Why would you choose a P over a J?

[bolophonic]

I’ll be honest, my biggest turn-off about the Jazz bass is the aesthetics of the separate chrome control plate. I also prefer the width of the Precision neck. And every other aspect of the Precision, aesthetically.

 

[lbbc]

I had a jazz bass and the presence was awesome, but I couldn't get past the hum. So, it was sold and I bought a Pbass...and with my Radial Tonebone Bassbone I've been able to dial in the sound I love.

 

[2112]

There are alot of players out there that are fanboy of either and just automatically go for their favorite. For me it all depends on what works best for the project's sound. A P, a J, a Rick, or a 'Ray, or whatever.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Tempest in a tea-pot. We all play the instruments we like to play. And then there are the masochists. I'd like to hear from them, actually.

 

[Stewie]

I like P necks on J or P. I usually grab a P because it has only two knobs (gonna change my J to Bridge PU volume, master volume,tone). Given my my druthers. I'd play a Tele. my Squier 50s is close to the old Teles, and only two knobs.

disclaimer: I only play Fenders when transporting an upright is a problem

 

[Jason Brown]

I can’t get a tone I’m satisfied with a Jazz bass. I can’t not with my P.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

If you don't like a lot of knobs, there's always a Slick:

 

[dalkowski]

I find that the P allows me to play more precisely.

 

[Bass V]

the main problem may be that virtually any P bass will sound good (at least to those who like a P sound) while it can take magic for a J bass to sound as good, and I doubt I've ever heard the mid J PU tones equal a P, but sometimes I prefer the less boomy P pounding.
what I really like is a great bridge PU as an alternative, I luv the woody tone factors and 0ing the highs / pumping the lows can be delicious, but those superior examples seem to be a major scarcity. so I'm a PJ guy, yet not stuck on just those 2 styles of PUs, as an example I want to try twin mudbuckers etc.

 

[Tommy V]

i played a J for 40 years.. now i play a Stingray.. if i'm lucky, i'll live long enough to play a P..

 

[zubrycky]

I don't have a Precision yet but I will get one because of its sound.

I do have PJ basses (an Aria Pro, an Yamaha BB 424 and a fretless MRS) but their soloed P sound different than a bass with only a P pickup.

 

[Slevage]

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?

It speaks to me.

 

[grrg63]

So what is it about P basses that grab you?

Its the best sounding bass Ive ever heard and I like the simplicity of it. The neck is feels right.

 

[BassGH]

P’s aren’t the nicest sound by themselves, but they always seem to work when playing with others.

 

[Doc Blue]

The tort pick guard.

 

[db59]

Everybody back away from the thread and put your weapons down.

 

[nonohmic]

I really don't like how J's sit on a stand.

 

[Ripper75]

Neck

 

[JRA]

i would never choose a P over most other options. the myths about them are fostered here for everyone's entertainment (the debates).

so: i don't own a P. but i like saying "P."

"P"

 

[39-Bassist]

I like the feel of a P bass body style and the PU tones.
BUT I Like aspects of a Jazz also...

SO I play a PJ and Dual P with a jazz profile neck.