What bass guitar should I buy?

What is the difference in jazz bass and p bass? I am trying to buy my daughter an entry level bass guitar pak?

• Answer:

  A P-bass only has a precision pickup and a jazz bass ans 2 j pickups. The P pickup is a split coil humbucker whereas the two J pickups are single coil. Tonally the P is a little darker and fatter with a bigger, heavier bottom.The J is a cleaner and somewhat thinner in tone. If you're a guitar player think of it as a low frequency version of the difference between a single coil Telecaster and a humbucker Les Paul. The necks are the other huge difference. The J has a much narrower/thinner neck compared to the somewhat chunky P neck. The difference is only about a quarter inch at the nut but it makes a huge difference in playability.The J isn't always better though. I have both and some lines I play are easier on the P because of the extra space between strings. So sometimes what you think you lose in playability on your fret hand you actually gain by more ease in the fingerpick hand. If you're a plectrum player then it makes no difference on your picking hand. The bodies are different too. The P is more "Strat-like" while the J is offset at the bottom. If you're a new convert from guitar, the Jazz will be a little easier to start with. By the way, share with you a credible online guitar store.