What's the difference between em all ?

[The Hat]

As will become apparent I'm a beginner.
Was wondering what's the difference between some of the different types of bass, in particular
Fender p bass, precision, jazz etc

[Mr. Foxen]

The shape and the sound. Sound varies even within models. Precision is the go to simple and right (P bass is same thing shortened), Jazz is the go to for a bit more knob twiddling options. ypically a P neck is chunkier than a J neck, but you can get necks of one on the body of another.

[Grangur]

P bass = Precision bass - this has 2 pups together, but staggered. See this one : [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/204309-for-sale-fender-usa-standard-precision-bass-l600/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/204309-for-sale-fender-usa-standard-precision-bass-l600/[/url]

Jazz bass - this has 2 pups; one nearer the bridge and one near the neck : [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/204446-fender-jazz-bass-1962-pre-cbs-hall-original/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/204446-fender-jazz-bass-1962-pre-cbs-hall-original/[/url]

J-P bass - this has the P-bass pups with a Jazz-bass pup near the neck: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/203525-squier-precision-specialdeluxe%3B-carrosewood%3B-excellent-condition/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/203525-squier-precision-specialdeluxe%3B-carrosewood%3B-excellent-condition/[/url]

The difference in the sound is mainly that with a P-bass you don't get as much control over the sound variation.
The Jazz usually has a blend pot/control allowing you to select between a harsher/punchier sound from the bridge pup, to the softer, more rounded sound from the neck pickup.

Best thing to do is to go to a shop and try a few

[Lozz196]

As the posts above really. Main thing I`d look at from the perspective of starting out is find out what your bass fave bassists use. Then see if you can get one of those models in your budget. If you`re happy with the sound of your bass, as it sounds like those bassists who`ve inspired you, it should make learning easier and more fulfilling.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1365364707' post='2038666']
P bass = Precision bass - this has 2 pups together, but staggered. See this one : [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/204309-for-sale-fender-usa-standard-precision-bass-l600/"]http://basschat.co.u...sion-bass-l600/[/url]
[/quote]
The Precision pickup is actually just one pickup but is split-coil and is hum-cancelling (i.e. less hum or buzz) and, relatively speaking, thicker sound.

The Jazz pickups are single-coil and not normally hum-cancelling and so, relatively speaking, a thinner sound.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1365364707' post='2038666']
Best thing to do is to go to a shop and try a few
[/quote]
That's it.

[bagsieblue]

Hello There 'The Hat'

Hope you are getting on with the Bass Collection alright.

The Bass Collection, even more so with the upgraded electrics, will actually give you a good Precision sound (P Bass) by using only the neck pickup and also a good Jazz sound by using only the bridge pickup.

At the moment I happen to have both a Precision and a Jazz bass and am more than happy for you to come over and have a look and a listen and a chat about all things bass.

You know where I am if that sounds of interest.

Edited April 7, 2013 by bagsieblue

[The Hat]

Cheers Bagsie. The Bass Collection has just had a set up and new strings and am waiting to get it back.
Pm your number again and ill text ya.

[cytania]

Dare I mention modern active basses?

[Twigman]

A standard precision neck is 1 5/8" wide at the nut
A standard jazz neck is 1 1/2" wide at the nut.
Some vintage precison necks are 1 3/4" wide at the nut.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Twigman

[KiOgon]

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1365430209' post='2039454']
A standard precision neck is [s]1 7/8"[/s] [b][size=5][color=#FF0000]1 5/8"[/color][/size][/b] wide at the nut. [b][size=5][color=#FF0000] [/color][/size][/b]
A standard jazz neck is 1 1/2" wide at the nut.
Some vintage precision necks are [s]1 15/16"[/s] [color=#ff0000][b][size=5]1 3/4" [/size][/b][/color]wide at the nut.
[/quote]
Fixed

Edited April 8, 2013 by KiOgon

[Twigman]

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1365430671' post='2039466']
Fixed
[/quote]
whoops you are right.

My brain is old and tired and I get confused sometimes.

I try to only play J necks these days - hence that's the only one I got right.

You know I looked at the widths I had quoted and thought - hmmm something's not quite right there... but posted anywway
will edit correction.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Twigman

[KiOgon]

I have big fat arthritic old stiff fingers & for a while only played P-bass necks, but now find Jazz width very easy to get on with, in fact I swap from one to other without even thinking about it or noticing any real difference

[cocco]

Both basses have their faithful followers, I personally like both, I swing more for a P these days as the sound is thicker (as is the neck) and I'm in a 3 piece band. Both have their merits and flaws, just depends on which one has more pros than cons to you. For example, I find the first volume pot on a jazz gets in my way when playing with a pick, on a P the nobs are further away, but I miss having the jazzes back pickup for a thumb rest on a P. The major thing for me is the neck though, not enough substance to a jazz neck. Give me a planed baseball bat any day.