P Bass Vs J Bass (the ultimate battle)

Leo Fender was an absolute genius. Having changed the world with the Precision Bass in 1951, Leo unleashed the Jazz Bass in 1960. But which one is the right one for you?
In today’s new video I’m going to talk you through the differences between these two iconic instruments. If you think they sound the same, you're wrong. They probably feel the same to play? Try again. It’s time to settle the P Bass vs Jazz Bass debate once and for all!
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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[@magness57gaming67]

I’m new to bass and recently got a J bass. I don’t regret my decision, I love the sound and It’s helped me make more friends. It’s also helped me get off my lazy ass and actually do something productive other than video games. All I can say is, whenever I get home from work or wake up in the morning and see that bass, I play it and my day brightens up!

[@chrisoberg6888]

You will be one of the most utilized members of any band dude. Every neighborhood band needs a bassist or drummer

[@canadulce3697]

Awesome story dude

[@jyrahoj152]

Same, since the pandemic started I’ve been looking for a distraction I’m thinking of buying a p bass instead of just chilling all day.

[@alfieharries]

Good for u bro. Now u need a p bass for double the pleasure!

[@viking_playndisplay1979]

Glarry makes cheap but great sounding basses. Perfect for projects and learning to set up your own guitar.

[@mre6659]

"I will reveal my favourite at the end! Anyway here's this magnificient perfect P-bass that's friggin awesome. And also here's a jazz bass."

[@4Hisglory68]

🤣

[@stacybrocker5982]

😂😂😂😂

[@Gell1967]

Certain lines are harder to play on a P-Bass because of the neck width, BUT, that doesn't mean the J-Bass is better, personally I love the fat neck lol

[@dompiepom]

Every time the same: ‘but of course everybody has his own favorite. 🙄

[@blindjustice8718]

8:45 I was intrigued that the Jazz Bass sounds like... well... a Jazz bass.

[@RLRthings]

"it just sounds like a jazz bass" Best description of a jazz bass ever;

[@ghersic8161]

He really covered his basses in this one.

[@charleschamberlain53]

Awesome

[@frippertonics6421]

Hey-O!

[@dontall71]

Just the Bassicss

[@robertmorris3639]

Middle sounds best

[@robertmorris3639]

How about a pbass with a maple fretboard jazz meck

[@pinoycommuter8635]

I'd take the J Bass on a date, but will spend my life with the P Bass. :):)

[@th3gr81]

I’m the opposite. I love the j-bass for life, and I love the p-bass for maybe a jam session once in a while.

[@lukebrogan6913]

I like how he says “if you could only have one” kind of incredulously. I can’t even afford to buy one Fender bass, let alone two.

[@shannonrhoads7099]

Some of the more recent Indonesian Squiers are really good. REALLY good.

[@Phyoomz]

Have you heard about Glarry?? 👀👀👀

[@BogoEN]

Pick up an Affinity Squier like Shannon Rhoads suggested. You can get one for about $230 USD on Sweetwater. Then you can learn how to do your own setup ;-)

[@Shojikitsune1]

@@BogoEN cackles madly in Thunderbird 😎🤪👍

[@KionDarkat]

you dont need a brandy fender to sound like fender...

[@pareidolion]

Never owned a split coil bass, but that Precision dark round tone is hands down my favorite! With the pickup tone on or off, it's great either way.

[@Michiel1972]

For those who have a real hard time deciding... you might want to consider a Fender AM Ultra P Bass, which has a P-Bass pickup as well as a J-Bass pickup.

[@Cash_Lovell]

Those basses are fucking wonky but the tone and versatility is there

[@kermitgrover]

@@Cash_Lovell wonky how? I have one and it's the most comfortable and versatile bass I have (just curious on your opinion)

[@Cash_Lovell]

@@kermitgrover I mean the body style in terms of looks, playability is great but the body looks weird if your not already firmiliar

[@OscarASevilla]

I have a Fender Mustang bass, as I'm primarily a guitar player lol.

[@NyeJamesMusic]

I've found P basses tend to mix easily into virtually any rock/pop arrangement. Jazz basses seem to have their most iconic uses when the bass is a more prominent or even leading part of the arrangement (Geddy Lee, Joe Dart and Jaco come to mind). J basses seem more engineered for cutting through a mix, but P basses can be easier to lock down that low end sweet spot behind a full arrangement. I have also found P basses to be more versatile with heavier distorted tones, weird FX and low subby stuff. J basses have still got that iconic stylish chonk that can be perfect for bass focused funk/jazz or rock. I've found myself defaulting to using a P bass for most of the genres I mix, but when you really need that J bass chonkiness its difficult to substitute for. Just my two cents.

[@joaoguimaraes31]

That is the most sensible analysis I ever seen regarding J/P comparison.

