J vs. P Bass

Billringer · Newbie Alert Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Pa

So, My first dumb question. Which type of bass is easier to play, a P or J?

Mkuk0 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:24 am Post subject:

Lol welcome aboard dude!

IMHO, the P has a nicer body, more comfortable on the hip, but the neck on the jazz is better profiled for my hand, and faster to use. I've a cheap and cheerful Squier Precision Pro which has the P body with the jazz neck and both sets of pick ups, which, as a starter bass, did me well.

Hope this helps
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FunkDoctorK · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:21 am Post subject:

the biggest difference between the two is the neck width, at least with mine. i have large hands so that doest really matter to me. if you have smaller hands you may want to go with at least the jazz neck, much like Mkuk0 up there (not that he has small hands, but you get the point). chances are you will end up with both, just due to the overall different sound they produce...i know i did.

and now for the cliché line...

really, you just need to try a bunch of basses out and see what fits you best. what seem to be subtle differences can be huge in the long run.
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Mkuk0 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:29 am Post subject:

lol I'm impressed Funk boy howdya know I got big hands? Razz

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Ankhanu · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject:

Personal preference. Neither is better than the other, they're just different.

As mentioned, the P-Bass has a wider neck than the jazz... I find the jazz is a faster playing neck. But comfort is a major part of what's best for you.

The body shape of the Jazz appeals more to me; I like the offset shape, both in looks and in how it sits... but, obviously, again that's personal (ie Mkuk0).

In terms of sound, however, yeah, they differ a bit. I find that P-Basses tend to have a thicker, more classic bass tone... not terribly articulate, but powerful with a good thump. J-basses, on the other hand tend to be a little more cutting with more high and high-mid range than the Ps; you get less thump, but more articulation and definition. Both sounds have their place and can define your sound and style a little.

My own bass is a Jazz Aerodyne edition, which has a jazz body and neck, with a split P-pickup at the neck position and a J-pickup at the bridge. I like the flexibility in tone the P/J config offers while still giving me the look and feel of a jazz that I prefer.

But yeah, play around, you'll find what works best for you

reggaeuplifts · Newbie Alert Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

My j bass is great. Sounds great and plays great. Though the biggest factor that will influence your sound is how your bass is set up. The factory settings are less than optimal. I would strongly suggest taking any bass to a professional...its worth the 50 beans!

fenderfish · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

I have a hot rodded pbass, just means that there is a jazz pickup in a precision body and neck.
Awesome.

nickonbass · Sea Monkey Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

I find the jazz easier to play cause the neck is small/strings are closer together.

I have a jazz with sw1 switching so I can get a fatter sound out of it.

I do like the sound of a P.

vinxbass · Tadpole Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 22

IMO, the Jazz is a little quicker than the Precision. Though, the Jazz 5'er isn't as easy to get around on as a 4 string Jazz. The neck on the Jazz 5'er is quite wide. I own an '08' MIA Fender Jazz V and I gotta tell ya at times it's quite a workout. Surprised

Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

Honestly, I haven't been terribly impressed with the playability of Fender 5ers in general.