The P bass features a solid body, usually made of alder or ash, and a distinctive split-coil pickup that is positioned near the bridge. This pickup arrangement produces a warm and punchy sound that is ideal for playing a variety of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and country.
The P bass has a 34-inch scale length, which means the distance from the nut to the bridge is 34 inches. This gives the P bass a relatively low string tension, making it easier to play than some other bass guitars.
The P bass is also known for its simple and straightforward design. It has four control knobs: volume, tone, and two knobs that control the balance between the two halves of the split-coil pickup. This makes it easy to dial in a variety of different sounds.
Over the years, the P bass has been used by countless legendary bassists, including James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, John Paul Jones, and Geddy Lee. It is also a popular choice for studio recording, thanks to its versatile and reliable sound.
In addition to the original P bass, Fender has also released several variations and special editions of the instrument, such as the P bass Special, P bass Deluxe, and P bass American Standard. These variations offer different features and appointments, such as different pickup configurations, finishes, and hardware.