The simplicity of the P really teaches you how much tone is in your hands and challenges you to refine your technique. It’s also nice that the P never really sounds bad
The band you’re playing in, and what instruments are in the mix, makes a big difference. Sometimes you want those wide-range Jazz Bass frequencies to fill up some space, and sometimes you need a P Bass’ mid focus to sit in a busy mix. I once heard the generalization that J Basses do better in smaller ensembles, and P Basses are the better tool for bigger bands. In my experience this is a decent rule of thumb.
I have one of each and they are both my #1 basses depending on the situation. Precision has a boom attack before you hear the note. Jazz has a lighter attack and creates the effect that the note simply appears without an introduction. Precision is polite with how it sits in most mixes - almost asking permission to provide a little low end to the rest of the band. Jazz is in your face and demanding. If I'm playing C# on my Jazz and the rest of the band is in C, they sound like they are in the wrong and I'm right. Love them both but prefer the feel of the Jazz.
Philip, This is a fantastic video especially for a confused guitar player trying to learn bass. Your explanation of the differences of those two models of the Fender bass was exactly what I was looking for... concise, easy to understand and with visual aids. Thank you. Awesome channel. I'm getting a lot out of your bass course as well.
@@somedude8242 Thanks for your reply. Funny you should mention a short scale bass. My friend just took delivery of a Hofner violin bass from Germany. It plays like a guitar. Short scale and frets closer together. Nice instrument. Not the overseas copy.
@@somedude8242 That's one thing I found myself wondering, especially because we've seen Philip with his Mustang so often: Where does the Mustang fit in among the Precision bass and Jazz bass? Maybe that's a future video.
I haven't been playing long, and prior to getting my first bass I tried out my friend's P and J basses. I decided to go with a Jazz bass because I preferred the feel of the neck and the more diverse tones. Not having developed a style of my own a of yet, more tonal options seemed like a good choice to start with. I've been really pleased with my choice.
This is an excellent video, but I just want to expand on one thing that Philip mentions about the tones of the two basses: The midrange of every instrument is really where its 'character' comes from. It's the part of every instrument's sound that best highlights what kind of instrument it is. The Jazz bass with both pickups turned up has a subtle, quiet midrange, and fits into subtle music very well. The Precision has a bolder character, and bringing an aggressive sound out of it is pretty easy. It's a favorite of punk and indie musicians, but also of music producers, because they know all the tricks to dial that aggressive character up or down depending on what the mix needs.
I totally agree with your on-stage-description of how to choose between the two. Makes perfect sense. Although my answer is counter intuitive, as I play simple, pocket parts but I prefer the sound look and feel of a jazz bass. Like you said you only win when you pick one. Can’t go wrong with either.
In my experience, owning a Jazz Bass was fundamental for learning the bass and developing my musical personality. Seven years later, I bought a 2007 Fender MiM Precision Bass, and this bass truly made me a musician. In my opinion, the "less is more" vibe of the Precision Bass is what distinguishes a bass player from a musician. You start to think more about the whole rather than the bass part, if you know what I mean. Btw, this P-Bass remains my primary bass; I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Excellent primer on the fundamental differences. My compliments on a eloquent, concise, explanation on the differences and benefits of each instrument. Hell, yeah!
This is an outstanding video and I wish I had seen it when I started playing. Both basses are awesome, and Leo Fender gave us a great gift with the Precision and Jazz.
Gotta say Thank You! Haven't played with flatwound strings since 1978. Thanks to your motivation, I tried a set of half rounds and am loving the feel and the tone...maybe in another 44 years, I'll be ready to try a set of flats! Keep up the great work on your videos, look forward to them each week!
I used to go with the idea of having a Precision in the studio and a Jazz on stage, but it naturally just does depends on what sound you're going after. I primarily play P&J basses, but I also have just a P-bass because I like how it can sit high in a mix.
You deserve a lot more subs, you’re a natural and produce very high quality stuff. I’m a guitarist who just picked up a MIM J Bass to learn on largely because I found a good used one at a great price locally. A close guitarist friend has a P bass so we have both and can trade I guess. I like the narrow neck and the body comfort for sitting, which I mainly do. Tones don’t matter as much for me as playability for learning and just playing for fun. If I get into it maybe I get other basses but it’ll probably do me just fine for a long time.
Best explanation I’ve ever seen on the fundamental differences between the two most significant electric bass designs. The only info missing is the tonal differences between the single coil J, and the split coil of the P.
I agree 100%, they way i look at it is If i want to stick out in a mix then i’ll play the Jazz bass. If i want to lay back and not be “heard” then i’ll play the P. Sometimes when i’m mixing my own recordings and i’m playing with a P- I wont think what does this mix sound like with this bass i think more of what does it sound without it. And typically it’s thin and dull and the bass just brings it all home.
Started in 1982 with a J-bass knockoff that I recall weighing around 20 pounds. Graduated to an 83 P-bass the next year. I still own it. The neck is definitely a different feel--if I'm on a J-bass or a Music Man, I can really tell the difference in my fret hand. Love both, but I'm more of a pocket groove guy anyway, and I love the simplicity of the P-bass.
Great video for beginners, Philip. Good job! Some famous players did like to play a Jazz bass, but only use the neck pickup, like the great Joe Osborn. The sound is almost as mid focused as a P bass, especially with flats. Joe got some great sounds! Others favour the P, but liked the Jazz bass neck more, so they simply swapped necks, 😄. (Try doing that with a Gibson or an Alembic..., 😉). The most famous bassist who did this later in his career was the great Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn. Adam Clayton used to play his famous ‘73 sunburst Fender P with a Jazz neck too. In the early ‘70’s (late 1970-1972) Fender had the option to have a P with a Jazz neck. One famous user was Nate Mendel, with his ‘71 Candy Apple red Fender P. Others loved the Jazz bass, but liked the neck of the P bass more. One famous player liking this was Tim Commerford (Rage Against The Machine). Even Jaco Pastorius had a maple board late ‘70’s P neck on his fretted Jazzbass he used in his instruction video around 1985! He just might have wrecked the original neck... I love and use all the options: Fender P’s and J’s and hybrids; both with flats and rounds! Love ‘em! 🖖
I didn't enjoy the feel of the Jazz bass' neck I tried. I leant to the sound of a P anyways; and the neck feel was what I expected, so that was a match. Turns out I'm responding more to the flair of a Precision in general ! Great video, you are definitely nailing that RUclips thing !