[@hadiffnazhan862]

Joe uses bridge pup right? So im just gonna buy a pj lol get both

[@timbuk1126]

At first I thought you said Joe Dirt.. 😂

[@WorshipShed]

agreed

[@andrewoverhere8525]

Ok yes but hear me out with this one when you need the chonk just use the p instead LOL

[@gxdhabakkagw6268]

So all those guys saying I had a fat neck were really just complementing my playability. Wow

[@brucemcdonald1114]

Big hands...fat neck. Small hands...jazz bass.

[@gershwyndaniels3903]

I like the p-bass with the tone knob turned all the way down. I love the emphasis on the low frequencies. I love that sort of muffled sound. Not weak, but at the same time, not very invasive either.

[@peterb1543]

I prefer the P Bass with the tone rolled off all the way.

[@ianbrough499]

Instant gut feeling for preference is the J. I’ve been looking for a good comparison between theses 2. Your initial comparison when you first played both it was an epiphany! Jazz bass all the way for me. I think the reason why is I listened to Rush my whole life so it feels more ‘at home’ with the Geddy sound. Ps. I have a Godin Freeway 4 as my beginner bass. It’s really nice too. Thank you!!!!

[@StratMatt777]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaa8q5psmcyierc

[@MarkHooson]

I have a precision with a jazz neck and pj pickups setup. For me it's the best of both kinds.

[@stanlynch8376]

I have a jazz with a P neck. Lol. Maybe I got what you discarded.

[@dougjones2063]

I'm a P bass guy. That p bass sound with the tone role off just does it for me. Idk what it is but the growl of the P bass just does it for me.

[@joebartlett3255]

Same here. Except with rounds & everything wide open. My P has way more growl than my 2 jazz’s.

[@buckemptier]

You want growl get a Ric, fuck a p bass

[@arthurverlaine6434]

@@buckemptier the growl is not just the model but also the way pickups interact and the output impeadence

[@musenw8834]

That's more of a heavy low end rather than a growl. P basses excel in that area more than jazz basses, that's for sure, even though you could use the neck pickup of a jazz bass to get as close to a p bass sound. But personally the additional bridge pick-up of jazz and hybrid basses are the natural plus point for me

[@sunriseshell]

But does it do it for you?

[@ImaginaryMachines]

I have a Fender Ultra Jazz and a Fender Ultra Precision, I love both and play them both equally but that LOW DARK DEEP sound of the P bass is so nice! However I love the snap of the J bass and the awesome slap-ability of it. So basically you just need to buy both :)

[@chris9650]

Different tools for different jobs.

[@BrianLannoye]

Was this ever a question?

[@jeremyfarley423]

brand new player here. I am about a month into learning. My learning instrument is the Glarry version of the Fender Jazz. So far I am having fun. I am learning rock and metal bass playing.

[@robhelenflaherty9083]

One thing to remember is the role of bass. There are many modern instruments that sound better than a P bass when played in your bedroom, but for something that sits in the mix of a band or on a recording, theres nothing much to beat the P bass. Four strings, two knobs, one pickup. Perfect!

[@jasonz1771]

The role of the bass is what whoever writing the music decides it to be. Look at Mudvayne's Dig and Internal Primates Forever. The bassist frequently adds theses nasty jazz like vibes that stick out and are separate from the other musicians and really add to the song. A PBass wouldnt work so well for that. Jaco was another perfect example which Scott already covered. And then there's people like Les Claypool hahaha again the bass is whatever you want it to be.

[@joaoguimaraes31]

I totally agree with you, the P usually sounds nicer in a rock band. It just covers some ground that other won't. However, when playing solo the J will sound cooler.

[@18JR78]

Jason Z Br br deng

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

Maybe in the 1950's and 60's, you would've been right about bass having only one role: rhythmic support. Since the 70's however, there have existed genres and styles of music calling for bass to take on a more virtuosic, lead role. Jazz fusion, progressive rock, funk, etc. just don't work with that very basic, round and bumpy noise the P Bass makes. You need the sonic equivalent of a machete, not a rubber hammer to cut through the mix and express yourself in these styles of music. I do have a P, but my main instruments are a Rickenbacker 4003 and a Jazz because I happen to play those styles which require the bass man to be a bit obnoxious and busy.

[@musenw8834]

The nature of both basses aren't the same so they'll definitely have different plus points. P basses after all are built for power while J basses are built for presence and tonal flexibility, and other basses of similar configurations will give other tones that can change the way you play or fit into different types of music.

[@CyprusMusic]

Love this editing with the motion tracking and highlighting of parts. Really brings you into the video

[@legs5775]

Your Insights are much appreciated Scotty!!! Dig your style too

[@legs5775]

and I like the halfway tone on the P bass best!

