I wanted a lot of versatility of tone in a single bass, so I got a Jaguar Bass. It's the Squier Vintage Modified model. Less than 300 bucks and is actually a really decent sounding bass that covers J to P and in between quite nicely. Overall I really like the Jaguar bass concept for its ability to make all kinds of different bass tones.

However, my experience tells me the P bass is more mid-range punchy, but the J has more boomy bottom and a more zingy top when running through the same amp. So, for the sim, that's what I'd keep in mind. Also, the P bass is more zingy if it has the PJ pickup orientation vs. a standard P split P pickup. 

no disrespect..but its the other way around. the P bass is more boomier than the J bass. single-coil pups have more mid-range and top-end bite than split humbuckers. the bottom on the P bass is big, deep, and rich. i myself use a JazzBass, but i have long switched back to flatwound strings and the Dimarzio Model J pups, which does somewhat gives you a P bass option. the zing and growl is more pronounced on the J bass, but the overall meat and potatoes sound of bass belongs to the P bass..

cryophonik


I prefer the Jazz over the P-basses, but my main bass for the past 15+ years has been my trusty ol' G&L L-2000.  Arguably the best line of basses Leo Fender has ever made.

Another G&L owner
This one looks just like mine, except for an ebony fretboard
http://i89.photobucket.co.../k229/komual/2KEfr.jpg
Bought it new about 30 years ago. Also have a slightly newer fretless with the slimmer quarter-sawn neck.

Not trying to change the subject but it sure was nice to see a post from Brandon! I hope he is doing well in his new position but he is sorely missed around this forum. It is great to see him keeping up with us on this forum. I hope we see more of him. 

I prefer the Jazz over the P-basses, but my main bass for the past 15+ years has been my trusty ol' G&L L-2000.  Arguably the best line of basses Leo Fender has ever made.

Have you heard the L2000 with single coil mod (switchable)?
Had a nice L2000 and that was a great sound...
Wasn't as crazy about its humbucker tone
Those pickups have the hottest output I've seen... on any bass.  


The build quality of G&L is fantastic.
My L2000 almost felt like a "custom shop" unit (neck was awesome)

Love the sound of the J!

I have a Ric 4003 Fireglow... 
Have a soft-spot for that Chris Squire/Geddy Lee tone. Nothing really sounds like a Ric.

• The old bridge (floating tail-piece - have to remove it to adjust intonation = royal PITA) which helps with that "twang"
• The old style pickups
• The combination of wood and neck-thru construction
• The slightly shorter scale length
• The neck profile

The Ric 4001 and 4003 basses are a bit like driving an MG.
Can be a blast... but the ergonomics and old design make it more temperamental. 
 

Wanted to chime in about the Stingray...
Don't think that the SR is limited to funk/slap styles!
Watch Ed Friedland (spelling?) playing the new "Classic" series on youtube.
Fits perfectly in rock/country/pop/etc
Great/consistent quality... easy to maintain... and they have that SR aggressive quality... but can be tamed down with the 2-band EQ.
The Classics sound darker/rounder to me than the modern/standard SRs.

Sidroe, Tried to mark your post as helpful--not that the other posts weren't also very helpful--but the forum wouldn't cooperate.  Since you have been using the Scarbee, the observations are valuable.  Thanks.
 
PS We have some knowledgeable bass dudes here.

For me I like the P Bass better. but for you it would depend on the type of music your playing and the bass sound you prefer to have in those songs.