I love the Jazz aesthetics, but the Precision's tone and feel is where I feel "home". One day I'll build a Jazz body, PJ, P neck franken-bass... with flats of course lol
This is the most detailed and interesting comparison video I've watched on RUclips! Thank you for diving deep into this and also reminding us of the fact that's it's about what feels good to each individual!
I've been looking for a review that covered these exact issues, and I've found it. This will immensely help anyone who is trying to decide which to get. I've owned (and still own) 3 Jazzes, and I've played a P. For me, it's about feel. I've always gravitated towards the Jazz for tone and neck feel. Great video!
I picked up a fretless jazz bass at a pawn shop years ago, and have been hooked ever since. At some point in 2020 I found myself walking out of a shop with a Flea Roadworn jazz bass. I'm looking to pick up a P bass in the near future, and then possibly a P bass in the P/J configuration... So, the simple answer to which one is "Yes!" 😂😂😂 Thanks for the rundown- appreciate it! 🙏
Your ending visualization exercise reminded me of a pithy comment I saw on another video on a similar topic: “When you want the bass to be heard, play a J bass. When you want the bass to be felt, play a P bass.”
Bonus Facts were for me! All about the P/J configuration with a Jazz Bass neck for me. 🤤 I started with a P/J and played the hell out of it and then switched to a Jazz Bass and played the hell out of that. Now I have a P/J with a Jazz neck and I couldn't be happier. The tone of a P Pup is just so good but I also really like having the versatility of "cleaning-up" (sterilizing) the mids by adding in some of that J Bridge and I love that flat virtuosic feel of the Jazz neck.
My own first electric bass was an economy version of the modern P-bass built by Epiphone with the Gibson Explorer headstock that I got at age 16 in ‘96. When I chose to upgrade to a more professional-grade instrument four years later, I was short-sighted enough to think “been there” and that I didn’t want another P-bass. An active J-bass was winking at me when I went on the market in 2000. Much as I’m glad I chose that as my model for the following 19 years, I occasionally daydream that I’d instead gotten a hybrid. If I’m no mistaken, 2000 was when Fender had just begun marketing the basses with the P-bass body and the split-coil neck humbucker but with the J-bass bridge pickup and neck. That seems like the best of both worlds, the punchy neck tone, the sound pallet and a slimmer neck. Hearing a couple of colleagues playing the hybrid model has kind of fueled my interest. I should ask, Philip. Is that a Moog synthesizer? Which model?
Man, the very vibe based description of the two towards the end was honestly best thing I've heard in a comparison video. Really helped convey the difference for me. It sold me on a P-bass, even tho I want the offset body. Earned a sub from me. 🔥
I think a lot of it for me comes down to how much I want to fuss with tone. You can be a hyper minimalist with a P bass directly into your amp with 30 year old flats and die happy. I personally like experimentation and risks so it will always be a J or similar for me. I currently love my G&L Kiloton but that's a whole different thang. Lovin your content my friend, keep it thumpin.
I like them both. You explained it very well. I have a 98 jazz and a 2010 P. I dumped a set of 63 Fender pick ups in with the period correct wiring harness in the P.
I started playing bass as a teen, and got kind of peer pressured into thinking More is More Better. I played a 5-string with active pickups for years and then got sick of it and fell off bass. I'm twice as old now, recently picked up a PJ Mustang and it's been amazing. Love just running the P pickup and thumping. Your on stage hypothetical is spot on for me.
I’ve got wide hands with short fingers. The P-Bass neck has been my nemesis since day one. It’s too chunky for my left hand. Fender starting offering a PJ Bass with a J-Bass neck. Problem solved….that was my main bass for a long time…until I lost my job during the pandemic and was unemployed for an extended period of time. I had to sell all my music gear to not become homeless while seeking employment. I found work and bought myself a Tagima J-Bass, however I quickly realized I missed the P-Bass sound…sooo I bought a pick guard blank and cut a new pick guard for my J Bass. With some careful measuring and tracing of a Duncan P-Bass pickup I had in my parts box, I fit that pickup to the new pick guard I made, wired up the pickup to the bass’s control set and voila, I created a replacement for my former Fender PJ bass. It sounds and looks great and is easy to play, at least for me.
I have used p style basses throughout much of my time as a bassist and even after playing everything from music man to even a hofner I keep coming back to the p bass for its simplicity especially in terms of recording and my playing style feels out of place with most instruments so p bass always speaks to me
I went to the Fender Mod site, ordered a Mocha Burst bass, and specified the PJ configuration. Sure, it cost me over $2K, but I believe I have the perfect bass guitar. My bass teacher got excited and played it the entire session, and didn't charge me at all, LOL! It is the perfect bass. It did cost me... and my second bass is a Hofner Ignition series violin bass (less than $500), like Paul McCartney used in his early Beatles years. That one's in the shop now. The luthier is fixing it up now. It will have flatwounds and sound more like a stand up orchestral string bass. For many years I played saxophone, alto and bari, plus a year of cello. These are my first guitars, and as a recent retiree, I am overjoyed with the great sound the Fender makes. I would highly recommend the Fender Precision bass (with the PJ configuration option on their MOD website) above all other contemporary Fender basses. My expert (and teacher) seriously covets it!
They are both great but I think the P Bass is always guaranteed to sound the same, if that is what you want. If you can, its nice to have one of each, to cover every sound.
