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Post subject: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 10:31 pm
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I am planning to buy both the Precision and the Jazz Bass sometime, but I'm wondering which one should I get first and should I even get both.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 10:43 pm
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Welcome to the forum.

It depends on what you want. The P-Bass has a more traditional tone. It's prolly the most common bass around. I find the J-bass to be a little easier to play and also a little spankier and possibly a little more note definition. I have played and owned both. First I was a P-bass man but after I tried a J-Bass I quickly became a believer and never looked back. I think it's safe to say more P-Basses are sold than J-Basses.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 4:51 pm
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The P-bass growl is unrivaled, the most expensive other brand basses cannot duplicate it's unique sound. Similarly, the J-bass versatility of sounds is also remarkably unique. The Telecaster bass has a boom factor though, if you can locate a late 60s model to try (the new version with the 2 humbuckers comes pretty close lol) you will hear the boom for your self. You will only need one of those, have fun choosing, welcome to the Forum.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 6:42 pm
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I go with the J. I like the deeper tones I get from Jazzes. I think the Jazz has a bit more versatility of sounds. For me the neck is a little quicker also.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 10:41 pm
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Welcome to the forum Phantom Mike,why not start off with a Vox Phantom Bass? Seriously though,if you are just starting to play bass after playing guitar,a Jazz Bass would probably be the more suitable one to buy.Jazz Basses have a neck that is noticeably thinner and easier to play for a guitarist who is switching over to bass. I have always preferred the tone,tonal range and playability of the Jazz to the P-Bass anyway,especially the older Jazz models.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2014 1:06 pm
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I've always liked the look of a nice Sunburst Jazz Bass. There's just something about them.


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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:20 pm
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If at all possible Phantom Mike you should play a bunch of both before deciding. There are Precision people and there are Jazz people. I'm a first generation 1950's P-Bass fan so I'm kind of impartial about modern Jazzes versus modern Precisions.

As mentioned earlier since you already play guitar you might like the feel of the Jazz neck better. So you might also want to look at the Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special. It has both a Precision and Jazz pickup (known as a PJ setup) and it has a Jazz neck profile. It is active also, which means it has a wider array of tonal options at the expense of requiring a battery. Just thought I'd throw that out there since nobody else has yet. I consider it the best Fender value. I just wish the color options were different because they just don't appeal to me. For the money it is an astounding instrument. Really it is worth the retail. Ordinarily I'm not a big fan of active basses but every serious bassist needs one these days because you just can't get an active tone without an active bass.
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If you are not actually first and foremost a bassist and don't plan to do anything but maybe cut some tracks for home recordings or garage jam, then a Squier model might make a sensible choice as a first bass. There are a couple of passive Squier P/J's too that are not active by the way. One Vintage Modified and one Affinity but both have Precision width necks.
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That is the Vintage Modified one.
The next one is the Affinity
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The Affinity is way cheaper, but the Vintage Modified one is probably worth the extra expense for better electronics, wood, hardware, etc. These would make a good first bass, but again for guitarists the P-Bass neck profile might not be as comfortable.

I think the best value in the Squier line is the 34" scale Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special. It has an active P/J setup with a Jazz neck profile also. I really do think that the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special with a basswood body is one of the best basses for the money or even for twice the money on the market. (I don't like the black one with the agathis body as much.) I've not tried the short scale version, but it likely is worth a look also for guitarists looking for their first bass.
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Do not overlook the other short scale Fender and Squier basses either! Guitarists often find a short scale bass like a Fender Mustang or the short scale Squier Jaguar a good fit for them just as they find a Jazz profile more familiar than a fatter Precision neck. I've not tried out the Squier Mustang which is pretty new, but you probably should if you can find one. I do enjoy playing a Fender Mustang (especially a vintage one with the racing stripes) because they sound very P-Bass like and are super easy to play! Here's the Squier Mikey Way signature Mustang with a humbucking pickup. Mighty nice looking, but haven't tried one and I always have reservations about humbuckers sounding too bassy until proven otherwise.
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And here is the Squier Vintage Modified version with the traditional Fender type split Mustang pickups.
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The Squier short scale Telecasters are catching on also! Forum member Oxfan loves his!
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Play as many different models in your price range as possible. Spend a few hours at one or two major big box stores in your area if you can. Don't rule out a short scale. The drawbacks to short scale basses are that your string choices will be more limited than with a 34" scale which is the scale length where there are the most string choices and hard cases or gig bags are harder to find for shorties too.

I'd also check out the new Fender Dimension models. They are pretty swell, just new and will be catching on. Here is the Dimension Modern Player version which is made in China. The Chinese Fenders are actually surprisingly good! I think they are better electronically than the Fender Japan stuff. It's a Fender and street price new is about $500.
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You really need to get your hands on a passive P, a passive J, a Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special, a Squier passive PJ, a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar in both long and short scale, a Squier Telecaster, a Mustang, a Dimension and maybe even a Fender Cabronita!
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I demo'ed a Fender Cabronita last week and it is simple and powerful plus it is cheap!
That Mexican made Fender Cabronita is a real weapon for the money! The simplicity of it and the wide variety of tones are the best things about it. Essentially it is close to a first generation P-Bass in function but has different cosmetics plus a different wider range pickup that is more durable and it has a better bridge.

The best values for the dollar in the Fender and Squier lines right now to me are not a Precision or a Jazz! I would rank them for value for dollar spent like this.
1. Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special (Not really a P or a J! Expensive at $700, but versatile!)
2. Fender MIM Cabronita (Simple, good balance, powerful throaty tone. $500 CHEAP!)
3. Fender Modern Player Dimension (Solid $500 instrument and again simple controls.)
4. Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Special (This active P/J is the best $200 bass period.)

No short scale basses made my short list of the current best values. Other than the vintage Mustangs I don't mess with shorties much, but if I was looking for a short scale I'd for sure check out the new Squier models. You'll have to visit more than one store to sample all these no doubt. Happy hunting!


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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:00 pm
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brotherdave, another excellent post, you covered most all of the important stuff in an interesting way. :D 8)

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 5:07 am
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My money is still on the Fender Classic 50's Precision to be the best bang for your buck. That being said. There's also the Single Coil Precisions. (Classic Vibe 50's or the Sting Signature) Which will give you the more even string balance like a Jazz bass, but with punch closer to a Precision. (though not quite as aggressive as a split coil)

Sting

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Classic 50's Precision

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In the end this is an age old question and the only answer is to get out and play them. See what you like. Also, examine the music you listen to and what kind of bass tones are in that music.

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Post subject: Re: P Bass vs J Bass
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 11:30 pm
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I have a slight preference for Precision over Jazz.

But there's no reason not to have one of each.

And maybe a few more.

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