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PhatTele · January 7th, 2009, 05:02 PM

Can a Jazz Bass neck drop fit onto a P-Bass body?

I know that in the guitar world Tele and Strat necks are not really interchangable (different heel shapes). Also, being new to basses, I don't know if Jazz basses and P-Basses have the same scale length or not. So, before I drop some $$ on a JB neck, I was wondering if it would even fit.

Thnx

graphs · January 7th, 2009, 05:04 PM

They do have the same scale length. I've seen a P neck on a J body before so I'm sure it's fine to switch them. I've never heard of a rounded/flat incompatibility like teles and strats.

tonewoods · January 7th, 2009, 05:17 PM

I don't know how effortlessly these went together, but here ya go:

graphs · January 7th, 2009, 05:27 PM

Very nice! I love those 70's jazz bass necks.

aunchaki · January 7th, 2009, 05:44 PM

This is a common swap for those who prefer the narrower Jazz Bass neck, but like the simplicity and drop-dead THUMP of the Precision Bass. There should be no fitting issues (as between Strats and Teles).

wnorcott · January 7th, 2009, 06:30 PM

I have seen it done before.

Zmatko · January 7th, 2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aunchaki

This is a common swap for those who prefer the narrower Jazz Bass neck, but like the simplicity and drop-dead THUMP of the Precision Bass. There should be no fitting issues (as between Strats and Teles).

As he said, i'm assembling a p-body with a j neck right now, both from allparts and the fitting is just about there.

djdeacon · January 7th, 2009, 09:21 PM

Fender used to make them that way. In old Fender catalogues, you'll find a special-order Precision listed with a "slim" neck. That's all it was. They were favoured by Carol Kaye, among others.

4mal · January 7th, 2009, 09:49 PM

Yep. Works fine.

Shoved BassVIII · January 8th, 2009, 06:19 AM

Its the way it should be done

marshman · January 8th, 2009, 11:08 AM

Just to be contrary, I've been playing a pretty wide-necked Rickenbacker for nearly 20 years and feel that a Jazz neck might actually be TOO thin at the nut. Don't get me wrong, I can play it, but it feels off somehow.

If you've already got the bits, go ahead and switch away, but if you haven't yet, slide out to a music store and find someplace to sit and play a jazz, unplugged, for a little while to determine if it really feels right.

GuitarJonz · January 8th, 2009, 11:15 AM

Putting a J neck on a Pbass is a rather common mod, no issues, as both heels are round shaped, only the tele bass has the flat heel. As mentioned above, those who wanted a Jazz-like nut width could order an "A" neck from Fender, which had a 1.5" nut, like the Jazz bass. The standard P bass nut width was 1 11/16, known as a "B" width neck.

Old Cane · January 8th, 2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoved BassVIII

Its the way it should be done

This is my favorite setup as well.

PhatTele · January 8th, 2009, 01:45 PM

Alright...thanks! I guess I can move ahead with confidence

Vince a · January 8th, 2009, 03:35 PM

Just to add . . . Fender makes, advertises, and sells one with just that mod. I have one:

Zmatko · January 8th, 2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshman

Just to be contrary, I've been playing a pretty wide-necked Rickenbacker for nearly 20 years and feel that a Jazz neck might actually be TOO thin at the nut. Don't get me wrong, I can play it, but it feels off somehow.

That's pretty much my thought also, the slender feel just about goes to the thin side, i mean the single coils of a jazz bass have a thing to keep that sensitive sound but with a p-bass you can't imagine it that way, it's just thump! and honk! all the way.

Still i am making one, n i feel enthusiastic.

Shoved BassVIII · January 9th, 2009, 07:00 AM

To each their own. for me its gotta be a J bass neck. Anything else feels funny.

A.B.Negative · January 9th, 2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince a

Just to add . . . Fender makes, advertises, and sells one with just that mod. I have one:

I have a Squier Precision which has a Jazz-width nut (and a Jazz pickup next to the bridge). It's about 10 years old, I think it's a Precision Special (my friend's borrowed so I can't check).

superbadj · January 9th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Yep, I have a P-bass Special.

J-neck. P-body. P/J pickup setup (one of each...p in the mid position, j at the bridge).

Super combo.

