A. I have no knowledge of this thing you call “gym.”
B. Honestly, no legit reason other than GAS. But I’m intrigued by the possibilities, and it’s fun to window shop.
I like the short scale thump, too, @Al1885. That thump comes from its strong fundamental I was talking about. It sure does work a lot of the time, but I consider that tone a seasoning for certain genres/tunes. But to each his own.
I definitely get what several of you are saying about a P bass. It tracks with everything I’ve read about them: super versatile, can’t-go-wrong instrument. But, I sure didn’t gel with the Mexican P at my local dealer. Nor did I vibe with the Mex J. (Both are available in a lovely buttercream yellow, but alas…) They did not feel right.
But riddle me this… What about a PJ?
It seems like that would be the obvious choice because, you know, P + J.
Being relatively new at this, I can’t ever figure out — Does a PJ really do the job of both a P and a J? And if so, why doesn’t everyone just grab a PJ? (I know I’m oversimplifying, but I really wonder.)
Anyway, the obvious answer to my current dilemma is to practice with what I’ve got, enjoy popping into a store now and then to try out something new, and don’t waste money actually purchasing anything until I’ve had a lot more time to play and figure out what I like.
Bass is a different animal there’s no prerequisite other then an approachable PricePoint there’s no reason to start with one over the other. Be it Fretless 5 string or 6 strings, every beginners would suck in the beginning then get used to whatever it is she/he is playing and arrive at about the same bass kung fu level as one that starts on a 4 string, with extra dozens note in the bag.
The only reason why beginners should or do buy used or cheaper bass is $$$. There’s no rule against anyone getting an Alembic or a Ken Smith as their first bass. Lol.
It usually takes a couple of minutes to recalibrate your touch on a different bass of a similar setup a MusicMan Stingray would feel a bit slower but spacious when comparator a tight and fast Jazz profile.
You’d wake up one day saying everything else sucks only Jazz profile is for you. Then a week later you’d say the opposite because you love the spaciousness of the wider neck. I know most of you reading this is nodding your noggin’, right? Like I was there! Lol.
I think P Bass is just as versatile depending on how you define the term versatile. A Jazz or PJ is more versatile in the amount of tones available.
A P bass is more of a one trick pony, but that one trick is a heck of a trick and sits perfectly in a wide range of music. In that sense it’s as versatile as any
One P or J does not inform on others, esp the differing varieties of Fender. I did not like my MIM P mainly cause of the neck, but love my other Fender P and my Edwards. Don’t judge the many by the one.
I love Ps. But I love the neck of the Sire D5 or Squier CV 50s, 60s, or 70s a lot more than the neck of the MIM P. There is simply something I do not love about that neck.
Like John said a PJ is its own thing, but they sound great.
With one exception, all my basses are Ps, Js, or PJs.
Wait until you get a few gigs under your belt and then decide if your needs have changed. But either way, I would think you may want a backup bass now that you’re a gigging musician!