P/J Bass for Recording

[line6man]

If this is strictly a studio bass, have both pickups with their own isolated controls and separate outputs.  On direct in recording, which is perfectly acceptable on bass, you have infinite tracks.  Record each sound on the same bass during the same track.  Manipulate them later and choose either or both.

The classic Jazz bass tone for most people is that of both pickups running in parallel. There is a very big difference in the nature of the circuit when two coils are placed parallel to each other, and individually buffered to be summed together. When the two coils run parallel, both the real and complex parts of the impedance are changed significantly. There is a big drop in inductance and resistance, while the capacitance increases, changing the nature of the resonant circuit. Additionally, there are constructive and destructive interferences in the waveforms, due to their slight phase differences that allow some frequencies to be reinforced while others cancel out. (In other words, the classic mid scoop.) Conversely, if there are separately buffered signals summed together, each coil will see only the input impedance of its input gain stage at the console, DI, amp or wherever. This may well prove advantageous, depending on your preferences, but it's not ideal for the classic Jazz tone.

 

[Kostas]

... How about the material that makes the end of the neck stock where the strings cross over onto the pegs? Does that material makes a difference to sound? Sound Clips? Links...

Clips won't help you to listen something like that. Your best option is to find a luthier to install and shape a bone nut, it's what they used in vintage guitars & basses. Tusq nuts will be cheaper http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?CategoryID=1

Click on Bridges http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/middle_bass.htm They have different brands & models to check.