I've joined a new band playing bass, and decided to get a new bass. I've got it down to a precision, or a jaguar. I haven't had time to go in and compare them. If I got a pbass I'd probably just get a mexican, and upgrade the pickups. I would love if I could get some responses on the difference in tone between the two. any thoughts? thanks
I think the Jag is mighty ugly. If you are going to stick with a 4 string, I'd hop on eBay and get an 80's Japanese Precision or Jazz. USA quality (or better) for not much more than Mexican money. (Use the search terms MIJ and Japan*.)
I don't like either one that much... Jag for more tonal variety and a better sound IMO. P for a more traditional "thud" and a simpler setup. Play them both in shops...whatever you prefer is the right one for you.
I prefer a p-bass in that situation. Of course, I just traded my p-bass for a jazz bass, and I'm much happier with the sounds of the J-bass over the p-bass. It obviously can't do the p-bass thing as well as the p-bass, but is more flexible, in my opinion, and is therefore a more preferable choice.
The jag is basically a variation on a jazz, two sc's, but some different electronics...you are in the age old bass player dilema of split humbucker versus two single coils, P type versus J type...play 'em
True, but the addition of the active electronics, when used, at least addresses the noisy part of the age-old dilemma. I think the jag looks cool as hell, and the one I played had a really nice, fast J neck.
And that might just be the deal-breaker for someone who's normally a guitarist. That 1.5" nut width makes it so much easier to play- IMO. I've always struggled with the larger nut width on Ps.
you know TGB, that might be the reason why I never connected with my P-bass. It was a fantastic bass for a MIM Fender. As odd as it might seem to say, the neck played incredible, but I didn't like how it felt. I think you hit the nail on the head for me.
What about one of those P-Bass Specials (there is an inexpensive Squier model, and a very nice looking Fender Aerodyne version)? They have got the slim J-Bass neck on a Precision body, and combine a P-Bass split pickup (for the quintessential rock/country/soul-tone) with a J-Bass single-coil at the bridge (to dial in some treble and upper mids if you want to get funky).
Get the jag because it looks great! and it sounds good. A little neck dive with the one that a friend of mine has though. You can get a fairly big bass sound from a Jazz single coil in the neck but you can't anywhere near the growl of a Jazz on a P bass. I think it's a no brainer that if you don't know what you want, go with the Jazz (or at least the Jazz style). the S1 switching is nice on the American Jazz basses - gets you a big bass sound in the realm of the P (but not just like the P). Amazing that the Jag doesn't have an S1 switch among all those switches.