PhatTele · January 10th, 2009, 01:03 PM

Re: P-Bass Special - Yup...I decided that, rather than throw more money at this parts bass, I should pick up one of those P-Bass Specials (found one last night...black w/silver anodized pickguard). It should be just the ticket. Thnx y'all!

BCbassman · August 27th, 2009, 03:14 PM

I swapped my Jazz bass's neck with my Precision Bass just to see how it felt. I liked the Jazz neck on the P-bass plus I liked the Precision neck on the Jazz!
I have since put them back but they bolt right up with no issues.

tom grossheider · August 27th, 2009, 06:16 PM

No problem with the fit. I believe the Duck Dunn models used what was known as a Fender "A" neck. Back in the 70s I have a nice Precision with an "A" neck, but for me that is too skinny, I prefer the "C" necks.

Frankjohnson · August 27th, 2009, 10:37 PM

Hmmmmmmmmmm.........

Maybe not the prettyest girl at the dance....
But.....

Not great dead shot.....

Reggie Hamilton Neck - with 70's reissue tuners.....
(it had not hardware when I got it)

I like this bass........

FraKo · September 16th, 2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatTele

Re: P-Bass Special - Yup...I decided that, rather than throw more money at this parts bass, I should pick up one of those P-Bass Specials (found one last night...black w/silver anodized pickguard). It should be just the ticket. Thnx y'all!

I've got a 9 ys old Squier P-bass Special, and I'm happy with it. It's got all the features I like (P-bazz "thump", easy-to-handle Jazz Bass neck, bridge Jazz pup to give some more definition to the sound when needed). And it doesn't cost a fortune.

Bluesbob · September 16th, 2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatTele

Can a Jazz Bass neck drop fit onto a P-Bass body?

Thnx

But of course!

I can't believe I started this project, put it together and used it for a whole summer since this thread started. I know time has moved on but I had to post this here anyway.

jrfrond · September 16th, 2009, 08:20 PM

No issues with this. The neck pocket specs are the same. I have a Fender Korean P-Bass Special and it's a great bass, but the fingerboard sports a 15" radius (!) and I find it uncomfortable to play for extended periods, so I have just ordered an AllParts J-Bass neck to retrofit it.

Now, I have to tell you the truth: the width of my P-Bass neck doesn't bother me as much as the radius, but I do like a slightly narrower neck. My favorite is 1.6", which I have on my Ibanez Roadstar. I don't think Fender ever offered that width.

Zmatko · September 17th, 2009, 01:59 AM

That bass looks tasty! I once imagined a j-bass with that color scheme, classy stuff.

January 7th, 2009, 05:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
PhatTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 819	Jazz neck on a P Body?? Can a Jazz Bass neck drop fit onto a P-Bass body? I know that in the guitar world Tele and Strat necks are not really interchangable (different heel shapes). Also, being new to basses, I don't know if Jazz basses and P-Basses have the same scale length or not. So, before I drop some $$ on a JB neck, I was wondering if it would even fit. Thnx

January 7th, 2009, 05:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
aunchaki Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,487 24 Photos	This is a common swap for those who prefer the narrower Jazz Bass neck, but like the simplicity and drop-dead THUMP of the Precision Bass. There should be no fitting issues (as between Strats and Teles). __________________ Two Teles + One Strat + Three Acoustics (6, 12 & solidbody 6) + Two Mandolins (4 & 8 strings) + One Bass (5 strings) = 59 strings total

January 7th, 2009, 06:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
wnorcott Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Hampshire, USA Age: 52 Posts: 785	I have seen it done before. __________________ I play old school because I am old school. http://www.youtube.com/wnorcott

January 7th, 2009, 09:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
djdeacon Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 50 Posts: 306	Fender used to make them that way. In old Fender catalogues, you'll find a special-order Precision listed with a "slim" neck. That's all it was. They were favoured by Carol Kaye, among others. __________________ "If you make a mistake, play it twice, so the audience thinks it's intentional" Visit the Deacons on the web at http://djdeacon.spaces.live.com

January 8th, 2009, 11:08 AM	#11 (permalink)
marshman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE PA Age: 41 Posts: 2,011	Just to be contrary, I've been playing a pretty wide-necked Rickenbacker for nearly 20 years and feel that a Jazz neck might actually be TOO thin at the nut. Don't get me wrong, I can play it, but it feels off somehow. If you've already got the bits, go ahead and switch away, but if you haven't yet, slide out to a music store and find someplace to sit and play a jazz, unplugged, for a little while to determine if it really feels right. __________________ 42

January 7th, 2009, 05:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
graphs Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,763	They do have the same scale length. I've seen a P neck on a J body before so I'm sure it's fine to switch them. I've never heard of a rounded/flat incompatibility like teles and strats.