[@Peter-Alexander]

As a beginner I am in the process of starting to know the different types out there and a new world openend up for me! I liked the sound of the neck pickup of the J bass but the fat tone of the P bass stole my heart! I also love the punchy sound of MM. Great video, many thanks.

[@devinebass]

Thanks for checking the video Peter! 🧡

[@superheavydeathmetal]

If you only like the neck pickup of the Jazz, then I would definitely get a Precision; it’s the Jazz neck pickup sound with more thickness/fullness. For me, however, the Jazz Bass is where it’s at. Max all the knobs for that aggressive, throaty, signature Jazz Bass sound! I call it the “Bullfrog Tone”.

[@Peter-Alexander]

@@superheavydeathmetal Thanks for your reply and advice!

[@michaelbartram4311]

I thought I was a Jazz guy for the last 14 years but then I bought a P. I particularly love the meaty snarl it gives with a pick.

[@joelmondonedo6855]

When I started I used to play a jazz style bass, there was a specific tone I loved about it. It’s when you play both pick ups at approximately 80% volume, with tone at 0%. I absolutely love this tone, coz it was so round and fat. I had to compensate volume through the amp or maybe an eq pedal but it was so worth it. I automatically set it to this whenever I pick it up. Then one day I decided to try a precision bass and I was shocked when I discovered that the same fat tone I loved was more easily accessible through the volume at 100% and the tone completely off. I had an epiphany -I been playing a jazz bass and yet the tone I’ve been emulating was a precision tone! Mind blown away. Ever since then I’ve been using a p bass as my default, still changing to a jazz bass as needed depending on what project or band I was playing. I love them both but if I really had to choose I would go for a precision as my desert island bass.

[@offbeatbassgear]

And that's pretty close to the classic Jaco jazz bass tone. It's really one of my favorite tones..

[@jameslester9819]

You are such a great player that you make all the settings on the P base and jazz bass sound great

[@sifu8056]

Thank you for this video. Good info for aspiring bass players for which I am one. However, I do play other instruments. I like playing various genres of music and I also like the tradional sounds of those various genres, however I am always willing to get creative. With that said, I would need both a precision and a jazz bass. But if I was only allowed to choose one it would have to be a jazz bass because of it's versatility. Also I do not want to feel limited within any genre. I like traditional sounds but I love the freedom of creativity and exploration.

[@rocketimpossible5196]

I've played an active Ibanez SR-400 since 1998. i like it for its action and sound versatility. I realized about a year ago that i had essentially been imitating the sound of a Fender Jazz bass the whole time. Y'know, just with better action.

[@Mini1124]

Resting my thumb on the J bass single coils is about a thousand times more comfortable than on the P bass. And I just really love the brightness and pop of the J.

[@f1948s]

Thanks again for an excellent review and explanation. If anyone wants to understand the true tonal ranges of these bass guitars they definitely need to come to you. Your the best. On the P bass I like the tonal knob all the way up or maybe even half way off with the flat wound strings. Those sounds are the best in my opinion for most uses. Thanks for your generosity. I missed this give away. I will have to keep a closer eye on you. LOL !

[@fullerlife4868]

Hi man I just started playing the bass and I love love love it. I am learning so much from you.

[@JoFrankHe]

I'm born 1965 - dreaming about owning a P-Bass as old as I am.:-D

[@boomerbassmeme]

Me too!

[@damianrock5297]

Man, I really want to win, but if you have it, I wouldn't even be mad :P

[@boomerbassmeme]

@@damianrock5297 I have an 83 just like it and far more basses than I care to admit. Hoping you win! 🤞

[@burtreynolds2969]

I was born in 1975. Dreaming about owning a P- bass 10 years older than I am. ;)

[@damianrock5297]

@@boomerbassmeme oh man, thank you! :D Daaamn, that bass must sound like a total beast!!! I'm still not sure which one I prefer, maybe the P Bass too... I love that thick sound that can play pretty much anything

[@TheDylenator]

I think the P bass should come with a vial of Scott's tears for extra sentimental value

[@williamvance2248]

My mates dad bought a Warwick 5 string thumb when he was born and I got to play at a few gigs around St. Louis. Now that bass had a neck almost as tricky to play as a 6 string neck.

[@mrbassslap8930]

@@williamvance2248 i remember playing one of the first warwicks, horrible neck! Soooo wide, i know what you mean

[@robertkerr9738]

If I had to choose one, it would be the P. I love the Jazz Bass, but the P speaks to my soul in a way the J doesn’t. That being said, I would welcome and cherish this J bass if it were to come my way!

[@rickdaddario4138]

J all the way. The tone variations and the ease of playing the smaller neck.

