fender american jazz question.

[growler571]

I have a question fellow bassists. Our band is going to start playing alot of funk/rock tunes like faith no more, and chili peppers etc. I need to get a bass that is made for funk unlike my P bass which i have now. I am thinking on gettin a fender american standard jazz bass, as i find the stingray basses seem to be to clanky for some songs we do. The only problem is I am worried the american standard jazz wont have enough enough output, and punch needed for faith no more type tone. Whaat do you folks think? Do you think the jazz will cut it for the faith no more and chilly peppers tunes? I also have an SB2 bass but it just doesnt seem quite right for funk. Please give me your thoughts and opions on the american jazz, as I have never played one in a band that does this type of music. Thanks....

[SJan3]

I agree that the Jazz Bass can sometimes come off as a tad anemic, especially after coming from an active bass like a Stingray. I play my American Jazz Bass through a Sadowsky Outboard Preamp and it really gives back the presence and thickness w/o sacrificing the articulation that Jazz basses are known for.
By the way, Flea is often seen playing a Jazz Bass.

[duff84]

jazz bass's can do it all if need be, just find a good set of strings to match it and your good to go. They cut through the mix more than a precision would. They are nice bass's.

[Jimmy Stump]

Originally Posted by growler571

I have a question fellow bassists. Our band is going to start playing alot of funk/rock tunes like faith no more, and chili peppers etc. I need to get a bass that is made for funk unlike my P bass which i have now. I am thinking on gettin a fender american standard jazz bass, as i find the stingray basses seem to be to clanky for some songs we do. The only problem is I am worried the american standard jazz wont have enough enough output, and punch needed for faith no more type tone. Whaat do you folks think? Do you think the jazz will cut it for the faith no more and chilly peppers tunes? I also have an SB2 bass but it just doesnt seem quite right for funk. Please give me your thoughts and opions on the american jazz, as I have never played one in a band that does this type of music. Thanks....

How's this P Bass for funk?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMSq__vg7Gs

[SJan3]

GOOD!

[DavidE]

My Hamer Cruise (Jazz copy) with stock Duncans has higher output than my Jazz Plus with Lace Sensors and Kubicki preamp AND my stock Sterlings. There are plenty of aftermarket pickups to get hot output on a Jazz if you need it.

[AdamR]

How about an Active Jazz ?

The guy from Faith No More uses Aria's through Peaveys, So much for needing high end gear.

[randmcnally]

Not to be contrarian, but if the bass is too quiet, why not turn up the amp? And if it's too tame, why not boost the gain on the amplifier's preamp section?

[johnk_10]

Originally Posted by randmcnally

Not to be contrarian, but if the bass is too quiet, why not turn up the amp? And if it's too tame, why not boost the gain on the amplifier's preamp section?

+1

IMO, it's not just about a bass having high output pickups (or a preamp). that's what the amp is for.

[Hugh Jass]

Just got a Sansamp VT bass pedal. I was more than satisfied with my jazz already for thickness, but holy cow that thing really beefs up the tone. I am actually bypassing the pre on my amp and just using the pedal. It has more than enough gain.

The character knob is awesome, you can dial anything from THICK smooth reggae dub type sounds to crunchy clanky high gain stuff. The cool thing is that even when you set up those grindy crunchy tones the low end and punch is still there. You can also dial up the drive knob for some dirt.

If you are worried about a Jazz lacking punch and fullness I would recommend checking out the Sansamp. Couldn't be more impressed.

[eyeballkid]

also something to consider... I thought the tone was a bit anemic and dull on my jazz and I spent about $120 on some Ultra Jazzes and now its gotz the jazz, and its gotz the azz!