You absolutely nail when you say both can do it all. I always preferred the aesthetics of the Jazz bass, probably because more of my heroes played them (John Paul Jones, Jaco, Les Claypool on occasion). But I do find myself gravitating to the growly P-bass sound. I played a Jazz bass for 20 years that I never really bonded with and ended up turning it into an electric Sarode and at the moment my go-to bass is a MIJ Jaguar bass (full scale, 2 jazz pickups, the original model). I also have a 1985 MIJ Squier fretless P-bass that sounds and plays amazing. Honestly, once you have a Fender designed bass in your hands, the instrument won't get in the way of any playing style or sound you need. Great video, if I had seen it 30 years ago, I might have bought a P-bass as my first real bass and ended up being in a famous rock band instead of as a struggling Sitar player ;)
I started out on a P bass, eventually bought a Jazz bass which became my number one for a long time before I stumbled upon a limited run P/J that Fender did in 2016. Now, I have two slightly different configured P/J basses plus the Jazz as an alternative. P/J truly is the best of both worlds imo, but I keep the Jazz because it has that really cool and snappy tone with both pickups fully on with a bit of overdrive that the P/J can't entirely achieve. I somewhat agree with the take of trying both before going with a P/J. It really gives you a understanding of why it's such a great combo. But it also doubles as a P by simply muting the bridge pickup, so if you're leaning towards P I would definitely check one out. They usually have a Jazz type neck as well though, so they're not always just simply a P with a second pickup.
Awesome video ! Great job ! The only thing i might add is that you can always mod a Jazz Bass with a push pull pot to have both pickups in series. It’s a fantastic sound and will get you closer to that p bass sound if you prefer the jazz bass feel and neck. I’ve had both and now i am now the very lucky owner of a 1963 precision bass. My forever bass. Cheers
One of the better videos on this subject on RUclips. I'm a beginner and I have a Sterling Stingray in the HH config, lot's of variation there, and a nice distinct sound. However, lately I've been really wanting to get one of these for those classic, amazing tones. Well done!
I just picked up an American Original 60’s P I love P basses Maybe it’s just what I’m used to I grew up playing my dads old P bass as a kid So I’m super bias But whenever I play another bass I always wish it was a P . I played a jazz for the first time a few years back and it felt great in the hand. But I like the sound of the P better And I like how it makes me play (if that makes sense)
Awesome tone!!! I have a heavy jazz body with a heavy, super wide, super chunky fretless precision neck. Fralin pickups, John East preamp. Strung with La Bella Gold Flats .85 .65 .45 .29 tuned down to standard tuning. A vast gulf of space from string to string. Good times.
I have one of each. I use the P for 60's and some 70's stuff. I use the J for almost everything else. If I had to pick one I'd choose the P Bass. The split pick-up makes that oh so sweet BASS SOUND...
Hey Philip, Watching from Germany. I really enjoy the content you create! You have such a unique and cool way to share your knowledge and experience. Thanks for that :) keep it up, man
I personally prefer P basses. My Squier 60's vibe has a rather slim P bass neck with only a nut width of 40mm's, the neck is also rather flat so its a joy play on! I've put some EMG GZRs in it and it sounds really good for basically any Genres. I'd love to try a PJ or PH someday tho.
Nice job! For many years I had one of each - I considered these the "hammer and screwdriver" for a bass players toolbox. Although a Stingray might be a nice addition to that toolbox...
I have those three 😊 American standard P with flats, 1964 P with 2 active EMG jazz pickups (in 60s Jazz bass configuration) and a StingRay Classic 2 band EQ. All great for different tasks for different reasons and I love them to bits!
There is another option, another classic bass Leo Fender has created aside from the P Bass and J Bass. It is the Music Man Sting Ray which many rock and slap bass players use exclusively. This is my goto bass indeed.
FYI, the neck pocket in Jazz and Precision basses are actually not the exact same dimension, so I direct swap can lead to either a sloppy or impossibly tight fit. That has been my experience with neck swaps, anyway!
Awesome and helpful video. Best of the comparison between "j" & "p". Many, many years ago I played a Fender jazz bass and was always fighting with the tone. Now as an older and wiser player I prefer to put forth my own sound and the simplicity of the "p" sounds good-to-go. The neck thing is not an issue for me as I have pretty large hands.
The advice on imagining yourself playing the bass is very good, I like that. The way I was taught was to see what the player in the band you loved most played - it was John Paul Jones so I went for a P bass because I couldn't afford a Jazz ;-) I swapped for a Jazz in 1984 and much prefer it, but I keep a P bass (or a PJ with a Jaguar neck - more versatile and nicer neck) around. It's best to try out each type first, but don't get hung up on the feel of the bass - you can get used to differences. Make sure you have one that sounds good to you. Neither is better or worse, it's simply what works for you.
The P bass is the one I'd want to go to lunch with...if it were a person. But I am in my 60s and a new bass playing convert. Have a Fender P bass, a Stirling Classic RAY24 and a Sire V3P. Switching back and forth a lot and spend most of my practice between on or the other. I'm starting to see how they all have their now place. Now I get why bass players seem to own several basses.
Great comparison Phil. I think I started with the best of both worlds. When I wrote my first book, I planned to use my first royalty cheque to buy a nice guitar. I went into my local shop and there was this Fender P bass there with an added Jazz bass pickup and extra volume control. I tried it out and started playing Clash riffs like London Calling and Jimmy Jazz on it. I swear this bass spoke to me and it ended up coming home with me. Complete change of plan as I wasn't a bass guy and didn't have a bass amp. I told this story to one of my grad students at the time and it turned out here was selling a Trace Elliott bass amp. I bought that off him, and got totally into bass guitar. I kept it for years, but finally sold it when my band need a pa system. Boy do I regret that now. Currently I have a Squier Jazz bass with a maple neck that I love to play with. It's good but not what I had.
I have a Jazz Bass and my friend has a Precision Bass and I think it kinda fits as our reaction to For Whom The Bell Tolls couldn't have been more opposite. I see use of the 19th fret and go "Hell yeah, that's sick!" whereas his response was "What the hell?" I think the biggest reason I went with the Jazz Bass was that bridge pickup, I like the more trebly nature of it. The neck taper is just a little added bonus
I enjoyed the video. I play a five string Jazz. My first Jazz was a Mexican fender. It had the single coils and they hummed if i went to one or the other. I kept both pickups on wide open to make a humbucker. The one i have now has the noiseless single coils which kind of aren't the true single coils. No hum though. I just love the feel and sound. I still run half and half on the pickups most of the time. It is switchable active or passive. I run it active unless my batteries die then it is passive never miss a beat. If i want a real p bass sound i go to the neck pickup on passive and it does it real well. I also own an MTD bass. It is cool too.
