass with flats to get that old school Motown sound.

I love seafood, but also need that steak on the grill at times.

It is a never winning battle, but just fun to have both.

 

[oldcatfish]

I know a lot of guys have a P bass as their weapon of choice. What is it about that model that would make you choose it over a J bass? I own both 4 and 5 string J basses and every time I pick up a P it just doesn't speak to me. Perhaps it's because I'm used to the neck on a J? I dunno. Sound is so nuanced anyway.

So what is it about P basses that grab you?

I like p style basses with a jazz neck. To me I like the p body shape better and I think it is easier to get the p style pickup to sit in a band mix better. But....you can get a surprisingly close sound by using Dimarzio model j pickups in a jazz utilizing only the neck pickup. I would say probably 80 to 90% there, if you eq your amp right.

 

[cnltb]

I know a lot of guys have a P bass as their weapon of choice. What is it about that model that would make you choose it over a J bass? I own both 4 and 5 string J basses and every time I pick up a P it just doesn't speak to me. Perhaps it's because I'm used to the neck on a J? I dunno. Sound is so nuanced anyway.

So what is it about P basses that grab you?

For me a P just sounds better in most situations. Single pickup basses also respond better to subtleties in plucking position etc.

 

[lfmn16]

For the same reason you would choose a J over a P.