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Post subject: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:14 pm
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hi guys, I'm newbie here
I've a doubt: what is the diference of a Precision Bass to a Jazz bass?
what kinds of music are good to play with them? (metal, pop, blues and another kinds of music)
thank you.
see you =D
(my apologies if I posted this topic on a wrong place)


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 1:21 am
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pbassbob wrote:
In general, the main difference between the Precision and Jazz basses would be the tone. The Jazz, having two pickups, allows for a wider range of tone than the Precision does.



The Precision can be capable of producing a broader range of tones either with an S-1 switch or an additional Jazz Bass pickup in the bridge (PJ config).


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 2:50 am
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the main difference is that the two coils of the preci are switched as a humbucker and therefor producing more mid growl, it's exactly why i prefer the pb over the jb.
beside the for me more comfortable handling (shape/size/knobs) you can get pb-necks in all shapes meanwhile. the new american standard series and the limited 60th do fit jb-sized necks.
and since it's more the fingers forming sounds it is not so important to me on which axe i'm playing, even my 5-string warwick with quite a lack of mids does give me usable tone...
next bass will be the limited 60th, a marvelous mid-tonemonster!


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 7:19 am
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The #1 rule to deciding what you want is, play as many as you can. Even after you decide on which one, Precision or Jazz. Once you decide, play as many of that type as you can.

When the right one is in your hands, you'll know.

Being you're becoming a bass player, you'll just end up collecting them like the rest of us.


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 11:51 am
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oh, i forgot to mention about 6 pb's, a rick 4001, a thunderbird, a double bass, a kramer-alu bass, and around two dozens of other axes of all sort, a couple of amps and 1'000'000 of pedals which i owned! :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:02 pm
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$@!&! something went wrong with my posts...
i mentioned my gf's c.a.s. (clothes you know...), car-pimpers and stereo-freaks and all the gear i own:

beside an avri '62 strat, a dan u2, a guild acoustic, a fenix jb, and other axes and amps i own:

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Last edited by the chef! on Mon May 02, 2011 12:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:23 pm
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Sabre Lane wrote:
Dude....
YOU HAVE GAS! :P :lol:


no more, for now i have just the essential stuff for the go, last axe i bought kinda 5 years ago... :wink:

btw, on "gearpage" there's chaps with 50-60 axes... That's G.A.S.!!! :lol:


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:30 pm
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Sabre Lane wrote:
:lol:

She only has CAS?
Most women also have SAS.
(Shoe Acquisition Syndrome.)

"limited 60th preci"?
That's the ONLY production bass short of an Alembic that I could get GAS over.... (In fact my next custom-build will be very much like it.... Although the 60th would cost me less... Hmmmm....) :mrgreen:


yeah, i played one at my local dealer and fell in love with it, fender just reinvented the preci...
i don't like alembic too much, they cost a hell outta money and are too much hightech imo.
... and s.a.s goes right with c.a.s., she makes no difference! :mrgreen:


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 1:48 pm
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i own the warwick since 15 years as my main-axe, i'm playing in several worship-bands and other projects. sometimes as guitarist and also on drums. you see, my gear is in use...
and sad enough i never could afford a music man, in switzerland they cost around the double as they do in the u.s. -i really d'like to try out the new classic stingray 5, but none off my local dealers do have one... too bad! /u.s.-price 1975$ swiss: sfr2990.- streetprice which is with the low $ nearly the double!!! :x


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:09 pm
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Welcome to the forum.

On the surface the initial question seems like a simple inquiry. But there are several things to consider. Yes there is a tonal difference. Yes there is a neck difference. But there are other differences, even between the exact same model instrument.

A good starting point would be, who do you want to sound more like? Pick an artist or two and see what model they play. If the majority artists you like are all playing a Jazz, then you have your answer. My guess is that most of them have and use both models at different times.

Not only is there a difference between a Jazz and a Precision but there is also a huge difference between a First Generation P-Bass like the 51 Reissue and the 57 to present day 2nd Generation P-Bass models.

Players switching to bass from guitar would probably feel more at home on a Jazz neck, and even more at home with a short scale Mustang neck. P-Basses to me seem more pick friendly, but I'm sure that someone else feels otherwise.

As for me I prefer the first-generation models. I prefer the more up front tone of them as their tone lies between a Jazz and a modern day P-Bass. They do have some disadvantages, such are RFI vulnerability and the big fat neck, but I'm accustomed to the drawbacks.

Jazz Basses have the same RFI issue when either pickup is soloed too, unless it has noiseless pickups which most of the entry level instruments like the Standards do not have. A 2nd Generation P-Bass is usually quiet till you hit a string which is a very desirable attribute, especially for recording.

So play lots of them and find one with a good setup and low action that is easy to finger. Nothing is so discouraging to a beginner as a bass that is hard to play. When just starting out, how it plays is probably more important than tone. If you can't play it easily then you will not play it often.

You will need a GOOD practice amp from the start too. The Fender RUMBLE series, even the lower power ones sound good. You can sometimes find bass amps second hand pretty cheap. Make sure it is quiet when you aren't playing and loud enough to hear clearly with no distortion when you are. Other features for a good practice amp are CD/MP3 input and headphone output. You'll find those features invaluable for learning to play along to your favorite songs and I would not buy a FIRST amp without those features.

Other things besides the instrument itself can impact tone such as style of play, using a pick or fingers, WHERE you play in relation to the fretboard and pickup and bridge, string selection, amp settings, effects pedals, even the quality of cable you use. Be sure to get an electronic tuner too, they are very handy when starting out.

I really don't know if I was starting all over again in 2011 instead of back in 1968, that I would have to have a high end USA Fender. Some of the higher end Squier basses are excellent starter instruments than can serve as a reliable backup should you progress to the point where you actually need a full blown Fender.


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 2:09 pm
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thank you ^^
I think I prefer a P Bass, Steve Harris uses one. hahah and I like its sound


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 2:26 pm
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fjbass wrote:
I try not to get into these situations. :shock:



Now, now, now. We all know how you instigate. Musn't tell fibs or Pennywise will come to see you'



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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 3:56 pm
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In buying selling and trading basses and amps, I'll never argue that. You are the champion!


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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 4:36 pm
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Post subject: Re: Precision Bass vs Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 10:02 am
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I played Jazz basses for years until I somehow was exposed to a Precision. I have now owned 5 (4 of which I still have) and I suffer no more from GAS.

What I like about the P is its sonic personality. The Jazz is more "versatile" but that only counts when you're playing other people's music. I prefer having a voice that's identified with me over being able to imitate other players. Around here, a small East Texas college town, you see a lot of black Jazz basses and a few Ibanez basses, and -- to me -- they all pretty much sound alike. In addition, the Precision is clearly stands out in the mix without turning it up to insane levels.

Another thing I like is the chunky Precision neck, and I realize this is an area of divergent opinions. I have long fingers, and my hands cramp up playing around the nut on a Jazz. Others greatly prefer the skinny necks.

My #1 is an American Vintage '57, and #2 is a Classic '51 reissue: different sounds, but very similar necks (including the 7.25" radius -- the only feature I'd change if I could) and "reverse" tuners, which helps prevent senior moments. The other two are a Classic '50s and a fretless; the '50s is waiting for the buyer to come up with the cash, and the fretless, well, it's just so pretty I don't want to sell it, even though it never gets gigged.

I've heard plenty of great recordings of Jazz basses, but they just don't work for me.

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