Hugely indecisive on what to get, can someone help me out?

Myrriad · #1 02-19-2013, 10:14 PM

Here's what I want:

-4 string
-Jazz type sound
-Also able to come up with a good rock/metal (basically more aggressive) sound
-Thin(ner than average) neck
-Block inlays!

I've got about $900 to spend, and I want to stick to a new bass.

EagleMoon · #2 02-19-2013, 11:22 PM

One piece body? That's going to be tough to find since most bass bodies are at least two or three pieces, sometimes more. Hard to tell you what to get since a person's tastes about feel and sound of a bass vary so greatly. Of the three that you linked I'd personally pick the jazz. The C-4 has EMG-HZ's which IMO are pretty crappy, low output pickups. The Hellraiser has better pickups but depends on if you like the sound of EMG's in general. The jazz will be more versatile for more situations. Honestly if I had $900 to spend I'd get a used 2008 or newer Fender American Standard jazz. You'd never need another bass again. They're really nice.

StrangerDanger · #3 02-20-2013, 12:45 AM

None of those basses have a one piece body.

NeroJazz · #4 02-20-2013, 12:48 AM

Get a good jazz bass, slap a J-retro in it and you've got a player with tonal options for days.

lonote · #5 02-20-2013, 09:44 AM

I'd say go with the Jazz. You should have no problem finding a nice used American Jazz for $900 or less...used is definitely the way to go. Also, forget about a 1-piece body; that would be virtually impossible to find.

Myrriad · #6 02-20-2013, 11:22 PM

I do like the Fender Jazz, I just find it a bit too...generic.

Myrriad · #7 02-20-2013, 11:33 PM

Edited what I want quite a bit.

Munjibunga · #8 02-20-2013, 11:38 PM

You want the 4-string version of this. It should be in your price range. It's an Amercian Fender Jazz Deluxe QMT (or FMT). Great-sounding bass. You'd have to find a used one, though.

two fingers · #9 02-20-2013, 11:43 PM

What kind of amp do you play? Depending on the amp, you can get any J bass you like and it will sound mellow or aggressive based on your amp settings, pedals, playing style, etc.

I know Rush isn't metal, but you would be hard pressed to find a more "aggressive" J growl than Geddy's tone. And he did it with a regular J for years.

IronLung1986 · #10 02-20-2013, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrriad

Here's what I want:

-4 string
-Jazz type sound
-Also able to come up with a good rock/metal (basically more aggressive) sound
-Thin(ner than average) neck
-Block inlays!

I've got about $900 to spend, and I want to stick to a new bass.

you have given an exact description of the fender geddy lee signature jazz bass. i would see about trying one of those.

Myrriad · #11 02-21-2013, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

you have given an exact description of the fender geddy lee signature jazz bass. i would see about trying one of those.

I was actually just looking at that, but in the videos I saw I'd only seen an aggressive sound, I was just wondering if it could also play something like this (random example) and get the right tone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77fRudFayag

IronLung1986 · #12 02-21-2013, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrriad

I was actually just looking at that, but in the videos I saw I'd only seen an aggressive sound, I was just wondering if it could also play something like this (random example) and get the right tone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77fRudFayag

oh dude, it's still a jazz bass - it can do almost anything! it's just that most people play the geddy bass pretty aggressively because they're trying to sound like geddy! i wouldn't worry about getting mellower tones out of it. i know a guy who played one in a ska band (

i know) but he got a real good motown-type sound from it. you can expect considerable versatility from an instrument like that.

Myrriad · #13 02-21-2013, 07:58 AM

Geddy Lee Signature it is! Just gotta sell the old G&L Tribute L2000 and save a bit.

P.S. The G&L is on Ebay if you're interested.

mogpipe · #14 02-21-2013, 08:04 AM

Save yourself some cash and get the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz($299.00). Should cover most of your criteria 'cept one piece body. Got one for Christmas and I'm in love with it. My Schecter C4 has quickly become my back-up bass! The Duncan Designed pick ups are awesome, the neck is a dream, and the black blocks are Bad Ass!!! Don't let the Squier name scare ya off, these basses would easily bring in 2 to 3 times the amount they're sold for! Do some research, read the reviews, freaking awesome bass, awesome deal!

PS
Then string it with some Chromes,.......BOOOOM!!!!!

the Pipe

Myrriad · #15 02-21-2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mogpipe

Save yourself some cash and get the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz($299.00). Should cover most of your criteria 'cept one piece body. Got one for Christmas and I'm in love with it. My Schecter C4 has quickly become my back-up bass! The Duncan Designed pick ups are awesome, the neck is a dream, and the black blocks are Bad Ass!!!

That's another one I looked at, but I've heard a lot of people say they didn't like the pickups. I'm also loving the thin neck on the Geddy.

mogpipe · #16 02-21-2013, 08:27 AM

A number of the reviews I read directly compared it to the Geddy, and the VMJ still came out on top. A number of reviewers did swap out the pups for something else, but I'm having no problems with them at all. Definately prefer them over the EMG's on my Schecter.(alnico magnets vs ceramic magnets)

**awilkie84** · #17 02-21-2013, 08:31 AM

$900 and limiting yourself to a NEW bass, eh? Sounds like a Fender Active Deluxe Jazz is right up your alley, then.
Another option that's not quite so "generic", as you put it, would be to go with a Spector Legend Classic & swap the soapbar pickups for EMG 35J pickups. They fit the same cavity but are a single coil jazz pickup.

Myrriad · #18 02-21-2013, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awilkie84

$900 and limiting yourself to a NEW bass, eh? Sounds like a Fender Active Deluxe Jazz is right up your alley, then.
Another option that's not quite so "generic", as you put it, would be to go with a Spector Legend Classic & swap the soapbar pickups for EMG 35J pickups. They fit the same cavity but are a single coil jazz pickup.

I prefer a maple fretboard with block inlays haha.

Yorick · #19 02-21-2013, 08:53 AM

Squier Vintage Modified jazz secondhand, then pimp away......

millsbass5 · #20 02-21-2013, 09:11 AM

"Also, forget about a 1-piece body; that would be virtually impossible to find."-QUOTE

Well, well, well...... Hmm, looks like someone needs a Carvin SB4000. When are bassists gonna finally "get it" with this brand?

I didn't see anything regarding a 1-piece body from the
OP but, I'll play. Carvin (Ahem

) offers it for around $60, I think.