Why would you choose a P over a J?

[mbell75]

To answer the question, I'd take a Jazz over a Precision because I need some variety in my sound. A Precision Bass doesn't necessarily offer that.

Thats why you get a PJ, best of both worlds.

 

[Rib 13]

I'm not being an ass with saying this because I've also found it true for myself, but (in general) the more you play with a band the more you play a P bass. The more you play at home, the more you play a J.

<--- 3 decades working player (up til 2017)....Ive never owned a P-bass longer than a year...mostly played Js (still do for variety/dance work) and studio, G&L ASAT, Peavey Cirrus, Stingray and a brief Alembic period in my younger days over that time

 

[twinjet]

Thats why you get a PJ, best of both worlds.

I've only tried a few, unfortunately they aren't so popular in my area. One was a Yamaha BB425X that was really great, but I couldn't swing it at the time. The other was a brand-new American Standard PJ that just didn't do it for me.

Since purchasing my G&L, I've had no issues with versatility. The L-2000 is a hell of a secret weapon.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

<--- 3 decades working player (up til 2017)....Ive never owned a P-bass longer than a year...mostly played Js (still do for variety/dance work) and studio, G&L ASAT, Peavey Cirrus, Stingray and a brief Alembic period in my younger days over that time

Heavy on "in general". ;-)

 

[skwee]

This is why I went for a Jag deluxe. It has either tone at the flip of a switch, but the Jazz neck that I prefer. I wish it didn't have the large lower bout on it (I prefer the P body shape), but two out of three ain't bad.

 

[ArteK]

I played a MIJ ‘75 Jazz reissue for about ten years. I always found the tone a bit thin, but tried mightily to make it sound fatter (Bartolini pickup upgrade, re-wired from parallel to series, etc.)

I bought a P-J fretless with EMGs and loved the tone. I tried building a similar fretted bass, but finally found the fretted tone I was looking for in a P-bass (also upgraded to Bart’s).

I just like the fatter, more punchy sound I get from a Precision more than I like the Jazz bass tone.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

So what is it about P basses that grab you?

They fit on the stand better than Js.

I tend to play Js mostly with just the neck pickup on (on the whole - although I have been using the rear pickup up to 7.3% of the time recently, up from the 1.6% I used to use it) there isn't a lot for me between a J and P overall as the neck J pickup and P pickup in the positions are in the same ballpark, or more than the bridge J compared to the P.

So given this, then assuming it's a slim-necked P the big difference is it fits on a stand better. However the smaller scratchplate and second control plate makes accessing the electronics easier on a J.

 

[Gyver]

I prefer the looks and ergonomics of a Jazz bass, but prefer the sound of a Precision bass. Given the choice between the two I usually go for the sound even though I know the difference is probably not noticed by the audience.

 

[gjohnson441496]

I got rid of my J bass because my P bass sounds fuller. Using a pick with my P bass sounds better to me than it did with my J bass. The only bass I need is my P bass. The only reason I bought other basses (all of which I've gotten rid of except my P bass), is because I got contagion called GAS when I joined in 2014.

 

[daveyo]

I played a p bass with a jazz neck for yrs,I sold that bass when I hung it up,now I'm getting back into playing in looking at the sterling sub bass,still love the punch of a p,but I have small hands and the j neck just feels better
Still undecided,
I am playing a borrowed p bass copy right now
Dave

 

[Ric5]

Why would you choose a P over a J?

For me a stock P or J bass would not fit my needs at all …

I Will always take a precision or a jazz and add a 5th string and a preamp.

 

[njfrese]

I have what I think is the best of both worlds: a Gamma with a J neck and a P body. Thing is crisp and cuts through the mix like nobody's business. I love the think J neck, too. Total winner for me.

 

[Gaolee]

When you play a Precision, dogs love you, women want to be you, and everything tastes like bacon. When you play a Jazz, dogs can't be bothered to even bite you, women tell you that you smell funny, and even bacon tastes like tofu. Those are pretty good reasons.

And then the sun comes up and you find that playing a Thunderbird does everything a Precision does, and makes you a sexy beast in addition. But, that's a different thread for a different day.

 

[gregmon79]

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'd pick a P bass if I was playing in a punk band or depending on their sound, a rock band. Or pop. The P fills out the sound a lot more. It cuts pretty awesome too if you leave the tone wide open. But it has a "woody" flavor to it. I also prefer the way a P sounds with OD. Hits right on that sweet spot so it gets really nice breakup.

I would choose a J if I were going to be in a prog band, jazz, more diverse types of music. The J works well with pop music too IMO. Its just more scooped and more chimy than a P. If that's the right word for it.

But then that's why I love my Ibanez ATK 300 so much. To me, the ATK is like a mix of P, J and MM basses all together. It's awesome.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

... 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?...

Possibly because of similar reasons.. Why would someone like the color blue over red?

 

[gorneyg]

No. I can get any sound I want with the J style basses I have and the amps I use.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

it’s like a jazz but more

 

[Charlzm]

The P bass has a very traditional, unadventurous sound which suits most traditional, unadventurous music and its listeners, which are most people.

Tinker with a winning formula at your own risk.

 

[Jack Butler]

I love jazz basses...when other people play them. The pickups always sound weak when I play them, then I plug a Pbass into the same amp/settings and it sounds nice and fat. Obviously plenty of people get great sounds out of J Basses, just not me. So I don't fight it anymore.

 

[BwanaDust]

Bigger sound? I had a jazz just could not get that big bass sound I wanted. But a p bass is generally muddy.

Muddy? I would beg to differ. I've got Rotosound Jazz Monet flats on my P and it is anything but muddy. Unless you turn the tone all the way off. But that's not actually muddy. It's warm and round.