It so hard to choose between the two. I lean toward the J bass personally. I feel like I can get pretty close to the P tone with it, but then have other options with the bridge pickup. For a while, my set up was P-bass with flat wounds for blues/country/soul stuff and a Jazz with roundwounds for rock. Recently, I did get a new P/J that I have rounds on that I get the best of both worlds from. My desert island bass is my American Deluxe Jazz, but it's more about that particular bass than it is the P vs. J question. Assuming I have batteries on the deserted island.
Guitar center sells a Squier Precision bass starter packs, that have an additional Jazz Pickup added, called The Affinity Special, with a jazz neck. This is a totally a no brainer. The price is great, the bass quality is great and the versatility is great! What more could a beginner want or need, and you get a free amp too. Both the P bass and jazz bass are great basses, this way you kind of get both.
Thanks for this video! As a guitar player looking to learn a bit of bass and to get one for home recording, this was extremely helpful! I’ve always wondered the difference between the two! I think there’s a p-bass in my future!
Nice comparison. I played a P bass for 20 years and about a year ago got my first Jazz. Man, the neck feels good. I've been going back and forth ever since between the two. As many others advised on many a forum, (if you can afford it) get one of each. My P bass has flatwounds and the Jazz has roundwounds. Both feel great to play and have different tones. And as you said, just picking them up makes you play differently.
My main (only for years) has been a 2005 Mexican J and it’s treated me very well. What’s funny about mine is the sweet spot is bridge off neck open 100%. Get’s a growl and punch like nothing else
Love my Fender Made in Mexico Jazz Bass with black flatwounds and Seymour Duncan Vintage pickups. Recently (from someone on RUclips) discovered playing with just the bridge pickup but the tone right off (I.e. treble wound right off). Always something new to learn. Just ordered a Sire U5 PJ bass. Short scale ‘cos I’m getting on a bit and the J Bass gives my pain in my fretting hand in long sessions.
P Bass with Jazz neck ftw. G&L has some awesome customization options for this, and the Lakland Duck Dunn signature comes stock in this configuration I believe. Nice video!
As you alluded to at the end, after you've played around with different options you can always customize. I like the P body but J necks and one of the basses that I wish I still had was a J that had two P pickups. I've also seen a couple of really cool PMM basses with a MM pickup in place of a J. Another cool one I played was a J bass that someone had put Thunderbird pickups in. Great era for gear that we're in right now!
I totally agree with your summary of the differences, although there are the exceptions. I love playing both Pbass and Jbass and find the song and the style will influence which I'll use. But, if you have to choose one, then, I'd refer back to your summary. Philip, I really enjoyed your video and I guess you could class me as an old veteran, could talk all day about them.
Greetings from Bucharest, Romania. Always leaned more towards the Jazz bass. But both are cool. I have a nice Mike Lull 5-string P for when I want that traditional vibe, but most of the time I'm playing a modern J (with 35" scale and 5 strings) :)
Had both, couldn't make them work for my style of playing. I like smacking my fingers in a way that's probably considered bad technique by most professionals. The P bass sounded clanky and dull, J bass sounded thin. Got a stingray and now I'm happy because it really responds well to being hit hard
Love the vibe of your video. Very chill, humble, and informative. Would LOVE to have that Nash because it just looks so good, but I think I might be a P guy. I keep trying them and will hopefully come across a good deal on something special before long.
@@philipconradmusic I ended up getting a Squier CV Jaguar with the 32” scale and (wait for it 🥁🥁🥁) P/J pickup configuration. The slightly shorter scale and jazz-like neck make it über comfortable, and the blend of P&J each with concentric vol/tone controls make it über versatile. I’m über stoked.
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
I played a J for years and recently switched to a P. Since then I’ve really started to develop my own sound and I think the P was a huge factor.
Nice! Glad it’s working for you 🤘
The simplicity of the P really teaches you how much tone is in your hands and challenges you to refine your technique. It’s also nice that the P never really sounds bad
and the decision is Moog.
The band you’re playing in, and what instruments are in the mix, makes a big difference. Sometimes you want those wide-range Jazz Bass frequencies to fill up some space, and sometimes you need a P Bass’ mid focus to sit in a busy mix. I once heard the generalization that J Basses do better in smaller ensembles, and P Basses are the better tool for bigger bands. In my experience this is a decent rule of thumb.
I like that. Good explanation
And I could use the neck pickup of Jazz bass and EQ to get close to p-bass.
Or, have a PJ bass. All the P, most of the J
Best P/J Bass comparison I've seen. Really clearly explained and easy to understand. Very cool. Thanks!
I have one of each and they are both my #1 basses depending on the situation. Precision has a boom attack before you hear the note. Jazz has a lighter attack and creates the effect that the note simply appears without an introduction. Precision is polite with how it sits in most mixes - almost asking permission to provide a little low end to the rest of the band. Jazz is in your face and demanding. If I'm playing C# on my Jazz and the rest of the band is in C, they sound like they are in the wrong and I'm right. Love them both but prefer the feel of the Jazz.
That’s actually such a perfect way to put it
Philip, This is a fantastic video especially for a confused guitar player trying to learn bass. Your explanation of the differences of those two models of the Fender bass was exactly what I was looking for... concise, easy to understand and with visual aids. Thank you. Awesome channel. I'm getting a lot out of your bass course as well.
Not to muddy the waters but I hear the Fender Mustang is great for guitarists because of the short scale neck
@@somedude8242 Thanks for your reply. Funny you should mention a short scale bass. My friend just took delivery of a Hofner violin bass from Germany. It plays like a guitar. Short scale and frets closer together. Nice instrument. Not the overseas copy.
Amen.
@@somedude8242 That's one thing I found myself wondering, especially because we've seen Philip with his Mustang so often: Where does the Mustang fit in among the Precision bass and Jazz bass? Maybe that's a future video.
@@somedude8242 Please remember that short scale basses have less string tension.
I haven't been playing long, and prior to getting my first bass I tried out my friend's P and J basses. I decided to go with a Jazz bass because I preferred the feel of the neck and the more diverse tones. Not having developed a style of my own a of yet, more tonal options seemed like a good choice to start with. I've been really pleased with my choice.
