[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1357117243' post='1917562']
I know you said it tongue in cheek, but ironically you make a good point! Most punters woulnd't be able to tell the difference between a Jazz, a P bass or the uniqueness of a Ricky![/quote]
I've been playing my Squier PJ quite a bit recently. It's got such a great tonal range that covers most sounds that my Jazz or Thunderbird can produce, plus a lot more that they can't do. I like to change the tone around quite a bit, but whenever I ask any of the audience (including other musos) if they noticed a difference, they very rarely do. They all agree it's a great sound, but to be honest it's not the primary aural focus in the trio - which is the guitarist (who is a genuinely great bloke & musician so will not get the 'guitard' moniker) - so they just don't notice the bass! Unless it's a song where the bass is the main focus or a major definitive 'hook' sound, it really only makes a difference to you (and possibly any other bass players in the audience). That of course will have a big difference on your own performance overall - if your bass is sounding great to you, you'll be more likely to bop around and have a good time, which helps to elevate the whole performance.
That's why I'm playing a bass that cost me £150 and the expensive ones stay at home