[@jose-ramonraytroche9159]

P with the tone all the way up!

[@jacomans9078]

Just ordered my first Fender J Bass fretted, only ever owned a fretless J, ..going to be fun, thanks for the vid Scott!

[@robertwarren20]

I love the sound of both, so I solved the problem by buying a P bass with a J bass pickup as well. What a great idea Fender had doing this. The tonal range is phenomenal. I had been playing a Hofner and the switch made a hugh difference. My wife told me it was the first time she could really hear my bass playing in our band. Thanks for making this video. All your videos are great!

[@MrRepensteeltje1]

Love the P-bass , tone up for Rock, halfway for Blues and down for Soul.

[@harrikarppinen3749]

P bass with J neck would be optimal.

[@tonyprimm3539]

This

[@reb286]

J bass with a P neck would be optimal

[@SprunkCovers]

I would love to see this, it would be interesting

[@mrbassslap8930]

I have an USA p bass special, p body with j neck. Fantastic sound and easy to play :). To decide between these two ...... hmmmmmm .... I'd go for the j

[@Igor_Vinicius]

Bobby Vega plays one of these, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/a169aYdnd51grZI

[@Pwnzer]

i have a '96 jazz and smaller hands. when i started playing the jazz and the ease of playability due to the narrower neck took me from struggling to work around the bass to moving around the fretboard like butter. the jazz changed my life!

[@piratemummy7930]

Week 2 of learning bass for me. Started with a Squier Affinity PJ bundle. I don't know from experience what a pure P or J sounds like or a fair clue for that matter because I'm focusing more on my playing than learning my tone dream yet (I have my North Star), but every bass player I've listened to including you kn a P bass, it's unbeatable for me. Purely my preference. Excuse me if I use any incorrect terms please but that growl and the bite on those just sends the most wonderful resonance through me. Could be because my relaxed voice vs singing is naturally more baritone but man P bass for sure! That said, I imagine it's all about what you want case by case but when it comes to just the sound of messing around like that, it's the Precision for me.

[@letmeplaythebass9797]

One thing is true - the sound may choose you. I always dreamed of jazz bass, but my first electric bass happened to be P bass. After playing it for years, when I finally got a chance to get J bass, I couldn't make it sound "mine". Even the bass lines that are supposed to be "Jazz Bass" bass lines (with bridge position growl) didn't sound right on jazz bass to me and they sounded better (or more like my sound) on P bass. That's speaking on sound only. As far as how the neck "makes you play"... you can get any design of P bass nowadays, so neck construction is easily modifiable. I believe some of newer P bass reissues have J necks on.

[@tommygrowls7894]

I can truly feel ya! I'm a p guy. I bought a sh*tload of jazz basses, pjs and even stingrays and really tried to make them sound like me. Never managed. A 100 bucks cheapo p sounds better with me playing it that a 1000 bucks j. I love the sound when other people play a j tho

[@2OfSpades]

I started as a P-bass lover then I have switched to the J-bass but I could never really decide so I got myself a PJ . Now I have the 3 of them and I still love 'em all.

[@rebeltuba9422]

My first good bass was a Precision (a CBS instrument bought almost 50 years ago). It's also the most uncomfortable bass I've ever played because of the neck; it felt like trying to play on my forearm. It caused me to look for basses with much thinner necks (width doesn't really matter to me that much). I'm seriously thinking of going to a Jazz V with a D neck currently.

[@gervanlloydtiwaquen3664]

thank you for an important explaination on the p & j bass...love it

[@yofa1]

I'm a guitarist, and I found this channel through your ads. Your videos made me buy a Squier Bullet Precision bass and I have no idea how to properly play it lol (I play my bass like the 4 lowest strings of a guitar). Nice, entertaining, and informative videos. Subscribed.

[@klb713]

I am the owner of 2001 Fender Jazz Bass. It is American made. And damn me. This is the best bass in my life! he is so versatile !!! No other tools I have had so much delight in me. He just beckons me. "Hey Andrey, it's me, come on, just one arpeggio." And now I have been just enjoying its sound for several hours. I adore him. The only instrument with soul and character.

[@StewartBrand85]

Played solo my favourite P bass tone setting is the half-way setting but I tend to find that other instruments mask much of the frequencies that the tone control cuts so for a band setting I prefer the tone up full - I must like the higher frequencies being there when they're not as obvious as they are when playing bass alone.

[@monkishogun5394]

Been playing for a year. Started with a J Bass. A unique opportunity allowed me to play around with a P bass pretty frequently. I gotta say, the difference, while subtle, blew me away! For my size (6"6) the P-Bass felt better weighted. The headstock drifted down less and the body felt more comfortable for longer play sessions. So yeah, if I was trapped with only one choice. I'd pick the P Bass for ergonomic comfort and ease of play. Can't wait to someday get my own.