This is an excellent video, but I just want to expand on one thing that Philip mentions about the tones of the two basses: The midrange of every instrument is really where its 'character' comes from. It's the part of every instrument's sound that best highlights what kind of instrument it is. The Jazz bass with both pickups turned up has a subtle, quiet midrange, and fits into subtle music very well. The Precision has a bolder character, and bringing an aggressive sound out of it is pretty easy. It's a favorite of punk and indie musicians, but also of music producers, because they know all the tricks to dial that aggressive character up or down depending on what the mix needs.
Thanks for sharing ⚡️
Fantastic video. At this point I’ve watched just about every P/J comparison video on RUclips and this one was easily the best 👏👏👏
Thanks so much! Glad to have you here ⚡️
I totally agree with your on-stage-description of how to choose between the two. Makes perfect sense. Although my answer is counter intuitive, as I play simple, pocket parts but I prefer the sound look and feel of a jazz bass. Like you said you only win when you pick one. Can’t go wrong with either.
In my experience, owning a Jazz Bass was fundamental for learning the bass and developing my musical personality. Seven years later, I bought a 2007 Fender MiM Precision Bass, and this bass truly made me a musician. In my opinion, the "less is more" vibe of the Precision Bass is what distinguishes a bass player from a musician. You start to think more about the whole rather than the bass part, if you know what I mean. Btw, this P-Bass remains my primary bass; I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Excellent primer on the fundamental differences. My compliments on a eloquent, concise, explanation on the differences and benefits of each instrument. Hell, yeah!
Thanks for the kind word Holly! And thanks for watching ⚡️
To me, few things sound better than a slightly overdriven Jazz bass, both pickups wide open, played with a pick.
dear mother of god...
Spot on.
I agree. Jazz Bass growl is legendary.
@@davidvitale9338 I wish the new string DENG would last forever..
@@WilDBeestMF elixir strings!
This is an outstanding video and I wish I had seen it when I started playing. Both basses are awesome, and Leo Fender gave us a great gift with the Precision and Jazz.
Thanks for the kind word! So glad to have you here ⚡️
Gotta say Thank You! Haven't played with flatwound strings since 1978. Thanks to your motivation, I tried a set of half rounds and am loving the feel and the tone...maybe in another 44 years, I'll be ready to try a set of flats! Keep up the great work on your videos, look forward to them each week!
watching p vs j vids all day. yours is the best. thank you.
Thanks so much! Glad to have you here ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic 👍
Love this! Maybe active vs passive pickups in a similar format could be cool?
You Philip and Rett Shull are doing a very good job with your channels :-)
THIS is the best video comparing these two incredible basses.
I used to go with the idea of having a Precision in the studio and a Jazz on stage, but it naturally just does depends on what sound you're going after. I primarily play P&J basses, but I also have just a P-bass because I like how it can sit high in a mix.
Very good👏👏👏👏 best p/j description I’ve seen in years
Wow, thanks!
You deserve a lot more subs, you’re a natural and produce very high quality stuff.
I’m a guitarist who just picked up a MIM J Bass to learn on largely because I found a good used one at a great price locally. A close guitarist friend has a P bass so we have both and can trade I guess. I like the narrow neck and the body comfort for sitting, which I mainly do. Tones don’t matter as much for me as playability for learning and just playing for fun. If I get into it maybe I get other basses but it’ll probably do me just fine for a long time.
Best explanation I’ve ever seen on the fundamental differences between the two most significant electric bass designs. The only info missing is the tonal differences between the single coil J, and the split coil of the P.
Thanks so much for watching!
I just LOVE that mean, throaty sound of a Jazz Bass with all of the knobs maxed! I call it the “bullfrog” tone.
Cleanest video I've watched in a while
I agree 100%, they way i look at it is If i want to stick out in a mix then i’ll play the Jazz bass. If i want to lay back and not be “heard” then i’ll play the P. Sometimes when i’m mixing my own recordings and i’m playing with a P- I wont think what does this mix sound like with this bass i think more of what does it sound without it. And typically it’s thin and dull and the bass just brings it all home.
Great breakdown! Both have their place.
Great stuff, thank you!
Greetings from Taiwan! Really nice and helpful advice in the last part!
Greetings from Atlanta! Glad to have you here ⚡️
Excellent video Phil! Really well structured.
Thank you Russell! Thanks for watching ⚡️
Started in 1982 with a J-bass knockoff that I recall weighing around 20 pounds. Graduated to an 83 P-bass the next year. I still own it. The neck is definitely a different feel--if I'm on a J-bass or a Music Man, I can really tell the difference in my fret hand. Love both, but I'm more of a pocket groove guy anyway, and I love the simplicity of the P-bass.
I love how this guys explains things
Thanks!
Great video for beginners, Philip. Good job!
Some famous players did like to play a Jazz bass, but only use the neck pickup, like the great Joe Osborn. The sound is almost as mid focused as a P bass, especially with flats. Joe got some great sounds!
Others favour the P, but liked the Jazz bass neck more, so they simply swapped necks, 😄. (Try doing that with a Gibson or an Alembic..., 😉). The most famous bassist who did this later in his career was the great Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn. Adam Clayton used to play his famous ‘73 sunburst Fender P with a Jazz neck too.
In the early ‘70’s (late 1970-1972) Fender had the option to have a P with a Jazz neck. One famous user was Nate Mendel, with his ‘71 Candy Apple red Fender P.
Others loved the Jazz bass, but liked the neck of the P bass more. One famous player liking this was Tim Commerford (Rage Against The Machine). Even Jaco Pastorius had a maple board late ‘70’s P neck on his fretted Jazzbass he used in his instruction video around 1985! He just might have wrecked the original neck...
I love and use all the options: Fender P’s and J’s and hybrids; both with flats and rounds! Love ‘em!
🖖
Great insight! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
Great summary of these two iconic instruments! I agree 100% on how you said you play on a P vs a J…I find myself doing the same 👍
I didn't enjoy the feel of the Jazz bass' neck I tried. I leant to the sound of a P anyways; and the neck feel was what I expected, so that was a match. Turns out I'm responding more to the flair of a Precision in general !
Great video, you are definitely nailing that RUclips thing !
