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The Evolution of a Classic In our previous review of the Dingwall Super P, we explored how Dingwall refined and modernized the Precision Bass while preserving its legendary tone and feel. But what if you love the punch and authority of a P-Bass yet crave the added flexibility of a bridge pickup for extra bite and articulation? That’s where the PJ bass comes in—and Dingwall’s Super PJ takes this concept to the next level. The Origins of the PJ Bass The Precision-Jazz (PJ) bass configuration was born from necessity. While the P-Bass has always been the go-to for deep, powerful low-end, some players wanted more tonal variety without fully committing to a Jazz Bass. By adding a bridge-position single-coil—similar to a Jazz Bass bridge pickup—players could blend in a tighter, brighter sound while still keeping the P-Bass punch intact. Fender first experimented with PJ configurations in the late 1970s, and over time, this setup became a favorite among session players, rock bassists, and those looking for a more versatile tool. Strengths of the PJ Bass: Weaknesses of the PJ Bass: Enter the Dingwall Super PJ—a bass that addresses these concerns while enhancing everything great about the PJ formula. The Dingwall Super PJ: A Modern Solution The Dingwall Super PJ builds on the Super P platform but adds the versatility of a bridge pickup while keeping the multi-scale, fanned-fret design for superior tone, tension, and playability. Unlike some PJ basses that struggle with pickup balance, Dingwall meticulously voices their pickups to ensure seamless blending between the P and J. Multi-Scale Advantage: More Than Just a Gimmick Like the Super P, the Super PJ uses a fanned-fret, multi-scale design, meaning: This solves the main flaw of most PJ basses—the occasional imbalance between pickups and strings. On a standard PJ, the E and B strings can sometimes feel floppy compared to the rest. The Super PJ’s multi-scale approach keeps everything even. Dingwall’s Pickups: A PJ That Actually Blends Well One of the biggest issues with standard PJ basses is that the bridge pickup often gets overpowered by the P pickup. Dingwall tackles this by designing a bridge pickup that naturally complements the P-pickup’s power. This means you can actually use both pickups equally instead of just defaulting to the P pickup. Whether you want deep, vintage tones or a sharper, funkier attack, the Super PJ delivers. Build Quality & Ergonomics Dingwall is known for their top-tier craftsmanship, and the Super PJ is no exception. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and designed for maximum comfort—something that many traditional PJs lack. The body contours are more refined than a typical Fender, making long playing sessions effortless. Why the Super PJ Might Be the Best PJ You Can Get If you love PJ basses but have been frustrated by their inconsistencies, the Super PJ is an absolute game-changer. Dingwall’s multi-scale design, pickup voicing, and exceptional build quality make this one of the most refined PJ basses available. Where other PJs feel like a compromise, the Super PJ feels like an improvement on both the P and J concepts. It gives you the thickness and punch of a P, the cut and articulation of a J, and modern innovations that solve common issues. For those who need versatility without sacrificing tone, this is easily one of the best PJ basses on the market. Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Classic PJ versatility with modern refinements✅ Multi-scale design ensures consistent tension and better low-end clarity✅ Dingwall’s pickup design avoids the common PJ balance issues✅ Lightweight, well-balanced, and comfortable✅ High-end craftsmanship with impeccable attention to detail Cons: ❌ Fanned frets may take an adjustment period❌ More expensive than a typical PJ bass❌ Not as easy to find as standard mass-produced PJs Final Thoughts If you love the idea of a PJ bass but have been let down by traditional designs, the Dingwall Super PJ is one of the best versions of this concept. It keeps everything great about the classic P-Bass, enhances it with a well-balanced J pickup, and applies modern innovations that improve playability, clarity, and tone. For those who need flexibility without compromise, this might just be the ultimate PJ bass.

A Precision Bass Evolution Since its introduction in 1951, the Fender Precision Bass has defined the sound of electric bass. Designed by Leo Fender, it was the first mass-produced electric bass guitar and quickly became the standard for low-end players across multiple genres. Its simple, solid-body design, split-coil pickup, and unmistakable tone have been heard on countless records, from Motown grooves to punk rock punch and stadium-filling rock anthems. The P-Bass is loved for its thick, focused low end, midrange growl, and playing comfort. Whether played with a pick or fingers, it holds the foundation of a mix like no other. Its presence in rock, blues, funk, reggae, pop, and country is undeniable. But as much as the Precision Bass is revered, it’s not perfect. Limited tonal flexibility, 34” scale constraints, and string tension inconsistencies—particularly on the low B of a five-string—are areas where some players feel room for improvement. Enter the Dingwall Super P, a fresh take on the Precision concept that keeps the essence while addressing its limitations. Dingwall Guitars is known for its fanned-fret, multi-scale designs, offering balanced tension and clarity across all strings. The Super P takes this innovation and applies it to the Precision-style platform, making it a fascinating alternative for P-Bass loyalists. Multi-Scale Advantage One of the biggest weaknesses of traditional 34” scale basses is the way low strings can sound less defined, particularly in drop tunings or extended-range models. The Super P solves this with a fanned-fret design, giving the low B a 36.25” scale length while keeping the G at 32”. This creates: For players used to a P-Bass, the transition is surprisingly smooth. The fanned frets might look intimidating at first, but the ergonomic feel becomes natural almost instantly. Build Quality & Comfort Dingwall is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Super P is no exception. The bass feels lightweight yet solid, with great balance—something that some traditional P-Basses struggle with. The body contours are comfortable, and the neck is sleek without straying too far from the familiar P-Bass feel. Tone: Precision, But More The Super P retains that thick, authoritative Precision-style tone but enhances it in key ways: The extended scale length tightens up the low end, making five-string versions particularly useful for modern players who need a clear, usable low B. Can the Super P Be the Superior Choice? For a die-hard P-Bass user, switching to something new can feel like a betrayal. However, the Super P doesn’t abandon the soul of a Precision—it refines it. If you love the simple, no-nonsense power of a P-Bass, but want better string tension, more defined lows, and top-tier build quality, the Super P makes a compelling case. It’s not a radical departure; it’s an evolution. You get everything you love about a Precision Bass, but with modern upgrades that solve its most common limitations. Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Classic Precision Bass feel and tone, but refined✅ Multi-scale design improves string tension and clarity✅ Incredible low B response for five-string players✅ Lightweight and well-balanced construction✅ Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail Cons: ❌ Fanned frets may take some adjustment for die-hard traditionalists❌ Price point is higher than a standard P-Bass❌ Limited availability compared to mass-produced alternatives Final Thoughts The Dingwall Super P is not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just making it roll smoother. It keeps everything great about the Precision Bass while fixing its traditional weak points. If you love the power, simplicity, and groove of a P-Bass but wish it had more consistency across all strings, the Super P is worth serious consideration. Would a lifelong P-Bass purist switch entirely? Maybe, maybe not. But once you play a Super P, it’s hard to go back.