[@oldraventwo]

Jazz every day of the week. The neck. The bridge pickup. The tone!! The versatility and solid snark of the Jazz brings it to the top.

[@radioddr6009]

The J-Bass definately sounds sexier on its own. However while playing in a band (at least rock and metal) the P-Bass is superior to most basses. Even my cheap Squier P-Bass kicks arse both in the studio and on stage.

[@Luke-bp8yp]

Totally agree. I'm a J bass guy, but I had to get a PJ for my rock band as that P bass tone is just essential for rock gigs.

[@radioddr6009]

Luke Yeah I suppose a PJ would be the optimal bass.

[@llnn5112]

Meowsef Stalin You clearly haven’t listen to Godflesh.

[@whitewizzardllc2348]

You have to have the hands to coax it -but if you can in a rock or metal band, a j bass has superior tonal rewards. A p bass is more instant grati-but more magic lies in a J

[@parkthedog]

Much truth to this. P-basses are so sweet in a mix. But I love my j-bass for cutting through the sound of the guitars in my band playing live. In a studio, the p-bass might be better.

[@bilalnachabeh]

I have seen your ads for years and finally I'm watching a video of yours! :p

[@bilalnachabeh]

I like the sounds from the Jazz bass more but like the neck of the P bass more :/

Very straight video, with useful information. Well done!

[@varunnarayanan3477]

The editor is amazing. I was just loving the intro

[@plindsey3]

I like a P-Bass set between tone full up and rolled back one quarter turn (like, to 7 if the tone knob had numbers). Everywhere between those two points is magical to me.

[@robguitarwizard]

Love your playing. All sounds are great to me!

[@OceanEggg]

got a p bass as my first bass after watching this video and absolutely love it. hopefully I'll look back at this in a year and still love it!

[@zachtbh]

Another 3 months to go, so how has the p bass been with you?

[@dorianchriste8645]

I'm an old musician. Favor the Jazz all my life. Still love it. Miss my old '72. Stolen. Jazz was the best bass I ever played. Easy action fretboard and neck. Amazing tone.

[@1986Jayo]

both the p and j basses are equally as good in different ways, I also own a mark hoppus signature bass, it has precision pickups, precision neck but with a jazz body, and I love it

[@lucbelanger4951]

One thing that is very often forgotten is raise the amp volume, like raise it! and lower the bass volume, P or J you will discover a whole palette of new sounds! The trick lies in the fact that at higher volume on the amp, the bass does not see the same impedance, try this on an Ampeg B15 or Traynor YB1A. Watch for surprises! You don't have to play louder, just make the amp louder and the bass lower, you will also notice that the tone on the bass shift and works at other frequencies!

[@johnwallace7694]

So PUSH the amp into " Threshold " distortion ? newb here , pedals are a whole another world also .

[@joanneandrade5032]

I never thought much about the bass until I saw Sebastian Bach in October 2021. While they were playing Monkey Business, one of my all time favorite songs, I had a great view of the bassist, Rob De Luca, and was awestruck by his playing. Now, all I can think about is that bass. I listen for the bass line in every song. I need to get a bass! 😆 Thanks for the comparison video because these are my top 2 choices. Leaning toward the p-bass...

[@dr.riccardo3575]

As a beginner I personally love the p bass cuz of the phat tone as well as its simplicity. Just timeless👌

[@dr.riccardo3575]

Also mine is a squire mini with upgraded pickups

[@bflathead]

I always bring a Precision and a Jazz bass to my shows. I primarily play the Precision but sometimes the room might require a J Bass. A P Bass with a single 15” cabinet and a great head is pretty much all you need to RAWK 😀

[@briandowling36]

This is such a good video. Thank you.

[@romainst-louis5298]

J-Bass for the funky bass line (Joe Dart, Flea, Marcus Miller, etc.)

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Yeap! :)

[@luigi.zanini]

but the Joe Dart sound is Music Man...

[@jewbacca9319]

Dart uses flat wounds on a music man and a p bass for some songs like wait for the moment and running away I believe

[@luigi.zanini]

@@jewbacca9319 yes but always Stingray sound is in most cases...

[@axeljoyau3491]

@@luigi.zanini Only recently, because I think he signed a contract with music man. Most of the time he played on a jazz bass, check their first music videos.

[@blackberryblossom]

I used to be a P bass guy, but I‘ve noticed lately that a J bass works even better in my band soundwise.

[@truffeltroll6668]

Probably the bigfest plus, it just works best on recordings and in a band

[@edmarszalek4978]

Excellent point. It can depend on the type of band your end to get what you believe is the most appropriate or fitting sound.

