Just a question. I'm getting back into playing bass after 15 years. The last bass I had was an '85 Rickenbacker 4003 which I got rid of years ago about the same time. It never really had that punchy sound, sort or reedy. I am torn between a standard precision and a standard jazz, possibly fretless. The question is not on sound, but the versatility. I would think the jazz provides a wider range of tones, but the precision seems to be the mainstay. Any thoughts?

Welcome!

I love the sound of a Ric but the instrument itself in't for me. I found that a Jazz Bass with a decent amount of tweaking was able to mimic many of the Ric's sounds.

IMO and having owned several of both, a Jazz Bass is infinitely more versatile than a Precision.

I have also owned fretless models too. If you're getting back into it after 15 years, you might want to go with a fretted model first. Once you get your "chops" completely back, then you can zero in and concentrate solely on your fingering intonation with a fretless. Remember, "Slow and steady wins the race!"

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You dig?

I agree with what Martian said. I own both, and the jazz bass covers a much wider spectrum. Many use precision basses because of their punchy quality. I have found that this can be achieved on a jazz bass with a simple modification of adding a series/parallel switch, so that it puts both pickups in series. It is not identical to the tone of a p-bass, but it holds a similar vibe. You can conceal this switch as a push/pull pot, so you simply pull up a volume control. I have this on my jazz bass, and it's a very cheap and simple modification.

jd101, the Precision Bass for me is the ultimate bass guitar. I have been playing my friend Gary's (Roller's lead guitarist) son's Jazz Bass as a back up since I sat on my back up Squire p-bass a couple of months ago. I like it and played it on some songs at our last two gigs and at rehearsals. I must say it reminds me of how much I appreciate Love my Precision Bass. Love sounds better with or without an amp and the bigger neck feels better almost like I have more control of the instrument than the Jazz Bass. If their wasn't a Precision Bass then the Jazz Bass would be my choice over all other bass guitars. I mean no disrespect to the other makers of bass guitars I've played most of them and like them too it is just the Precision is the better bass guitar in my opinion. As far as sound effects to get the Jazz Bass sound or any other, sound pedals and such can dial you into what ever you might want and for a real treat, since you are getting back into it, play that Precision with a wah wah some times (I do when ever I go to my fav pawn shop) the sounds are a blast to play and hear, just have fun Bro!

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Thank you all for the advice, those who posted and also those who I talked to. I went with a Highway One Jazz Bass. Sorry to the P bass people but I played them side by side and the J bass was WAY more comfortable and playable. I did like the P bass sound but overall it was outweighed. The Highway One seemed to already have the upgrades I would have done. I haven't put it down yet!