PERPLEXED! What should I do with my Fender Jazz MIM?

**monkeybass68** · #1 02-17-2013, 06:42 AM

Just traded for this bass (I gave him MIM P deluxe, he gave me a '08 white MIM Jazz + cash). Just took the Jazz to my tech & he told me the neck is not in great shape (has a li'l bow to it). He's going to do his best with it, but says it'll probably never be perfect (and he really knows his stuff, been doing tech work forever & I trust him completely).
So, here's my conundrum. What should I do? I was thinking of giving this one a real 70's look (rosewood fingerboard with the white pearloid block inlays, tortoise shell pickguard, chrome bridge cover, vintage pickups, etc.).
So, do I:
1) look for a replacement neck? If I do that, do I wait til I find a Fender J neck on TB or eBay, or do I order one from Warmoth, etc.? Then do all the other mods to make it more like a 70's Jazz?
or
2) be patient, hold onto the MIM for awhile, save some cash up & sell MIM towards buying a "new" 70's Jazz (I do love the look of the sunburst one in particular)? Are the new 70's Jazz basses worth the extra wait & money?
or
3) other suggestion from a TB'er?
So TB'ers, give me your thoughts please.

AltGrendel · #2 02-17-2013, 06:46 AM

See what your tech can do, if you don 't like it get an AllParts replacement.

mattbass6945 · #3 02-17-2013, 06:48 AM

i would think you might want to just replace the neck, if you think you might have a playable bass. i think it might be hard to sell with a bum neck anyhow.

i've not played the 70's jazz, but if your hankerin' is that bad, then i think you have to bite the bullet and go for it.

i think it is also important to consider the cost of modding the old jazz with the cost of a "new" 70's jazz. (i don't know what all needs to be done.....)

good luck, sir!

Lee Bruton · #4 02-17-2013, 06:59 AM

Try to have it repaired, if it's a 2 piece neck souldn't be to much trouble, if not, get warmont or USA custom neck, I have a usa neck on my 75 Jazz and love it! An Allparts neck it one piece and you'll just endup with the same crap you get from fender

**monkeybass68** · #5 02-17-2013, 07:04 AM

Thanks guys, I will definitely take your advice into consideration!

**monkeybass68** · #6 02-18-2013, 06:29 AM

Your words struck a chord with me. I am "hankerin'" for the 70's Jazz. I used to have a '73 P with the same color sunburst that I absolutely LOVE & the sunburst J would look & sound great for the Black Crowes tunes I'll be playing!
I'm sure my tech can do a decent enough job of fixing the neck so that I can sell it. Although I'd inform any perspective buyer what was done & why. That'll probably cost me a few bucks, but I don't believe in ripping people off - especially fellow bassists.
When I get it back from the tech, I'll use it til I save up enough cash to get the 70's; although that may take some time since I'm taking the wife & kid to Disney in a couple months

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattbass6945

i would think you might want to just replace the neck, if you think you might have a playable bass. i think it might be hard to sell with a bum neck anyhow.

i've not played the 70's jazz, but if your hankerin' is that bad, then i think you have to bite the bullet and go for it.

i think it is also important to consider the cost of modding the old jazz with the cost of a "new" 70's jazz. (i don't know what all needs to be done.....)

good luck, sir!

Caca de Kick · #7 02-18-2013, 02:01 PM

Don't spend money making it into something it isn't. If that neck is wonky and it is not a block neck already, then buy a replacement block neck from Allparts. They make the closest block and binding neck I've seen.

Troph · #8 02-19-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Don't spend money making it into something it isn't. If that neck is wonky and it is not a block neck already, then buy a replacement block neck from Allparts. They make the closest block and binding neck I've seen.

Is it possible to get a real replacement neck from Fender with the headstock logo too?

On the used market, Fender instruments with aftermarket necks don't seem to sell all that well...

Dredmahawkus · #9 02-19-2013, 05:50 PM

I have a 9 week old MIM with the same issue. Its having the neck replaced under warranty.....but I decided to upgrade and bought a Warmoth and a badass bridge.

**monkeybass68** · #10 02-19-2013, 06:52 PM

Well, after a few days thinking on this, and taking input from u guys into account, I've decided to sell the '08 Jazz (after my tech does his best with it) & then buy the 70's re-issue. I realized that the cost of modding the '08 to get the vintage look AND buying a new neck isn't worth the effort. After I sell the '08 and a couple other odds and ends, I should be able to get the 70's J fairly soon.
Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated!

mattbass6945 · #11 02-19-2013, 06:55 PM

cool, let us know when you score that 70's jazz and how it sounds!

Diesel Kilgore · #12 02-19-2013, 06:57 PM

You dont have to spend so much if you dont want. I wouldn't on a MIM. Mighty Mite neck for $100 and call it a day.

**monkeybass68** · #13 02-27-2013, 08:58 PM

Quick update, sold the white Jazz locally, sold a few other odds & ends, just ordered the 70's Jazz tonight!

Bobster · #14 02-27-2013, 09:30 PM

monkeybass68,

Keep an eye on the 70's Jazz neck. I have owned and seen a couple with less stable necks. If you find that to be the case with yours (and hopefully you won't) get it assessed and the neck replaced under warranty.

Fender instruments have a lifetime warranty for the original owner. http://support.fender.com/warranty/F...-2001_revC.pdf

BTW, the neck on the 70's Jazz feels great.

All the best,

Bob

**monkeybass68** · #15 02-28-2013, 05:29 AM

Thanks for the advice Bob, it is most definitely appreciated. I will keep an eye out on the neck.

seang15 · #16 02-28-2013, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troph

Is it possible to get a real replacement neck from Fender with the headstock logo too?

On the used market, Fender instruments with aftermarket necks don't seem to sell all that well...

His bass in great shape is a $350 bass. Folks are suggesting $300 necks for it. I don't think resale value should be a huge concern....

Wallace320 · #17 02-28-2013, 06:28 AM

And, women and children first, go for MIM Classic '70s Jazz

Bullet trussrod and a neck (with rosewood fingerboard in maple place) the closest to the MIJ Geddy Lee you can get

Cheers,
Wallace

**monkeybass68** · #18 02-28-2013, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallace320

And, women and children first, go for MIM Classic '70s Jazz

Bullet trussrod and a neck (with rosewood fingerboard in maple place) the closest to the MIJ Geddy Lee you can get

Cheers,
Wallace