Fender Jazz or Fender Precision????!!

[davilazita]

I'm investing in a new bass and I'm really torn between which one to get. I'm going to use it for recording in all styles really.

I understand the Jazz basses are more versatile, but does the Precision have more of a fat driving sound?

What are peoples opinions on Squiers and Mexican versions?

There a good deal in my local shop for a new jazz USA for £699.

Cheers!

Dave

[thebeagle]

They're different beasts really, kinda like the difference between a Strat and a Les Paul; but generally speaking in terms of feel (although Fender have kinda mixed and matched body shapes and neck profiles a lot, so it's best to try the one you're going to buy) Jazz basses have a much thinner neck and narrower fingerboard, which widens out and gets thicker further up the neck. The Precision tends to have a much more palm-filling neck all the way up the 'board.

In terms of sound, I don't think anyone will argue if I say that a Jazz is more versatile (funk and jazz particularly can be particularly superb)- BUT for full-on rock sounds you'll get a better tone out of a Precision. Fender have hit the nail on the head with the P+J-type pickup setup, to me; if you're after a studio bass to cover all bases (pardon the pun) you'll do well with something like an Aerodyne.

[tooloud]

Get the jazz

[davilazita]

I knew they had a similar thing in the Squier range but that Aerodyne, looks particularly interesting. Its had good reviews looking on the net too, I am a tad concerned that it may not be up to the standards of its American cousins though. This is a lot tougher than I thought it would be choosing a new bass! I might try and find a shop that sells the aerodyne to give it a go.

Would another option be to buy a USA Jazz Bass and put a P Pickup in it?

[thebeagle]

The 'proper' Aerodynes are made in Japan, as good as their American counterparts in my experience; build quality won't be an issue

[davilazita]

I think you may have sold me on this one! Do you own one yourself?

[thebeagle]

I don't, purely since I needed two 'decent' gigging basses rather than one excellent one on the budget I have - my dream gigging pair would be an Aerodyne and a MusicMan SUB though. I believe funkyfraz 'round these parts has one, and he raves about it; the couple I've played have been storming.

[mellowsun]

I've got one of these

http://www.squierguitars.com/product...tno=0326702521



great bass for the money, always stays in tune.

[Racerdeth]

I love heavy metal and I love Jazz basses. That might be because I haven't tried an expensive precision so it's always been something with muddy-ass pickups in mind.

The jazz pickup/other pickup combo is always a winner mind. I did the reverse of it in my Ibanez - got an EMG J in the middle/neck position and an EMG DC in the bridge. Bizzam!

[fretmeister]

If it must have Fender written on it, get a Jap built one or not at all.

If I was forced... I'd look for a used Marcus Miller model. Full active electronics that can do anything you like to the sound.

They come up on basschat.co.uk every now and again.