would a jazz bass be able to get these tones..

Since no one else has replied, I guess I'll do it. Frankly, I think that a P bass may be a better choice, especially seeing as Mike Dirnt and the guy from Jimmy Eat World both use them. However, I play a jazz bass and have a small obsession with them. I think that a jazz bass would probably provide an acceptable tone for you. Since I can't know exactly what sound you are looking for, however, I would say that you need to go out and try a jazz bass. I also strongly advise you to try other basses, too, particularly a precision.

 

JAZZ.

 

You could try a P/J bass - It should give you a P bass sound and with the J pickup you can dial in some other sounds - but you will not get a Jazz bass sound from P/J bass.

 

i know that most of those people use a jazz..
i use it and it works great

steve

 

I don't know about the videos or live, but those Jimmy Eat World singles certainly sound P-Bass to me.

 

Stingray, the guy from Greenday has one.

 

Its pretty even between P and J basses in punk actually, throw in a few Stingrays and a couple of others hear and there and you have everything. I personally would think that a J tends to suit a ska sound better than a P does, and a P works better for PUNK "punk", but both will do in either situation, and it is more down to playing preference due to the difference in neck-widths, etc. I'm gonna go for "try one of each and see what you prefer", you may even end up with something you didnt expect!


[edit] p.s. Mike Dirnt from Green Day uses a mix between his Gibson Grabber, which he has had for donkeys years, and a couple of P-basses, and the guy from Jimmy Eat World, uses a P-Bass

 

In the Dookie days, he used a Gibson Grabber. Ever since the neck snapped on it, he has used a Fender P bass.

 

If your'e looking for that sound the Precision would be the best fit for you.

It delivers that punchy sound that best describes what you're looking for.


The 2 are wonderful basses though.

 

Who cares about the guy from greenday though?

 

Some people obviously do, who are you to criticize?

 

I think Mike Dirnt is one of the greatest bass players in the punk world. He is up there with matt freeman.

 

Usually...a P would be best for punk...but,in your case,if you want mellow sound...go for the jazz,actually...try both out and see what you like.

Best wishes

-Jon