What is a PJ Bass? – The electric bass guitar has been integral to popular music since the 1950s. It was invented to hear bass players clearly without carrying a heavy, fragile, upright bass. Over the years, the electric bass guitar has evolved into many different shapes and sizes, each with its unique sound. One of the most popular types of bass guitars is the PJ Bass.
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What is a PJ Bass?
A PJ Bass is a type of electric bass guitar that combines the features of two classic bass designs: the Precision Bass (P Bass) and the Jazz Bass (J Bass). The P Bass is known for its thick and punchy sound, while the J Bass is known for its bright and articulate sound. The PJ Bass combines these sounds by having a P Bass pickup in the middle position and a J Bass pickup in the bridge position.
The PJ Bass differs from other bass guitars because it offers a broader range of tonal options. It can produce the deep, warm tones of a P Bass, the bright, clear tones of a J Bass, or a combination of both. This makes it a versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles.
The Sound of a PJ Bass
The P Bass and J Bass pickups each have their unique sound. The P Bass pickup is a split-coil design that produces a thick, punchy sound with plenty of low-end. The J Bass pickup is a single-coil design that creates a bright, articulate sound with plenty of midrange and treble.
The PJ Bass combines these two sounds by having a P Bass pickup in the middle position and a J Bass pickup in the bridge position. It allows the player to blend the two sounds to create many tonal options. For example, if the player wants a deep, warm tone, they can use the P Bass pickup. They can use the J Bass pickup for a bright, clear tone. They can blend the two pickups if they want something in between.
Popular PJ Bass Models
P J Basses
Many different types of P J basses are available from various manufacturers, such as Fender and Harley Benton. Here are some examples of popular PJ Bass models:
- Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ by Fender is an excellent option for aspiring bassists. It features a thin, lightweight body, a slim, comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile, and vintage-style open-gear tuning machines for smooth, accurate tuning. It also has a split single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup for various tones.
- Fender American Professional II Precision Bass PJ: This high-end PJ Bass is designed for professional musicians. It features a solid alder body, a slim “C”-shaped neck profile, and a HiMass Vintage bridge for improved sustain and intonation. It also has a V-Mod II Precision Bass split-coil pickup and a V-Mod II Jazz Bass single-coil pickup for many tonal options.
- Harley Benton PB-50 SB Vintage Series: This budget-friendly PJ Bass is perfect for beginners. It features a solid alder body, a maple neck, a rosewood fretboard, and vintage open-gear tuners. It also has a split single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup for various tones1.
Here is a table with the characteristics of a PJ Bass:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Pickups | Combines the Precision Bass (P Bass) pickup in the middle position and the Jazz Bass (J Bass) pickup in the bridge position |
| Sound | Offers a wide range of tonal options, from deep and warm to bright and clear |
| Versatility | Suitable for a wide range of musical styles |
| Popular Models | Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ by Fender, Fender American Professional II Precision Bass PJ, Harley Benton PB-50 SB Vintage Series, and many more |
Fender and Squier P J Bass specs
Here is a comparison table with the specifications of the Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ by Fender and the Fender American Professional II Precision Bass PJ:
| Specification | Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ | Fender American Professional II Precision Bass PJ |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Alder | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Satin Urethane | Satin Urethane |
| Neck Shape | “C” Shape | “1963 C” Shape |
| Scale Length | 34″ (864 mm) | 34″ (864 mm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Indian Laurel | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5″ (241 mm) | 9.5″ (241 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.625″ (41.3 mm) | 1.625″ (41.3 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Pearloid Dots | White Dot |
| Truss Rod | Standard | Posiflex Graphite |
| Truss Rod Nut | 4 mm Hex | 3/16″ Hex |
| Bridge Pickup | Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass | V-Mod II Precision Bass Split-Coil |
| Middle Pickup | Standard Split Single-Coil Precision Bass | V-Mod II Jazz Bass Single-Coil |
| Controls | Volume 1. (Middle Pickup), Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup), Master Tone | Volume 1. (Middle Pickup), Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup), Master Tone |
| Switching | None | None |
| Configuration | SS | PJ |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle Standard | 4-Saddle HiMass™ Vintage (String-Through-Body or Top-Load) |
| Hardware Finish | Chrome | Nickel/Chrome |
| Tuning Machines | Standard Open-Gear | Fender Lightweight Vintage-Style Keys with Tapered Shafts |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Black | 3-Ply Mint Green |
| Control Knobs | Knurled Flat-Top | Knurled Flat-Top |
| Strings | Fender USA 7250M Nickel Plated Steel (.045-.105 Gauges) | Fender® USA 7250M Nickel Plated Steel (.045-.105 Gauges), PN 0737250406 |
Practical tips for playing a PJ Bass Guitar
- Experiment with the pickups: The PJ Bass has both a Precision Bass (P Bass) pickup and a Jazz Bass (J Bass) pickup, which gives you a wide range of tonal options. Try experimenting with different pickup combinations to find the best sound for you.
- Use the P Bass pickup for rhythm: The P Bass pickup is excellent for playing rhythm parts, as it produces a thick and punchy sound that sits nicely in the mix.
- Use the J Bass pickup for melody: The J Bass pickup is excellent for playing melodic parts, as it produces a bright and articulate sound that cuts through the mix.
- Find the right balance: Experiment with the balance between the P Bass and J Bass pickups to find the right balance for your playing style and music.
- Practice with a metronome: The PJ Bass is versatile in various musical styles. To improve your timing and rhythm, practice with a metronome.
- Use proper technique: To get the most out of your PJ Bass, use proper bass playing technique. This includes using your fingers to pluck the strings, correct hand positioning, and proper posture2.
- Play with other musicians: Playing with other musicians is a great way to improve your skills and learn new techniques. Look for opportunities to jam with other musicians in your area.
Fender PJ Bass
The Fender Player Plus Precision Bass PJ is a remarkable instrument that combines classic design with modern features. It features a PJ pickup configuration, which includes a split single-coil Precision Bass neck pickup and a Jazz Bass single-coil pickup in the bridge position. This versatile setup allows players to dial in a wide range of tones, from the punchy Precision Bass sound to the articulate and growling Jazz Bass tones.
The Player Plus model also boasts a 3-band active EQ, providing precise control over the bass’s tonal characteristics. With its comfortable neck profile, sleek aesthetics, and exceptional playability, the Fender Player Plus PJ Bass is an excellent choice for both seasoned bassists and beginners alike.
What is a PJ bass Conclusion
In conclusion, the PJ Bass is a versatile and popular type of electric guitar that combines the features of two classic bass designs: the Precision Bass and the Jazz Bass.
It offers many tonal options and is suitable for various musical styles. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, there is a PJ Bass out there that is perfect for you.
