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Post subject: Fretless to complement a Geddy Lee?
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:24 pm
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Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Hi

I have a Geddy Lee J-Bass (new March 09) and now want to add a Fretless to it. Question is Amercian Standard or Standard J-Bass? I know which I'd rather have (American Standard) but is twice the money (£500 extra) really worth it for what, certainly initially will be a second instrument?

How much better is an American Standard over a Mex built Standard? I'd love to go try at a store but it's hard enough to find one that stocks both fretted versions let alone fretless around here!

I also have a question about the quality of the finish of the Mex. The Geddy Lee (urethane finish) looks superb. I note that the Mex J-Bass is polyester finished and the pics on the Fender website give the impression that the shine isn't as deep. Is this the case or just down to the photography on the site?


BTW I'm a novice bassist (been learning since start of year).

Cheers

Mark


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 3:54 pm
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Well, I can give a slightly different suggestion. When I was looking at a Fender fretless, I was starting to lock in on the American Standard, then I found the Tony Franklin Fretless. To me, the TF bass had a lot of nice upgrades for not much more money (e.g. P/J pickups vs. 2 Js, nitro finish, ebony fingerboard, etc.). To be clear, the TF bass is a P bass, not a J bass, so if you have to have a Jazz bass, then it might not be for you. Also, my price differential is based on the US - availability was also not much of an issue - not sure what it's like where you're at.


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Post subject: MIM Jazz v MIJ Jazz
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:27 am
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I too have the MIJ Geddy Lee Jazz bass and a MIM Classic (1970's styling) Jazz.

Both are identical in appearance (except for the Geddy Lee having a maple neck and the MIM Classic a rosewood one) with the black finish and white pickguard.

I can't honestly see any difference in the quality of the paint finish between the two. The Geddy Lee somehow does feels a better built instrument overall (it certainly feels lighter as well, though that could be subjective).

You will notice a bigger neck on the MIM (though still quite nice and slim). I think the Geddy Lee has the slimmest neck of all the Jazz lines.

Happy with the MIM; in love with the MIJ Geddy Lee! Hope this helps.


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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:04 am
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Hi matt & nr

Thanks both for your advice/suggestions. It has to be a J-Bass for me but I will have a look at the Tony Franklin P-Bass but there's not much chance of me finding one in the flesh, so to speak close to home! Even though I live in one of the major cities of the UK the local music stores stock very little in the way of genuine Fender basses.

The information on the MIM Jazz is really helpful, my thoughts are possibly to do down that route and put a Bad $@! II bridge onto it. I have heard however that they are difficult to come by and one of the major stockists in the UK say they can't get hold of them!

Must admit though the spec of the Am Std does sound rather good :)


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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 8:03 am
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Made my decision and placed my order this morning after my bass lesson.

Fender Amercian Standard Fretless Jazz Bass in sunburst. Not sure about the colour of the pickguard but will take a view on that once I have the guitar in my hands.

I'm expecting delivery by the end of the month!


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Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 12:24 pm
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Well, it's easy enough to change out the pickguard on a Jazz if you don't like the color.


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Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 2:34 pm
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markjlewis wrote:
Made my decision and placed my order this morning after my bass lesson.

Fender Amercian Standard Fretless Jazz Bass in sunburst. Not sure about the colour of the pickguard but will take a view on that once I have the guitar in my hands.

I'm expecting delivery by the end of the month!


Congrats enjoy.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:34 pm
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It has arrived (after almost 3 weeks wait). I am oh so happy with the Am Std. A little surprised that it feels lighter than my Geddy Lee that is an observation not a critisism! The sound is awesome with more punch than the Geddy. I will enjoy both basses equally!


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