Which stand in bass?

tonynoriega · #1 02-07-2011, 06:22 PM

My main bass - the one I walk out of the house with to gig - is an original '66 Jazz and I've played it so long that nothing else feels right (the tone also works well for the classic rock and blues I primarily play). I believe it has a 7.5 inch radius and that, along with the 'played in' feel of the instrument, are what contribute to the playability factor for me. Lately I've been worried that it may get lifted at a gig and I want to find a bass that plays like the one I have (or as close as possible), but that's not as valuable and I hope some of you guys can offer suggestions. By the way, I recently visited the GC and played a Classic Vibe, which I like the looks of, but the radius is much flatter so it won't work. Thanks in advance~

cjmodulus · #2 02-07-2011, 06:31 PM

You could try the fender classic series 60's jazz. It's made in Mexico,'but it's a step above the standard series quality wise (I've had the chance to play both side by side). Given that it's a reissue it should be Pretty close. You could check the specs on the fender website.
Of course, if your not limiting yourself to fenders then theres a lot more options out there.

Edit: just checked the fender site. Fretboard radius is 7.25 on the classic jazz. Pretty close to the 7.5 you listed.

tjh · #3 02-07-2011, 09:42 PM

cj has it correct ... I also had a 66' jazz, dots/binding, but sold it back in '72 ... anyhow, the 60's Classic is 7.25, which your 66 should be too, and also vintage fret wire and reverse tuners as your 66' ... you can get aftermarket oval tuners if you want to go that far that are direct fit also ... they are going around $500 used, and fit and finish is very good ... some are changing to the CS 60's pups, but for that money you have a little room to play with and fine tune ... I have one, and have just about convinced myself that I didn't make a $6-8000 mistake back in '72 ... well, just about ... but as they say, if I knew then what I know now ...

BTW, the Roadworn Jazz is the same neck dimensions, with slightly thinner body and a more rolled fretboard edge ... so that is probably even closer to home ... if you want to go that way too

muzikman7 · #4 02-07-2011, 10:16 PM

I had one and it was a real nice bass the only reason I sold it was because I have a '62 AV Jazz and an American standard Jazz.

tonynoriega · #5 02-08-2011, 06:17 AM

That's very useful information. I'll check out the classic series Jazz's as well as the road worn and see if the feel right. Thanks!