I love the Jazz aesthetics, but the Precision's tone and feel is where I feel "home". One day I'll build a Jazz body, PJ, P neck franken-bass... with flats of course lol
This is the most detailed and interesting comparison video I've watched on RUclips!
Thank you for diving deep into this and also reminding us of the fact that's it's about what feels good to each individual!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching ⚡️
I've been looking for a review that covered these exact issues, and I've found it. This will immensely help anyone who is trying to decide which to get. I've owned (and still own) 3 Jazzes, and I've played a P.
For me, it's about feel. I've always gravitated towards the Jazz for tone and neck feel. Great video!
Thank you for the kind word! So glad to have you here. I love the sound of a jazz bass too ⚡️
I picked up a fretless jazz bass at a pawn shop years ago, and have been hooked ever since. At some point in 2020 I found myself walking out of a shop with a Flea Roadworn jazz bass.
I'm looking to pick up a P bass in the near future, and then possibly a P bass in the P/J configuration...
So, the simple answer to which one is "Yes!" 😂😂😂
Thanks for the rundown- appreciate it! 🙏
IMO P bass everyday, especially with flats! But yeah, the J bass has its own cool character too. But hey, also love the Stingray too! 😮
I love the summary. I gravitate to the more obscure band member laying down the fundamental groove. P Bass for me, thanks.
Your ending visualization exercise reminded me of a pithy comment I saw on another video on a similar topic: “When you want the bass to be heard, play a J bass. When you want the bass to be felt, play a P bass.”
Bonus Facts were for me! All about the P/J configuration with a Jazz Bass neck for me. 🤤
I started with a P/J and played the hell out of it and then switched to a Jazz Bass and played the hell out of that. Now I have a P/J with a Jazz neck and I couldn't be happier. The tone of a P Pup is just so good but I also really like having the versatility of "cleaning-up" (sterilizing) the mids by adding in some of that J Bridge and I love that flat virtuosic feel of the Jazz neck.
My own first electric bass was an economy version of the modern P-bass built by Epiphone with the Gibson Explorer headstock that I got at age 16 in ‘96. When I chose to upgrade to a more professional-grade instrument four years later, I was short-sighted enough to think “been there” and that I didn’t want another P-bass. An active J-bass was winking at me when I went on the market in 2000. Much as I’m glad I chose that as my model for the following 19 years, I occasionally daydream that I’d instead gotten a hybrid. If I’m no mistaken, 2000 was when Fender had just begun marketing the basses with the P-bass body and the split-coil neck humbucker but with the J-bass bridge pickup and neck. That seems like the best of both worlds, the punchy neck tone, the sound pallet and a slimmer neck.
Hearing a couple of colleagues playing the hybrid model has kind of fueled my interest.
I should ask, Philip. Is that a Moog synthesizer? Which model?
Man, the very vibe based description of the two towards the end was honestly best thing I've heard in a comparison video.
Really helped convey the difference for me. It sold me on a P-bass, even tho I want the offset body. Earned a sub from me. 🔥
I think a lot of it for me comes down to how much I want to fuss with tone. You can be a hyper minimalist with a P bass directly into your amp with 30 year old flats and die happy. I personally like experimentation and risks so it will always be a J or similar for me. I currently love my G&L Kiloton but that's a whole different thang. Lovin your content my friend, keep it thumpin.
Great insight! Thanks for watching ⚡️
I like them both. You explained it very well.
I have a 98 jazz and a 2010 P. I dumped a set of 63 Fender pick ups in with the period correct wiring harness in the P.
I started playing bass as a teen, and got kind of peer pressured into thinking More is More Better. I played a 5-string with active pickups for years and then got sick of it and fell off bass. I'm twice as old now, recently picked up a PJ Mustang and it's been amazing. Love just running the P pickup and thumping. Your on stage hypothetical is spot on for me.
Glad to have you here! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
Hi Philip, this is an absolutely awesome and very informative video.
When someone asks if they should get P-bass or J-bass my first answer is: both.
Thanks for watching! And well said 😆
Great video… super helpful … thanks very much
Dude , You are a Natural ... Great Video
I’ve got wide hands with short fingers. The P-Bass neck has been my nemesis since day one. It’s too chunky for my left hand. Fender starting offering a PJ Bass with a J-Bass neck. Problem solved….that was my main bass for a long time…until I lost my job during the pandemic and was unemployed for an extended period of time. I had to sell all my music gear to not become homeless while seeking employment. I found work and bought myself a Tagima J-Bass, however I quickly realized I missed the P-Bass sound…sooo I bought a pick guard blank and cut a new pick guard for my J Bass. With some careful measuring and tracing of a Duncan P-Bass pickup I had in my parts box, I fit that pickup to the new pick guard I made, wired up the pickup to the bass’s control set and voila, I created a replacement for my former Fender PJ bass. It sounds and looks great and is easy to play, at least for me.
My current bass is a Mexican Jaguar: Jazz-sized neck, PJ pickups, offset body. Perfect mix of all the best features.
Nice!
I have used p style basses throughout much of my time as a bassist and even after playing everything from music man to even a hofner I keep coming back to the p bass for its simplicity especially in terms of recording and my playing style feels out of place with most instruments so p bass always speaks to me
I went to the Fender Mod site, ordered a Mocha Burst bass, and specified the PJ configuration. Sure, it cost me over $2K, but I believe I have the perfect bass guitar. My bass teacher got excited and played it the entire session, and didn't charge me at all, LOL! It is the perfect bass. It did cost me... and my second bass is a Hofner Ignition series violin bass (less than $500), like Paul McCartney used in his early Beatles years. That one's in the shop now. The luthier is fixing it up now. It will have flatwounds and sound more like a stand up orchestral string bass.
For many years I played saxophone, alto and bari, plus a year of cello.
These are my first guitars, and as a recent retiree, I am overjoyed with the great sound the Fender makes. I would highly recommend the Fender Precision bass (with the PJ configuration option on their MOD website) above all other contemporary Fender basses. My expert (and teacher) seriously covets it!
They are both great but I think the P Bass is always guaranteed to sound the same, if that is what you want. If you can, its nice to have one of each, to cover every sound.
