It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 12:41 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 23 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 7:54 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 12:37 pm
Posts: 178
Hi

Assuming you had $2-3k to spend on a J-Bass type bass, what would be your preferred bass of any brand? Sadowsky, Sandberg........Fender???

Please try to be objective!

Cheers,

James


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:10 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 6355
Location: Albemarle, NC
There are a couple of Fender options priced new in that range that I consider way above average instruments and better than comparably priced Jazz types costing more from smaller shops.
1. Fender Select Jazz. Absolutely first quality mass production modern instrument. Several finishing options. Also available active.
2. Fender American Vintage '64 Jazz Bass in the 3 color sunburst. Beautiful and classic while being close enough to the original to fool about anyone 3 feet away. Stunning finish.

I'm not a big fan of block inlays on the neck. Personal preference is dots. That would lead me to pick option 2. Both are spectacular. Some people like block inlays so to each his own.

Also you can frequently find a used Custom Shop Jazz Bass in that price range. Generally Custom Shop instruments are well cared for by their owners who tend to be more responsible. They also are a cut above.

The thing about the passive ones with stock single coil pickups is the proclivity to produce hum when either pickup is set to solo. I prefer passive ones though and work around the hum.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:15 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 12:37 pm
Posts: 178
Thanks Brother Dave.

I am about to sell my Rickenbacker and I want to use the money to buy something else. I am pretty sure I want a Jazz-type bass - I am just trying to work out where to go for it.

I am very happy to jump into a Fender Jazz, though just wondering how they compare to the other boutiques (e.g. Sadowsky).


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:37 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 18659
Location: In this country town, where the laughter sounds...
I went through a 4003, and went back to the Am. Std. Jazzes. For their price as compared to the Am. Deluxe, and higher series Fenders, they play well, and are a solid bass with a good feel. I prefer the passive Jazz bass anyway.

_________________
"Electric Lady"
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:26 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
I would stay with Fender. In keeping with Brother Dave's AV64J, your price range could also net you a FCS64J. This 2010 reissue was NOS, and $2150. Nice bass, but I don't have enough miles on it yet to speak too highly. Just a so far so good comment. No issues. Typical FCS quality.

Image

I have a FCS60J which is very nice. Hyper jazzy with lots of growl, but that also makes it a bit focused with regards to its musical niche. Still, for classic rock it is killer.

Image

For an all around jazz bass, my favorite, and it is not even close, is my 50th Anniversary Edition. It is supposed to be a composite of features from the first fifty years of the jazz. It is an exceptional bass, great sound, and crosses music genres easily. I like it so much, I may try to find another at some point. If you can find one, it should be in your price range.

Image

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:39 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 12:37 pm
Posts: 178
Ok - game on.

Someone just bought my Rick and I have about US$2.5k to spend.

What do I get?

Any type of bass.

Cheers


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 12:59 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2014 3:38 am
Posts: 32
Location: Athens, Greece
Being a Fender-lover, I would stay with Fender. As already mentioned, at this price point you can buy:

Fender Select Jazz Bass
Fender American Vntage Hot Rod Jazz Bass
Fender American Vintage '64 Jazz Bass
Fender American Vintage '74 Jazz Bass
Fender Custom Shop '64 Jazz Bass

I am about to complete an order for a Fender Custom Shop '64 Jazz Bass (NOS), so my choice would be she. :mrgreen:

_________________
2007 Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass
2014 Fender Custom Shop '64 Jazz Bass


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 2:03 am
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 12:37 pm
Posts: 178
Why does no one mention the American Deluxe Jazz?


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 5:52 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2014 3:38 am
Posts: 32
Location: Athens, Greece
Probably because you mentioned a higher price point. Yes, the Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass is a choice. What would you prefer, a vintage-vibe bass or a modern one?

_________________
2007 Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass
2014 Fender Custom Shop '64 Jazz Bass


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:30 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
Well, since you said "any type of bass", then I would go to the AV57P which is my go to bass.

Image

Set it up with a nice medium set of flats.....doesn't get much better than that.

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 10:25 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
affprod wrote:
Well, since you said "any type of bass", then I would go to the AV57P which is my go to bass.
Ahh, but he didn't say that. He said Jazz type.
edelstone wrote:
Hi

Assuming you had $2-3k to spend on a J-Bass type bass, what would be your preferred bass of any brand? Sadowsky, Sandberg........Fender???

Please try to be objective!

Cheers,

James


If it were me with $2.5K burning a hole in my pocket I would most definitely go with a Fender Select.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2014 1:35 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
Quote:
Ok - game on.

Someone just bought my Rick and I have about US$2.5k to spend.

What do I get?

Any type of bass.


And there is one on eBay...just sayin'

Fellow forum mate TheKingofPain had this to say about his.

Quote:
According to the rest of the band my AV57 sounds the best of my P's, and they have heard them all. I have to agree. There is something really mellow about the sound that one produces. The Raised A really is a thing of beauty. It sits in a mix ...


Okay, that is my two cents....maybe four cents.

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2014 4:56 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 12:37 pm
Posts: 178
Ok - back. Thanks for the comments.

I have a nice P-Bass at the moment: it is enough for me.

I need (read, want) something fast, hence the tendancy towards a Jazz.

Vintage v Modern - I had a think about this; a good question. All things equal, I would move towards a modern style - more minimalist, but I guess it is also not a huge concern for me:
- I just need speed :-)

The P-Bass is great for blues and sonic destruction in rock / punk, but it is not the fastest machine in the world.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 10:01 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:23 pm
Posts: 311
Location: Marin County
I might look into a Fender Custom Shop Jazz or P...


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Alternative to Jazz
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:46 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
I found a 50th Anniversary Jazz on talkbass.com. I think he is asking a little too much, but it is possible the value has increased in the last four years. If memory serves, I paid someplace in the $1700-$1800 range for mine. But it is right in your price range.

Best jazz I own, hands down.

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender- ... r.1072098/

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 23 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: