Why is it called a Precision Bass
Andrew Walker
Updated on April 14, 2026
The name “Precision” came from the use of frets to play in tune more easily than on the fretless fingerboard of the double bass. The electric bass, however, lacks the distinctive acoustic qualities of the double bass, offering a more solid, harder-edged sound with more sustain.
Who invented the Precision bass?
0043) 1951. Leo Fender introduced the Precision bass (commonly known as the P-bass) in 1951. Named for the precise intonation enabled by its fretted neck, the P-bass was the first commercially successful electric bass guitar and set off a revolution in popular music.
Is Precision bass good for beginners?
The best beginner bass guitar for classic style and tone The Squier Affinity Precision is the entry-level model, yet still features enough quality and a broad enough tonal palette to make this a serious instrument in its own right.
Why is it called a jazz bass?
First introduced in 1960 as the Deluxe Model, it borrowed design elements from the Jazzmaster guitar. It was renamed the Jazz Bass as Fender felt that its redesigned neck—narrower and more rounded than that of the Precision Bass—would appeal more to jazz musicians.Why do old basses sound better?
Wood dries out and resonates more, pickups age and become warmer, more organic sounding. The entire instrument fuses as one whole entity instead of just a jumble of parts. These are just some of the things I’ve heard over the years about why vintage basses sound, play, and feel better than newer axes.
What does PJ mean bass?
A PJ bass is a Precision bass, with an added Jazz pickup for some added brightness, or for Jazz bass solo bridge tone. It is simplest to view the J pickup as an extra, fully optional, that you may or may not want or need to accompany your use of your Precision bass.
What bass did Queen use?
For most of Queen’s career, he used a Fender Precision Bass, which underwent a number of cosmetic changes. Towards the end of the group’s career, he used a custom bass designed by Roger Giffin.
What bass does Flea play?
Flea relies on his main Modulus bass for the majority of the set. It’s outfitted with a Modulus Lane Poor pickup, which is no longer in production, an Aguilar preamp, and a Leo Quan Badass bridge.What bass did John Paul Jones play?
After retiring his Fender Jazz Bass (which he had been using since his days with The Shadows in the early 1960s) from touring in 1975, Jones switched to using custom-designed Alembic basses for touring.
What is the difference between precision and jazz bass?The Precision Bass [or “P Bass” as it is known] has split coil pickups that give it its classic, solid bass sound. … The Jazz Bass [known as a “J Bass”] has 2 single coil pickups which results in a very clean tone that has a bit more midrange than the Precision. Tonally think Jazz, Blues, Reggae and Funk Bass lines.
Article first time published onWhat bass does Mitski use?
Mitski can be seen playing a 2016 Gibson EB Bass in this video.
What bass does Victoria de Angelis play?
Victoria mainly uses a Danelectro 58 Longhorn bass although previously she used to prefer a Fender Jazz Bass and it was not uncommon to see her playing a Fender Precision as well.
Is bass easier than guitar?
Physically speaking, the bass is harder to handle than a guitar. It has a longer neck, thicker and heavier strings and requires more finger strength to fret the notes correctly. The bass is also a weightier instrument overall and some musicians find it more difficult (especially on their backs) to play.
Do acoustics get better with age?
So why do acoustic guitars really sound better with age? Acoustic guitars sound better with age as the wood experiences change at a cellular level which stabilizes the guitar and makes it less susceptible to atmospheric fluctuation.
Why do vintage guitars sound better?
Older guitars often sound better than newer ones as they dry out over time which causes them to become harder leading to a more resonant tone with better sustain. The increase in age affects the tone more in acoustic guitars than electric ones.
Do guitars age well?
Wood loses structure over time as water-soluble sugars that make up the wood’s cell walls (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose) break down.
Where is Freddie Mercury buried?
A ceremony for about 35 people was held three days after his death at the West London Crematorium on the grounds of Kensal Green Cemetery. Friend and former girlfriend Mary Austin took Freddie’s remains, per his wishes, and buried them… somewhere.
How rich is Brian May?
Net Worth:$210 MillionDate of Birth:Jul 19, 1947 (74 years old)Gender:MaleHeight:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Who plays a Precision bass?
There are a lot of bass players who prefer playing a P-Bass. The Motown legend James Jamerson uses a ’62 PBass that he calls “the funk machine”. Donald “Duck” Dunn, Carol Kaye, Pino Palladino, Steve Harris, Willie Weeks, Sting, Paul Simonon and George Porter Jr. are just some of the notable P-Bass users.
What does the P stand for on P bass?
P bass means Fender Precision-type bass.
Can you slap on AP bass?
Once you get to the top, the only way to go is down. It doesn’t sound nearly as good, but it’s okay, i guess. I have a p-bass. I’ve owned a P-bass, and slapping on them is definently possible, and it can sound very good too.
Did Led Zeppelin members get along?
There was an undeniable chemistry between the four members of that band. Each musician supported the other to create powerful and moving music. In fact, John Bonham’s first words to Plant were, “You’d be a lot better singer if you had a drummer like me.”
How rich is John Paul Jones?
Net Worth:$90 MillionNationality:England
Who plays an 8 string bass?
Bassists who at some time have utilised the eight-string bass include Abraham Laboriel, Mark Egan, Nick Lowe, Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam, Paulo Pinto of Sepultura, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, John Entwistle of The Who, Mike Rutherford of Genesis, Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gary Shea of Alcatrazz, Bent …
What bass does paul McCartney play?
The Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass (sometimes nicknamed the “Beatle Bass” or “Cavern Bass”) is a model of electric bass manufactured by Höfner under several varieties. It was introduced in 1955 and gained celebrity status during the 1960s as one of the primary basses used by Paul McCartney of The Beatles.
What bass does Red Hot Chilli Peppers use?
From Californication onwards, he had a signature model from Modulus Guitars, which is based on the StingRay. For Stadium Arcadium, he used a ’61 Fender Jazz bass. The Jazz Bass was used during some of the Stadium Arcadium tour, but Flea later switched back to using his Modulus Signature bass on the tour.
What bass does Victor Wooten?
Wooten is most often seen playing Fodera basses, of which he has a signature model. His most famous Fodera, a 1983 Monarch Deluxe he refers to as “number 1,” sports a Kahler Tremolo System model 2400 bridge.
Who was the greatest bass player of all time?
- John Entwistle. The clear winner in our poll was John Entwistle of The Who.
- Flea. …
- Paul McCartney. …
- Geddy Lee. …
- Les Claypool. …
- John Paul Jones. …
- Jaco Pastorius. …
- Jack Bruce. …
What is AP style bass?
The Fender Precision Bass (often shortened to “P-Bass”) is a model of electric bass manufactured by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
What is the most popular bass guitar?
1. Fender Precision Bass. At the top of the list is the Fender Precision Bass, commonly referred to as the P Bass. P Basses are incredibly popular and are likely the best selling electric bass of all time, although that fact is very difficult to prove.
Can Mitski play the guitar?
MitskiOriginNew York CityGenresIndie rock punk rock folk rock folk punk art popOccupation(s)Singer-songwriter musicianInstrumentsVocals guitar bass piano