PJ

[marcus bell]

Been having a look round at p j basses and think they could be pretty perfect for versatility...

Nice rounded jazz sound on the bridge, old school p sound up front, when mixed together gives a modern slap tone

Any opinions

[EBS_freak]

My opinion is that you are searching for something that isn't available...!

Seriously, the PJ is a beast. If you want a P, I don't understand why you wouldnt have the J option for the added versatility.

I still prefer a JJ myself though.

[Gust0o]

I'd recommend a Kingbass.

Sorry, I couldn't help it

We've had a few PJ threads, and I think one theme is common - they're a combination which doesn't often work. Might be worth searching one out and seeing what recommendations were made.

[Gust0o]

Some examples:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/209937-pjs-am-i-missing-something/page__view__findpost__p__2129281__hl__pj__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/209937-pjs-am-i-missing-something/page__view__findpost__p__2129281__hl__pj__fromsearch__1[/url]

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/210027-the-double-p-pickup-bass-thread/page__view__findpost__p__2120127__hl__pj__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/210027-the-double-p-pickup-bass-thread/page__view__findpost__p__2120127__hl__pj__fromsearch__1[/url]

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/197792-i-wanna-pj-bass/page__view__findpost__p__1957484__hl__pj__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/197792-i-wanna-pj-bass/page__view__findpost__p__1957484__hl__pj__fromsearch__1[/url]

I spy you had an old Fender PJ thread too, so it's obviously something you've been thinking about

[ezbass]

Get a P bass and have a second P pickup fitted, they sound fantastic and look good too IMO.

Exhibit A......

[IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/RWCustom.jpg[/IMG]


A P and a MM work well too.

[risingson]

I like the idea of PJ's, in reality the ones I've tried have never really lived up to any of my expectations apart from one or two, the most notable being a Sadowsky NYC PJ5 I tried that was murderously good. To put it in context I've also tried a Metro JP5 that I didn't like though so swings and roundabouts.

It's the reason I own both a Jazz bass and a P-Bass, neither can do what the other can do well.

The best slap tone from a PJ IMO comes from the P solo'ed anyway, so I'd just go with a P-Bass a la Nate Watts, Freddie Washington, Leon Sylvers from Shalamar.

[Muzz]

I never understand this - I had a good-sounding P, I added a J, and now I've got a good-sounding P with added options. Adding the J pickup did nothing untoward to the P. Having said that, it's a Wizard Big P/J set, so they might be less susceptible to complications.

Oh, and that P/P is one of the best-looking basses I've ever seen on here, even though I normally don't like relicing of any kidney.

[MB1]

MB1.
Keep the PJs for bedtime!

[marcus bell]

I'm not looking at buying one just wanted to know people's opinions on them haha

[Dingus]

Some PJ's work better than others . and it depends on whether you mean a traditional Fender - style bass or not , Marcus . A Yamaha BB or Spector NS or Pedulla MVP are all different propositions to a Fender Precision with a Jazz pickup stuck on the back . And then some Fender - style PJ basses have had more care and attention to get the sound balance between the two pickups right than others . You would need to be more specific .

Edited July 23, 2013 by Dingus

[Lozz196]

I quite like the option of adding in the J pickup to give a bit of bite. Agree with Muzz, adding a J to a Precision doesn`t make the P pickup suddenly unplayable, it just adds an extra amount of versatility if required.

[Roger2611]

I absolutely love my P bass lyte it's great, I have never really liked the PJ combination, looks wise, but the combination sound wise is awesome, I run the bass and treble flat and just turn the pickup balance slightly to the P pickup and off we go, the band always comment on how good it sounds.

I am converted!

[Damonjames]

I recently changed the stock p pickup in my fender mike dirnt with a sd quarter pounder, and also had a quarter pounder j added at the bridge. Massively happy, and considering the j is only a single coil it's pretty damn quiet.
I highly recommend a pj, I don't know whether I would own a straight p again now...

[Spike Vincent]

I have a Squier PJ. I like the neck lots, but I can't say I use the J pickup at all.

[RockfordStone]

ive got a jazz bass with PJ configuration, really really happy with how it sounds, i can get loads of tones out of it

[Gust0o]

I still think the best one I ever played was the Charvel 3b, which was pretty thunderous - and should be relatively easy to find, if you don't mind the pointy headstock.

[ZenBasses]

I have a Shuker Horn PJ...

It's definitely a tone hero being able to sit into what ever style I want but I miss the JJ combination.

For me you get a more rounded sound.

The PJ setup leans heavily towards the P side.. So as mentioned it's a P bass with added extras rather than 2 basses in one.

As a P bass... It works splendid. Cannot fault it.

As a Jazz Bass just using the bridge pup... I am not convinced..

[Telebass]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1374594632' post='2150662']
I quite like the option of adding in the J pickup to give a bit of bite. Agree with Muzz, adding a J to a Precision doesn`t make the P pickup suddenly unplayable, it just adds an extra amount of versatility if required.
[/quote]
Precisely why I got a Squier PJ and upgraded it. Best bass I have for rock, and gives a bit more bite to flats.

[Si600]

I've got an Aria Pro 5er PJ with EMG pups in it that I think is fantastic. I leave the P volume up and wind the J volume in and out depending on whether I want a thumping sound or a brighter one.

It's not the greatest bass in the world and I have a sneaking suspicion that the hardware on it is worth more than the bass as a whole but it's mine and I love it!

At the end of the day all of us and all basses are different, so find what you like and run with it.

[iamtheelvy]

I liked the 'Hotrod' Precisions that Fender offered a few years ago. Seems strange that they don't offer a standard American PJ setup anymore...