You absolutely nail when you say both can do it all. I always preferred the aesthetics of the Jazz bass, probably because more of my heroes played them (John Paul Jones, Jaco, Les Claypool on occasion). But I do find myself gravitating to the growly P-bass sound.
I played a Jazz bass for 20 years that I never really bonded with and ended up turning it into an electric Sarode and at the moment my go-to bass is a MIJ Jaguar bass (full scale, 2 jazz pickups, the original model). I also have a 1985 MIJ Squier fretless P-bass that sounds and plays amazing. Honestly, once you have a Fender designed bass in your hands, the instrument won't get in the way of any playing style or sound you need. Great video, if I had seen it 30 years ago, I might have bought a P-bass as my first real bass and ended up being in a famous rock band instead of as a struggling Sitar player ;)
I started out on a P bass, eventually bought a Jazz bass which became my number one for a long time before I stumbled upon a limited run P/J that Fender did in 2016. Now, I have two slightly different configured P/J basses plus the Jazz as an alternative. P/J truly is the best of both worlds imo, but I keep the Jazz because it has that really cool and snappy tone with both pickups fully on with a bit of overdrive that the P/J can't entirely achieve.
I somewhat agree with the take of trying both before going with a P/J. It really gives you a understanding of why it's such a great combo. But it also doubles as a P by simply muting the bridge pickup, so if you're leaning towards P I would definitely check one out. They usually have a Jazz type neck as well though, so they're not always just simply a P with a second pickup.
Awesome video ! Great job ! The only thing i might add is that you can always mod a Jazz Bass with a push pull pot to have both pickups in series. It’s a fantastic sound and will get you closer to that p bass sound if you prefer the jazz bass feel and neck. I’ve had both and now i am now the very lucky owner of a 1963 precision bass. My forever bass. Cheers
One of the better videos on this subject on RUclips. I'm a beginner and I have a Sterling Stingray in the HH config, lot's of variation there, and a nice distinct sound. However, lately I've been really wanting to get one of these for those classic, amazing tones. Well done!
Thanks! I hope you find the sound you are looking for ⚡️
I just picked up an American Original 60’s P
I love P basses
Maybe it’s just what I’m used to
I grew up playing my dads old P bass as a kid
So I’m super bias
But whenever I play another bass I always wish it was a P .
I played a jazz for the first time a few years back and it felt great in the hand. But I like the sound of the P better
And I like how it makes me play (if that makes sense)
Great video Philip! ✌🏻
Thank you ⚡️
Awesome tone!!! I have a heavy jazz body with a heavy, super wide, super chunky fretless precision neck. Fralin pickups, John East preamp. Strung with La Bella Gold Flats .85 .65 .45 .29 tuned down to standard tuning. A vast gulf of space from string to string. Good times.
I have one of each. I use the P for 60's and some 70's stuff. I use the J for almost everything else. If I had to pick one I'd choose the P Bass. The split pick-up makes that oh so sweet BASS SOUND...
Hey Philip,
Watching from Germany. I really enjoy the content you create! You have such a unique and cool way to share your knowledge and experience. Thanks for that :) keep it up, man
I totally agree!
awesome analysis and condensed comparison, align very much with your personal opinion on when to use P and J, thanks!
I personally prefer P basses. My Squier 60's vibe has a rather slim P bass neck with only a nut width of 40mm's, the neck is also rather flat so its a joy play on! I've put some EMG GZRs in it and it sounds really good for basically any Genres. I'd love to try a PJ or PH someday tho.
Nice job! For many years I had one of each - I considered these the "hammer and screwdriver" for a bass players toolbox. Although a Stingray might be a nice addition to that toolbox...
Well said ⚡️
I have those three 😊 American standard P with flats, 1964 P with 2 active EMG jazz pickups (in 60s Jazz bass configuration) and a StingRay Classic 2 band EQ. All great for different tasks for different reasons and I love them to bits!
There is another option, another classic bass Leo Fender has created aside from the P Bass and J Bass. It is the Music Man Sting Ray which many rock and slap bass players use exclusively. This is my goto bass indeed.
FYI, the neck pocket in Jazz and Precision basses are actually not the exact same dimension, so I direct swap can lead to either a sloppy or impossibly tight fit. That has been my experience with neck swaps, anyway!
You're amazing!
I like both.Depends on what mood I'm in.
Very nice video. Thanks. Subscribed😚
Thanks for watching! ⚡️
Awesome and helpful video. Best of the comparison between "j" & "p". Many, many years ago I played a Fender jazz bass and was always fighting with the tone. Now as an older and wiser player I prefer to put forth my own sound and the simplicity of the "p" sounds good-to-go. The neck thing is not an issue for me as I have pretty large hands.
Thank you for the kind words! So glad to have you here
The advice on imagining yourself playing the bass is very good, I like that. The way I was taught was to see what the player in the band you loved most played - it was John Paul Jones so I went for a P bass because I couldn't afford a Jazz ;-)
I swapped for a Jazz in 1984 and much prefer it, but I keep a P bass (or a PJ with a Jaguar neck - more versatile and nicer neck) around. It's best to try out each type first, but don't get hung up on the feel of the bass - you can get used to differences. Make sure you have one that sounds good to you. Neither is better or worse, it's simply what works for you.
The P bass is the one I'd want to go to lunch with...if it were a person. But I am in my 60s and a new bass playing convert. Have a Fender P bass, a Stirling Classic RAY24 and a Sire V3P. Switching back and forth a lot and spend most of my practice between on or the other. I'm starting to see how they all have their now place. Now I get why bass players seem to own several basses.
Hey Shug,
I’m pretty sure the sire v3 is/was a j bass.
That you let go for a G&L L1000; aka p killer.
I have been intrigued by the L1000 since.
Jazz for me. More versatile instrument. I love the sound of a Jazz Bass.
It is a great sound ⚡️
Great comparison Phil. I think I started with the best of both worlds. When I wrote my first book, I planned to use my first royalty cheque to buy a nice guitar. I went into my local shop and there was this Fender P bass there with an added Jazz bass pickup and extra volume control. I tried it out and started playing Clash riffs like London Calling and Jimmy Jazz on it. I swear this bass spoke to me and it ended up coming home with me. Complete change of plan as I wasn't a bass guy and didn't have a bass amp.