[@musenw8834]

That probably means your band favours tonal versatility and brightness - the strength of the jazz bass over a P bass - while maintaining the lows

[@TheMemo659]

Have both, play in a two guitar hard rock band. The P has WAY more beef in the mix on the E and A strings. The main song rhythms sound thick as hell when I use the P. The J has WAY better note articulation in the mix for the D and G strings. My fills and fancy bass lines pop a lot more when I use the J. I kinda flop back and forth a bit on which is my go to. Currently leaning P, using it at our gig this evening in fact.

[@michaelsilverman341]

All around solid demonstration Scott! Thank you for sharing. Great specimens you got there too - I would say my favorite P Bass tone is the 0% tone knob fat and phunky, and for the J bass, bridge pickup w/ 0% tone knob gets you that wierd synth-like fat but bright jaco thing. Great stuff

[@peripheralvisions]

Having been a staunch Jazz Bass player for years, and having recorded with it many times, I wish I could re-record all of my my parts with my current Precision bass (strung with rounds).The sound is just sublime. Instant Paul Jackson tones. Loving the fatter neck these days too. P-bass is king 👑 Oh yeah and just to add: tone all the way up on a P for me. Cuts through a mix like nothing else. I also have another P strung with flats that is amazing. Between the two I can cover everything I need to. Still have my trusty Jazz too but it’s a different vibe that I’m not digging as much lately.

[@Explosivo11]

Hey do you have any audio recordings of your P bass with the knobs up? Any of your I bass you’re comparing to? Stuck between the clarity of the J bass but the weight of the P bass. Honestly this video doesn’t make me like the P bass any more (way too dark)

[@randymeyer9785]

I'm a jazz bass guy, simply because I have "girly" hands. I also dig the growl that the jazz provides.

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

For me it’s the note definition and standing out in a mix

[@gusionpaxley9063]

And I’m a Warwick/Traben Phoenix 5 string kinda guy because I have monstrously huge fingers. But I do have a Japanese Fender Jazz Bass (1994, I think?) tuned to BEAD as my back up now.

[@bradsexton2315]

Love that growl.

[@minecraftfishingrod3525]

I play jazz bass and i have pretty giant hands, ive played both and dont really feel a difference

[@IRieAsAVirus37]

Yeah I've got to play one but one of my favorite local bands my friend played bass and growing up heavy duty Xtreme Hardcore progressive metal I hate labels but it was a chainsaw a growler he had the Getty Lee version I mean choose one of the other isn't that what a P J is for I'm on the fence about getting either or player series or upgrading a Squier but now I'm on the fence about active or passive because I'm going to be playing heavy duty stuff with a good deal of effects ehh

[@maxmeszaros9527]

"you can only pick one" Me, who plays a PJ: *laughs in versatility*

[@DannyBoi2112]

Hahaha

[@glennkubik3774]

Me too 😂

[@donh5794]

Same

[@bigriceburner]

Lmao same!

[@wll1500]

The problem is that it only gives you a J pickup on the bridge. The true sound of a J bass is with both coils. The PJ is really just a precision that gives you the option of adding a lot of that jazz growl. So in a way, is is a really good middle ground, but it's not a replacement for a true jazz bass.

[@wesleybrubaker767]

I'm 65, 30 years ago I had a 73 Blonde P bass and I had my local guitar tech put in a barteleni pick up behind the originals, Wow, she came to life

[@jrfrondelli2023]

There's a reason why I use a Fender P-Bass Special, with passive P/J pickups. The primary bass tone of the P-Bass with flats is totally IT for me. BUT..... Sometimes, I just love that Jaco-ish J-Bass bridge pickup tone. As far as tone control positions, I love the resonant peak you get between 0-5 on the tone control. Really warms it up for fingerstyle playing. I like having the best of both worlds. Still the Gold Standards.

[@johnwallace7694]

I got a P special , just starting out , and i cant put it down .

[@duckyjp17]

Halfway on a P bass is just my ultimate. Especially with flat wounds. Solid as a rock.

[@essasolex]

This video is absolutely brilliant lmaoo ‘preciate it, I’ve been all over your page trying to figure out what my first bass will be.

[@coolio2000]

Me too! Which one do you think you'll get?

[@essasolex]

@@coolio2000 Aw man, I hate that I’m seeing this so late but I started to fall in love with the P-Bass and was gonna try and get the affordable Squier version but ended up grabbing an *SX Ursa 3* which is basically a P/J Fender copy. It was around the same price as the Squiers but I found a cool color lol plus reviews were saying they were a better bass overall anyway.

