Jazz or Precision?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mithra6
  • Start date Start date
M

mithra6

New member
I'm in the market for a bass. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I want to have a bass for recording. I am thinking of either a Mexi Fender Precision or Jazz. However I'm a bit unclear what the difference is between the two. I think I heard the Jazz has a heavier bottom. I play different flavors of rock, so I want it to be versitile.
 
Either choice will be a good one. The Precision is thicker sounding, more midrange, where the Jazz has a more "refined" sound, with kind of a "smiley-face" natural EQ. Pickup design and placement are the reasons.

The Precision's neck is wider.

The Jazz is prone to 60-cycle hum because of the single-coil pickups.

It's really a matter of taste. Try some and pick the one you like most.
 
AGCurry said:
Either choice will be a good one. The Precision is thicker sounding, more midrange, where the Jazz has a more "refined" sound, with kind of a "smiley-face" natural EQ. Pickup design and placement are the reasons.

The Precision's neck is wider.

The Jazz is prone to 60-cycle hum because of the single-coil pickups.

It's really a matter of taste. Try some and pick the one you like most.
Click to expand...
Also the jazz narrows at the nut quite markedly, I am primarily a guitar player and I find the transition is easier on a precision than jazz.
 
Clive Hugh said:
Also the jazz narrows at the nut quite markedly, I am primarily a guitar player and I find the transition is easier on a precision than jazz.
Click to expand...

That's what I meant about "The Precision's neck is wider."

Fender makes necks in three widths:

"A" - used on the Jazz primarily - 1-1/2" at the nut
"B" - used on most Precisions after 1970 - 1-5/8" at the nut
"C" - used on Precisions from 1957 through the 60s - 1-3/4" at the nut

There are exceptions!

The width at the heel is the same for all necks.
 
I'm also a guitarist of 20+ years that just recently picked up bass. I found that Jazz necks are slimmer than Precision necks - subsequently making the jazz an easier instrument to on which to learn. But YMMV. Tonewise, I found the Precision to be a bit fatter and 'cushier' where the Jazz is has a smooth, refined 'burp'. The jazz bridge can also get you into Rickenbacker territory - particularly the Geddy Lee model.
 
I recently bought the Fender Zone Bass with both precision and jazz pickups. To me, it's the perfect solution. Check it out

Fender Zone Bass
 
I play bass, but I have never owned a fender. Most bands I have seen live, or in a magazine, or whatever, seem to use the jazz bass, for whatever reason. Personally I think some of it is hype but on the other hand I have seen and met some really phenomenal bass players who play a jazz bass. Really just play both and when you find a sound that appeals to you you’ve got yourself a bass.
 
IME, precisions have better bottom. Jazz's are more versatile because you have two pickups. If you get a P/J, you'll be able to get the full on P tone, and still get tones similar to the jazz by blending the two pickups. If you get a Jazz, you can get similar tones to a P by blending mainly to the neck p/u.
 
I recently got one of the Fender Japanese-built "Aerodyne" Jazz basses with the J & P pickup combination. Great looking bass, lighter than your average bass (easy on the back), easy playing, pretty good range of tones, records really well....for 600 bucks. I like it.
 
My first bass was a Precision, but secretly I always wanted a Jazz :(
 
The body contours are a bit different, too, so it's really just up to personal preference. Because of the dual pickups, I think the jazz is a smidge more vesatile, but I actually prefer the P for 'rock' bass. If you're playing more jazz-oriented stuff, well, then the jazz. But it's really up to you. I've had a jazz, never had a 'real' Fender P.

But, especially for a guitarist, my advice, as always, is get a Mustang. Guitar feel, Precision sound. At least try one out if you can.

I am to Mustangs as APL is to Carvin. :D
 
mshilarious said:
My first bass was a Precision, but secretly I always wanted a Jazz :(
Click to expand...

Too bad we couldn't have traded. But I think I unloaded mine when you were about 8. :o
 
Geddy Lee

Jazz Bass, very nice tone, extremely comfortable to play.
 
The Mexi Jazz deluxe V has dual core ceramic "noiseless" pickups. About the same as the original without the hum. I have been using one for a year now and am very pleased with the tone.
 
gvarko said:
Jazz Bass, very nice tone, extremely comfortable to play.
Click to expand...

Where is the Geddy Lee model manufactured? MIM or USA made?
 
Cardioidpotent said:
Too bad we couldn't have traded. But I think I unloaded mine when you were about 8. :o
Click to expand...

Well I bought mine at 15, you would only have had to wait 7 years :)

I have to say I really don't like Precisions much at all.
 
mshilarious said:
My first bass was a Precision, but secretly I always wanted a Jazz :(
Click to expand...

I used to think the P Pickers had the better of the basses and ya had to be really good to play one, and the Jazzes were slimmed and dumbed down for rookies like me. I didn't know I was wrong till yrs later.
 
i have played Yamaha basses since 1984. wouldnt play anything else. necks are much sturdier than a Mexi P or J. And the sound has a little more clarity. the price is about the same. the Yamaha neck is thinner from front to back. but on the other hand, is a little wider and more comfy if you have big hands.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top