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okcrum
in your chest
All of the above tones, and then some. Note this is an original CIJ, not one of the thousands of bastardized variants. 
Definitely some interesting takes here, but I keep wondering if this is actually more of a flats vs rounds question than a P vs J question.
It's a good (and very common) question. For my ears, you have much more tonal space and latitude with the three-piece so I would use a J in that band. When you have multiple guitars and keys, a lot of the mid-range real estate gets eaten up and a J can get lost, and I miss the low-mid thump of a P. It also depends on the players. But for me, keys + guitar usually means a P bass. But most importantly, it also depends on your ears. My Jazz bass with my current band always feels a little buried, but you might not hear it that way.
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http://www.notreble.com/buzz/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Schecter-Session-Series-Basses-600x315.jpg
Schecter's take on active p/j is first on the left
Schecter's take on active p/j is first on the left
I like both for any situation. I also have in the past liked P/J's as well.
These days, I tend to use my J bass for slap bass playing and my P for finger style playing. I like the tonality of each for those different styles of playing, but not so much vice-versa. It's not a drawn-in-the-sand hard line, but it's within that range. If I have to choose only one for a gig, I'll run with the J.
These days, I tend to use my J bass for slap bass playing and my P for finger style playing. I like the tonality of each for those different styles of playing, but not so much vice-versa. It's not a drawn-in-the-sand hard line, but it's within that range. If I have to choose only one for a gig, I'll run with the J.
You just described....my band in the late 70's. I was the guy with the Rick. If the Rick you remember was fireglo, maybe that was me....
Pino Palladino makes the P work perfectly with the John Mayer Trio.
I've used both in power trios and bands with multiple guitars and keys, and as we know they're both great in those situations.
However, for power trios I think a fatter sound works a little better to fill the mix, which can be either a P-bass or a J with fat-sounding pickups or favoring the neck pickup. For example, my G&L JB now has Lace Man O' War pickups, which have thicker tone than traditional J-bass pickups, so it fits into a band mix almost like a P-bass. It was AWESOME in a power trio I played with last year.
In larger bands, I've gravitated more toward J-basses. The deeper lows slide under the keys, the highs cut through, and you can have enough mids to take care of business, especially favoring the neck pickup as I usually do. That was my favorite approach last time I played in a larger rock band, though my P-bass was great too. Now I'd probably use my G&L M-2500.
However, for power trios I think a fatter sound works a little better to fill the mix, which can be either a P-bass or a J with fat-sounding pickups or favoring the neck pickup. For example, my G&L JB now has Lace Man O' War pickups, which have thicker tone than traditional J-bass pickups, so it fits into a band mix almost like a P-bass. It was AWESOME in a power trio I played with last year.
In larger bands, I've gravitated more toward J-basses. The deeper lows slide under the keys, the highs cut through, and you can have enough mids to take care of business, especially favoring the neck pickup as I usually do. That was my favorite approach last time I played in a larger rock band, though my P-bass was great too. Now I'd probably use my G&L M-2500.
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
Alright! A P vs. J vs. P-J thread! As has already been pointed out, the real answer is a Thunderbird. But, if you aren't up to that level of enlightenment, go with a P. A J makes bacon taste like tofu and makes your SO run off with your dog. It will make the sun hide behind your neighbor's house instead of shining on your back door. It will cause your car to stall in heavy traffic. Nothing good every comes from playing a J. A P-J is a step forward, but going full P solves all of those problems, at least temporarily.
Any further questions? I'm always here to provide serious, correct advice, especially when it comes to this kind of thread.
Any further questions? I'm always here to provide serious, correct advice, especially when it comes to this kind of thread.
This is my preference as well. My Precision must have a rosewood board/flats. My J bass must have a maple board with 70's pickup placement /roundwounds, and great active and passive capabilities.
my success came this way
first series mij jaguar, jazz hot rodded with vintage voiced alleva coppolo pickups, or an L2000 with the single coil k mod
first series mij jaguar, jazz hot rodded with vintage voiced alleva coppolo pickups, or an L2000 with the single coil k mod
I don't think anyone will care either way, including band members or patrons at a gig.
I was in that exact situation a few years ago. I wanted to use the P so bad because it was my newest/nicest bass, but I ended up using the Jazz bass more...
UNTIL - I put a jazz neck and TI flats on the P bass and we played the best gig ever
UNTIL - I put a jazz neck and TI flats on the P bass and we played the best gig ever
I have a 3-piece band, and I alternate between all 13 of my basses, including my P, J, Ric & Spector basses.
Each bass has songs where it excels, but I've yet to find one that shines above all the others for every song.
Each bass has songs where it excels, but I've yet to find one that shines above all the others for every song.