[@jdssurf]

@@essasolex so have you bought another bass since this

[@ernestwernars7967]

I started my bass playing on a terrible Höffner "Beatle bass" and an Italian Eko. In the early 70's I bought a Fender J and a Shergold double neck. All those basses have gone and an odd 10 years ago I picked up bass playing and bought myself a J again. in "17 I bought my first ever P which for some reason is my go to bass. Maybe just because Jet Harris played one and was the first bass player to inspire me. It feels so right, it's so straight forward.

[@wildsales8852]

After playing a J for 9 years (Active Deluxe V), I was given a Squier CV 70s P for some computer work. I slapped a Hi Mass bridge and some V Mods on it, I stopped playing my J for like 2 years. I just purchased the Amer Pro II P in Olympic White. Every time I open the case, I fall in love all over again. Tone rolled off all the way is my vote, but with round wounds for a little grit.

[@tby_v]

me, who owns a pj bass: 😐

[@alexhemley3954]

PJs are just superior !!!!

[@SprunkCovers]

PJ bass gang here!

[@grandamdrvr13]

Love my PJ. I have the P bass (Nate Mendel Signature), but I play the PJ all day.

[@mrbassslap8930]

My first bass: Ibanez silver series PJ, late 70's GOT STOLEN DAMMIT!

[@ttrumpett1]

I have also an american special pj...Its great wirh flatwounds on it....

[@brettsommer]

I absolutely agree with you. I had a band with a J-bass player, and it sounded awesome and very versatile, and I played it a lot too, for fun. But years later, I bought myself a P-bass, and I'm never going back. The simplicity, and the way it booms through a mix is incredible. Mine is a 2003 Fender. The BOOM comes from a P. It thunders and shines up top too.

[@MrStainlessstevie]

In the mid 90s I decided to upgrade from an Aria ProII (which I still have) and I tried a Fender Jazz against a Musicman Stingray. I liked them both but being ignorant if EBMM background and being rather "badge conscious" I bought the Jazz. Absolutely no regrets, and I still play it (pub band, covers). Over the years I learned about EBMM and wondered - so I bought a 20 year old used Stingray, to get from roughly the same era as the Jazz. Again, delighted with the Stingray except its difficult to get used to the fatter neck, so I imagine I wouldn't be comfortable with the P bass. Re the P bass tones, I liked mid and all the way up, but all the way down just sounded a bit dead. Suppose that means I'm J all the way. Thanks Scott for your prolific output, always plenty of interest.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

As a guitarist looking to buy my first bass, I talked to a good friend and accomplished bass player. To help me decide what I was looking for, he had me pick some songs i particularly liked the bass tone on. That pointed me to the P bass. When I picked up a P bass and a J bass I found i struggled a bit with the P Bass neck. I then learned there was the Nate Mendel signature that is a P bass with a J bass neck. For me it is the best of both worlds for feel with a high mass bridge and Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounder PUP as icing on the cake. I bought it. I love it.

[@ilikemorestuff]

I started out on a P style and fell in love with the J.

[@whobee1754]

I love the P Bass mostly for it's smoother, softer tone, being the backbone of a lot of really chill bass lines throughout jazz

[@jakeneal5864]

Jazz bass because I like the feel of the neck better and I love the tone versatility while always having that single coil “growl” that can shine in a mix. Just my two cents 😁

[@gajaenthiranganisan858]

New to bass...loved your review...yet to buy my bass but your review helped me choose!

[@TheTourtopoulais]

Hard question ! The P bass growl is one of my favorite tones ever, but the jazz bridge pickup sound is also one of my fav ! It's all a matter of the intention you're putting in your sound IMO

[@lucassilveira4869]

lucky you, there are also PJ basses

[@wartellecastille1072]

I own both but if forced to choose one I’d go Jazz

[@TheTourtopoulais]

@@lucassilveira4869 indeed, the one and only bass I own is a PJ !

[@reecedeyoung6595]

Usually growl is used to describe j bass tone. I think it comes from the space in between the pickups which creates a phase difference in the harmonics

[@mv9787]

Good comment. Perhaps it’s a matter of song also. It always should be song first

[@jamesstonehouse3448]

I'm a J bass player. I love the neck and the tonal variation. Also it sounds great with a fuzz.

[@petermusto3704]

I'm glad I chose the Fender American Vintage 11 Series P- Bass. Its my first Bass as a beginner, the C profile neck feels perfect, and that fat growl it makes is awesome. The Jazz Bass is great, probably get more tones out of it, but a Fender P- Bass is perfect for someone starting out. The P- Bass with Flatwounds sounds amazing, I should get Flatwounds on my own P- Bass in the near future.

[@billlord4203]

I bought a Fender Japanese Foto Flame bass when Fender decided they were going to pull the line. I yanked out the frets, replaced the tuners and bridge, and installed Quarter Pounder pick ups. Love it. If I have to pick just one bass to live with, while I would not want to part with my other basses (they all have their own unique tones), it would be a p bass. Just love the phat mellow tones. Now if I just had more time to play...

