P Bass vs Jazz Bass - here's what you need to know
If you had to choose your top Fender bass guitar, which would you choose? They might have come from the same drawing board, but the Jazz and P Bass have some major differences. Both changed the world. But which is the right one for you? In today’s new video we try to settle the Jazz vs P Bass debate once and for all!
Fender Precision Bass
It’s an amazing testament to Leo Fender’s ideas and design that despite all the world’s advancements, the P-Bass is still one of the best-selling instruments in music today. This is the bass guitar that started it all. In just its raw state it offers such a wide range of different tones, and depending what kind of music you play, by using the tone control you can near enough make it sound any way you want it to. Often copied, but never bettered, the Precision bass’ erstwhile simplicity in terms of construction and electronics means that it’s robust enough to handle all the rigours of worldwide road life and still come up with the goods. Plus, studio engineers absolutely love them.
Buying Tips
Well, original spec is always best: try to buy one as it left the factory, especially if it’s a USA model, though well-fitted pickup upgrades on Japanese versions are also a good thing. More recent USA models are strung-through from the rear of the body, arguably improving tone, as per ‘50s models, but – overall – a good original P-bass is a bass for life.
Fender Jazz Bass
Launched in 1960 as an ‘upmarket’ Precision, the Fender Jazz set a scorching pace which no other bass has managed to emulate. While few knew quite what to make of the Fender Precision when it was launched in 1951, by the time the Jazz Bass was released a decade later the Fender brand had reached a global audience. John Entwistle was an early UK endorsee, as was Noel Redding, who was rarely seen without his sunburst Jazz Bass with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The Beatles used a Jazz Bass on Abbey Road, Larry Graham pioneered his new slap technique on a Jazz with Sly Stone, and then there’s Jaco, Marcus Miller... the list goes on and on. In summary, a legend, easily set for another 60 years.
Buying Tips
The first sought-after Jazz Bass used two stacked volume/tone dual concentric controls, which was later changed to independent volume controls for each pickup and a master tone control. The early ‘60s ‘stack knob’ models fetch serious money. Some unbelievably sloppy neck fits in over- machined body recesses did for the mid-‘70s models. Plus, quality lightweight wood choice was non-existent. Some good ones got through (just ask Marcus Miller) but choose carefully. Fender have since re-discovered the value of a good Jazz Bass, and quality reissues are abound. Japanese versions of the ’62 dot neck are great value, and they come in cool custom colours like Sonic Blue!