January 7th, 2009, 05:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
tonewoods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orcas Island, Washington Age: 58 Posts: 1,022 17 Photos	I don't know how effortlessly these went together, but here ya go:

January 7th, 2009, 05:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
graphs Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,763	Very nice! I love those 70's jazz bass necks.

January 7th, 2009, 09:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
4mal Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Gorge Posts: 2,513	Yep. Works fine.

January 8th, 2009, 06:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
Shoved BassVIII Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lima Ohio Age: 27 Posts: 632	Its the way it should be done

January 8th, 2009, 11:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 3,193 7 Photos	Putting a J neck on a Pbass is a rather common mod, no issues, as both heels are round shaped, only the tele bass has the flat heel. As mentioned above, those who wanted a Jazz-like nut width could order an "A" neck from Fender, which had a 1.5" nut, like the Jazz bass. The standard P bass nut width was 1 11/16, known as a "B" width neck.

January 8th, 2009, 01:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
PhatTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 819	Alright...thanks! I guess I can move ahead with confidence

January 8th, 2009, 03:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
Vince a Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 808	Just to add . . . Fender makes, advertises, and sells one with just that mod. I have one:

January 9th, 2009, 07:00 AM	#17 (permalink)
Shoved BassVIII Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lima Ohio Age: 27 Posts: 632	To each their own. for me its gotta be a J bass neck. Anything else feels funny.

January 9th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#19 (permalink)
superbadj Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: roanoke, va Age: 35 Posts: 1,821 24 Photos	Yep, I have a P-bass Special. J-neck. P-body. P/J pickup setup (one of each...p in the mid position, j at the bridge). Super combo. __________________ ___________________________________________ www.dudleycreative.com Rhythm is an area, not a point! -My brother

January 10th, 2009, 01:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
PhatTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 819	Re: P-Bass Special - Yup...I decided that, rather than throw more money at this parts bass, I should pick up one of those P-Bass Specials (found one last night...black w/silver anodized pickguard). It should be just the ticket. Thnx y'all!

August 27th, 2009, 03:14 PM	#21 (permalink)
BCbassman NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Washington D.C suburb Posts: 8	I swapped my Jazz bass's neck with my Precision Bass just to see how it felt. I liked the Jazz neck on the P-bass plus I liked the Precision neck on the Jazz! I have since put them back but they bolt right up with no issues.

August 27th, 2009, 06:16 PM	#22 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 789	No problem with the fit. I believe the Duck Dunn models used what was known as a Fender "A" neck. Back in the 70s I have a nice Precision with an "A" neck, but for me that is too skinny, I prefer the "C" necks.

August 27th, 2009, 10:37 PM	#23 (permalink)
Frankjohnson TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dover - Delaware Posts: 78	Hmmmmmmmmmm......... Maybe not the prettyest girl at the dance.... But..... Not great dead shot..... Reggie Hamilton Neck - with 70's reissue tuners..... (it had not hardware when I got it) I like this bass........ __________________ >:^{I)>Kenny Belmont www.Myspace.com/BadJuJuBlues Bad JuJu - Its good for your Soul !

September 16th, 2009, 08:20 PM	#26 (permalink)
jrfrond Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 537	No issues with this. The neck pocket specs are the same. I have a Fender Korean P-Bass Special and it's a great bass, but the fingerboard sports a 15" radius (!) and I find it uncomfortable to play for extended periods, so I have just ordered an AllParts J-Bass neck to retrofit it. Now, I have to tell you the truth: the width of my P-Bass neck doesn't bother me as much as the radius, but I do like a slightly narrower neck. My favorite is 1.6", which I have on my Ibanez Roadstar. I don't think Fender ever offered that width. __________________ *John R. Frondelli*

September 17th, 2009, 01:59 AM	#27 (permalink)
Zmatko Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sweden, now where's me rattle-can? Posts: 320	That bass looks tasty! I once imagined a j-bass with that color scheme, classy stuff.

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