[@To.Si.Ma.]

P Bass with flatwounds for walking bass, blues, 60s rock and a J-bass with roundwounds for jazz/funk, 60s rock. I need to have both.

[@prosperogwu5950]

I absolutely love the jazz bass, it’s wonderful I’ve always wanted to get a walking bass and this bass is perfection

[@angelfrankensteel]

Guitarrist here. I tried a Squier J-Bass today, and I absolutely loved it!! I think I might buy it 😆

[@shawnhuff3920]

I have an fender American professional jazz bass guitar sunburst and that is my favorite bass guitar I would take with me.

[@freshlypie5653]

I would have to go with the P Bass, my journey playing bass started with Motown and that's a sound that I've stuck with to now. I love the really fat sound you can get from a P, as well as the challenge of trying to play fast lines on it.

[@Creed_fan_69]

Just got my first p bass a couple days ago after spending about 20 years on jazz basses and I’m in love. It’s a special so it has a single coil at the bridge. I like the tone all the way off and I love how round it sounds.

[@tomilchik]

J for sure. Personally/selfishly: easier to play, larger variety of sounds. Philosophically: I’m not a believer into “you have to battle your instrument to earn its respect”. Cool with it; leave it up to real warriors. If the instrument is hard to play - I walk away from it. And if it is a one-trick pony - “I do one thing, but I do it gooood”: respect; but I like maybe two, or ten tricks? P is great; played by many greats. I’ll stick with J. Extra thought - dunno what it is supposed to tell us: how many other basses variations were based on, or inspired by, the J? A lot. P? Well...

[@1badsteed]

HONEYMOON PERIOD!!! LOL So 9 months later, still infatuated with the P? I prefer a P bass sound over a J, although it seems the J is more versatile...

[@Creed_fan_69]

@@1badsteed i am! So much in fact that I sold my jazz bass a couple months ago. I plan on getting another one down the road but I’m v happy with my p still.

[@tonbassman1075]

I have a Fender Jazz bass (American Elite) and a Fender P bass (Professional II). Both instruments have there own pre's and cons. But I love both!

[@andropolisstudiomusic]

Thanks Scott! Finally I got the difference.

[@alholz7836]

I play a fretless p bass with flatwounds, and love it. I own other basses, but never touch them because I am so in love with that one's sound.

[@jfrancisbass]

both perfect ... different but classic sound styles. We appreciate Leo Fender's genius. I admire both PB and JB.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I was originally more of a J bass but as I have gotten older, more experienced and my tastes have expanded I lean more towards the Pbass. Right now I am in the process of building one. People tend to forget that much of that old school funk was done on the Pbass so don't sleep on it although they are both good instruments. Truly I'm more a Warwick man but I just want a Pbass in my collection for certain songs/vibes.

[@konagolden4209]

Scott, you do a great service to others with your channel. I set my tone based (bassed) upon the particular song or set of songs and type of music I'm playing. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, Funk...all different. That said, mostly, I stick closely to flat tone settings, and mostly prefer going direct when recording. Love both basses, but I own 3 American made Jazz bases....., 1 standard, 1 fretless, 1 Deluxe with active pickups and only 1 P-bass. I wouldn't want to give up any of them. I can get more sounds out of the Jazz, but technique matters most. One consideration not mentioned, if you have a lot of gigs happening, I have less hand fatigue on the third set of the 4th night in a row with the Jazz. Didn't notice so much until I was older and playing a lot. I'd love to see you do a review of some unusual basses, like the Asbory. I often use them for Blues/Jazz gigs and LOVE not having to cart around a double bass. How many bass players can show up to gig on a motorcycle?

[@josephshaw2861]

Raising both my hands for Jazz Bass 😎🎶

[@boomerbassmeme]

If I could only have 1 it would be a Jazz, but I have had my P since 85. For Motown and Iron Maiden it just isn't the same on a Jazz. 80% of the time I am playing a Jazz.

[@MrEcted]

I'm a P bass guy for sure. I went through a really bad period of G.A.S. and had all the big basses plus more - of course J and P basses (multiples of each actually), Stingray, Sterling, Schecter, various Ibanez basses, etc etc. The only one that continued to really give me that special feeling was my P. I ended up selling all of my other basses and now I just have my one P bass and it's all I'll ever need.

[@saxpete]

thank you for the great video, i am 38 and is going to step into bass right after the current vaccation

[@Valkanry]

I prefer the P bass. Favorite tone: Halfway I love the bigger neck it feels more beefy and comfy to play , not so crowded by the nut.

[@mauricemusician7636]

I love how the Halfway has the great attack of the Full Open with the smooth cream of the Full Off.