I told this story to one of my grad students at the time and it turned out here was selling a Trace Elliott bass amp. I bought that off him, and got totally into bass guitar. I kept it for years, but finally sold it when my band need a pa system. Boy do I regret that now.
Currently I have a Squier Jazz bass with a maple neck that I love to play with. It's good but not what I had.
I have a 90's precision special, they were built with pj combo and jazz neck, a new precision ultra, and new jazz ultra they all sound great.
I have a Jazz Bass and my friend has a Precision Bass and I think it kinda fits as our reaction to For Whom The Bell Tolls couldn't have been more opposite. I see use of the 19th fret and go "Hell yeah, that's sick!" whereas his response was "What the hell?"
I think the biggest reason I went with the Jazz Bass was that bridge pickup, I like the more trebly nature of it. The neck taper is just a little added bonus
I enjoyed the video. I play a five string Jazz. My first Jazz was a Mexican fender. It had the single coils and they hummed if i went to one or the other. I kept both pickups on wide open to make a humbucker. The one i have now has the noiseless single coils which kind of aren't the true single coils. No hum though. I just love the feel and sound. I still run half and half on the pickups most of the time. It is switchable active or passive. I run it active unless my batteries die then it is passive never miss a beat. If i want a real p bass sound i go to the neck pickup on passive and it does it real well. I also own an MTD bass. It is cool too.
Thank you for this great video Philip ! I'm soon gonna get my first bass and I will go for the P !
That’s a great choice. Good luck with your bass journey!
Watched a lot of p bass vs j bass but that made is less confusing or biased.
Many thanks dude. Guess I'm buying a Jazz bass! 😄
Good luck! I hope you find the sound you are looking for ⚡️
It so hard to choose between the two. I lean toward the J bass personally. I feel like I can get pretty close to the P tone with it, but then have other options with the bridge pickup. For a while, my set up was P-bass with flat wounds for blues/country/soul stuff and a Jazz with roundwounds for rock. Recently, I did get a new P/J that I have rounds on that I get the best of both worlds from.
My desert island bass is my American Deluxe Jazz, but it's more about that particular bass than it is the P vs. J question. Assuming I have batteries on the deserted island.
Guitar center sells a Squier Precision bass starter packs, that have an additional Jazz Pickup added, called The Affinity Special, with a jazz neck.
This is a totally a no brainer. The price is great, the bass quality is great and the versatility is great! What more could a beginner want or need, and you get a free amp too.
Both the P bass and jazz bass are great basses, this way you kind of get both.
GREAT Video!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Wow, you actually DID help me choose, thanks ! P bass it is then !
Thanks for this video! As a guitar player looking to learn a bit of bass and to get one for home recording, this was extremely helpful! I’ve always wondered the difference between the two!
I think there’s a p-bass in my future!
Good luck Ben! I hope you find the sound you are looking for ⚡️
that example of a show in the end saved my life, I'm getting a P bass
Nice comparison. I played a P bass for 20 years and about a year ago got my first Jazz. Man, the neck feels good. I've been going back and forth ever since between the two. As many others advised on many a forum, (if you can afford it) get one of each. My P bass has flatwounds and the Jazz has roundwounds. Both feel great to play and have different tones. And as you said, just picking them up makes you play differently.
Well said! I also keep flats on my p and rounds on my jazz in general. Thanks for sharing!
I remember a quote where someone said that you can fudge a bit with the p bass but if you mess up with the jazz bass, everyone can hear it. 😂
That’s a fun way to think of it! 😆
I could not decide between both... then I bought a Fender Player Jaguar bass (PJ pickups) and I could not be happier!
My main (only for years) has been a 2005 Mexican J and it’s treated me very well. What’s funny about mine is the sweet spot is bridge off neck open 100%. Get’s a growl and punch like nothing else
Love my Fender Made in Mexico Jazz Bass with black flatwounds and Seymour Duncan Vintage pickups. Recently (from someone on RUclips) discovered playing with just the bridge pickup but the tone right off (I.e. treble wound right off). Always something new to learn. Just ordered a Sire U5 PJ bass. Short scale ‘cos I’m getting on a bit and the J Bass gives my pain in my fretting hand in long sessions.
Awesome! Sounds like you have some great things going. Good luck!
P Bass with Jazz neck ftw. G&L has some awesome customization options for this, and the Lakland Duck Dunn signature comes stock in this configuration I believe. Nice video!
As you alluded to at the end, after you've played around with different options you can always customize. I like the P body but J necks and one of the basses that I wish I still had was a J that had two P pickups. I've also seen a couple of really cool PMM basses with a MM pickup in place of a J. Another cool one I played was a J bass that someone had put Thunderbird pickups in. Great era for gear that we're in right now!
Agreed! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
I totally agree with your summary of the differences, although there are the exceptions. I love playing both Pbass and Jbass and find the song and the style will influence which I'll use. But, if you have to choose one, then, I'd refer back to your summary. Philip, I really enjoyed your video and I guess you could class me as an old veteran, could talk all day about them.
Thanks for sharing! Agreed. Best option is getting both!
I played a Jazz for years and it is really cool but I now play a Mustang PJ and it does everything I want with the comfort and feel I prefer.
Greetings from Bucharest, Romania. Always leaned more towards the Jazz bass. But both are cool. I have a nice Mike Lull 5-string P for when I want that traditional vibe, but most of the time I'm playing a modern J (with 35" scale and 5 strings) :)
Had both, couldn't make them work for my style of playing. I like smacking my fingers in a way that's probably considered bad technique by most professionals. The P bass sounded clanky and dull, J bass sounded thin. Got a stingray and now I'm happy because it really responds well to being hit hard
Love the vibe of your video. Very chill, humble, and informative. Would LOVE to have that Nash because it just looks so good, but I think I might be a P guy. I keep trying them and will hopefully come across a good deal on something special before long.
Thanks Jason! Glad to have you here ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic I ended up getting a Squier CV Jaguar with the 32” scale and (wait for it 🥁🥁🥁) P/J pickup configuration. The slightly shorter scale and jazz-like neck make it über comfortable, and the blend of P&J each with concentric vol/tone controls make it über versatile. I’m über stoked.