[Jordai]

1. Which one is easier to play?
2. Which sounds better
3. What is better for alternative christian rock? (Third Day, Switchfoot, Kutless, David Crowder)
4. Which is cheaper?

[Rainer.]

1) About the same. It varies more from instrument from instrument than between a J and a P in the same price range.
2) They both sound different. Also depends on the player.
3) Either will be excellent.
4) They both tend to have models in about the same price range.

[thesteve]

and even more confusing, the Precision Deluxe is a P-Bass body with a J-Bass neck and has the pickups from both.

[Rainer.]

So the clear answer is, therefore, One Of Each.

[roscoestring]

Both the P and J have been added to and modified from their original versions over the years but in their original form this is my opinion. The P is probally easier in that there are fewer controls and only one pickup to contend with. The J however with its extra pickup will give more options for different sounds. P's were probally a little cheaper in the beginning but now they run about the same price. When I play rock type songs I tend to use my J more. Country type songs get the P. But this is not chisled in stone either.

[Jordai]

Thanks for the replies guys. You've helped out alot!

[Micahb]

I made a long response to this a couple days ago, but accidentally deleted it.
*sigh*
Here is a shorter response to clarify things.

1. Jazz bass. ...but not by much. Traditionally, the jazz bass nut width was a quarter of an inch smaller, which is a pretty big difference if you have small hands. I believe the fret board on the jazz was flatter too, but don't quote me on that. Today the difference is a lot less, but generally a jazz bass will have a smaller neck, which roughly 2/3rds of players prefer.*

2. This is like comparing apples to ... a different kind of apple. If you have two instruments of the same quality, they should both sound great and it's just personal preference.

3. Either is good.

4. Generally a p-bass is a bit less expensive, but we're not talking a fairly little amount if anything.

*this comes from a Bass Player reader poll I read a few years ago and have quoted since.

[Bassman1185]

Just for the record, there ARE basses out there that are not Fenders. If you've got the cash for even a MIM Fender, you'll have a LOT of options out there that are pretty solid. Ibanez, Schecter, ESP and others make basses that will kill MIM Fenders for about the same prices. If you're into the Fender style basses, the Schecter Diamond P Custom will destroy the MIM P in feel and tone for pretty close to the same number of bills.

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by Bassman1185

Just for the record, there ARE basses out there that are not Fenders. If you've got the cash for even a MIM Fender, you'll have a LOT of options out there that are pretty solid. Ibanez, Schecter, ESP and others make basses that will kill MIM Fenders for about the same prices. If you're into the Fender style basses, the Schecter Diamond P Custom will destroy the MIM P in feel and tone for pretty close to the same number of bills.

I just wish Schecter had better market saturation. I can find a used MIM J or P for under $300 on a regular basis. I rarely see Schecters under $400.

[funkStrat_97]

Originally Posted by Rainer.

So the clear answer is, therefore, One Of Each.

Nawww man...you need two of each (including at least one fiver) (oh , and a Sting Ray too)

[Micahb]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

Nawww man...you need two of each (including at least one fiver) (oh , and a Sting Ray too)

Two? That's it? Well, I guess if you have one new one and one vintage one and one oddball model of each that should be good...
Then a rick...and a mustang and a musicmaster... and a gretsch... and a dingwall...a hofner... a specter... a lakland... a couple weirdo vintage ones...a tbird, a ripper, a grabber...

Man... I need a LOT more money then I currently have.