A good cheap Jazz type bass with 70s pickup spacing?

[InstantEctobass]

Howdy

As some of you may know... the Squier VM 70 and 77, regardless their name, didn't get the 70s pickup spacing. I'm not creating a topic to debate wheter it makes a difference to the tone or not, please avoid that matter.

But in the end, I'd love to get my hands on a low-mid price bass that would have a 70s Jazz pickups spacing, and if possible with a maple fretboard.

Do you guys have any references?
Thanks!

 

[Resonance129]

Consider the Fender "Player Series" JBass.
They're mid-range in price, but feel and sound lovely, IMO. The alnico pickups make a difference I was unaware of before, until I tried a few of them.
A pretty decent amount of color options as well.

EDIT:
I realized, after the fact, that I'm not sure of the pickup spacing (70's or not). That seems like a pretty high priority to you based on your original post, but they're great basses, regardless. Just another option to consider.

 

[Rib 13]

Sire V7 Vintage

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[InstantEctobass]

Sire V7 Vintage

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I feel like the prices of the 2nd gen aren't friendly like before... Sadly I wanted a tight price like 350, as the Squier VM have. But I can't seem to find that

 

[CallMeAl]

SX ?

 

[InstantEctobass]

SX ?

Unfortunately, SX's 70s JBasses aren't using the 70s pickup spacing. And they don't sell them in my country

 

[bassboysam]

a used MIM Geddy Lee, might be a bit more than what you want to spend but worth it in my opinion.

 

[InstantEctobass]

a used MIM Geddy Lee, might be a bit more than what you want to spend but worth it in my opinion.

I had that idea too... and to refinish the body... hopefully, I won't buy hated doing so?

 

[Luigir]

You might look at the newly introduced g&l jb tribute. It goes for about 450$ new on reverb: G&L Tribute Series JB Lake Placid Blue



JB



I'm not 100% sure about the pickup spacing but G&L is the last Fender company and makes great basses.

 

[4sight]

The Mexican made Fender Classic 70s would be well out of your budget, but maybe you could pick up a used body from one?

 

[InstantEctobass]

You might look at the newly introduced g&l jb tribute. It goes for about 450$ new on reverb: G&L Tribute Series JB Lake Placid Blue



JB



I'm not 100% sure about the pickup spacing but G&L is the last Fender company and makes great basses.

Thank you, but sadly not the 70s pickup spacing in here. Great bass though, I know that G&L are solid

 

[40Hz]

I had that idea too... and to refinish the body... hopefully, I won't buy hated doing so?

I doubt anyone would care. It’s not like you’d be refinishing a museum piece.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I feel like the prices of the 2nd gen aren't friendly like before... Sadly I wanted a tight price like 350, as the Squier VM have. But I can't seem to find that

You want a custom bass configuration, and a sub budget price. At that price point I would be more concerned about quality of materials and construction.

 

[cheechi]

I want the same thing... but lefty.

A Warmoth (or other custom) body so far seems to be the best value from what I have found. May depend on what options you have on that side though.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

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[2112]

I had that idea too... and to refinish the body... hopefully, I won't buy hated doing so?

I have swapped out and/or repainted bodies on many of my Geddy's, both MIA and MIJ. Don't care if anyone doesn't like, it makes me happy.

 

[JustinG60]

My thoughts... I would go to Warmoth and figure out the cheapest way to get into a body that you know has the spacing you want since they offer a 70's option.

Not a complete setup but you can get a neck off their screaming deals cheap too. Budget some other stuff, pick up pieces as you go, and you're left with an affordable, high quality, bass with 70's bridge spacing.

...I swear I don't work for Warmoth haha

 

[2112]

My thoughts... I would go to Warmoth and figure out the cheapest way to get into a body that you know has the spacing you want since they offer a 70's option.

Not a complete setup but you can get a neck off their screaming deals cheap too. Budget some other stuff, pick up pieces as you go, and you're left with an affordable, high quality, bass with 70's bridge spacing.

...I swear I don't work for Warmoth haha

Agreed... one.of my swapped-body MIA Geddy's is a Warmoth with the 70's pup spacing. Very pleased with it.

 

[tyohars]

If I were you, try to find a secondhand V7 vintage. That's the cheapest way. If you don't want an active electronic, they're beast too passive. I want them, but at the time can't afford the Vintage and opt the original V7

 

[stingray69]

Unfortunately, SX's 70s JBasses aren't using the 70s pickup spacing. And they don't sell them in my country

Actually, all the older SX Vintage 70/75 series utilized the 70's spacing (4in between the pickup centers). Maybe one can be found on Reverb or elsewhere.

Here's my Vintage SX (floor) and a friend's true 70's Fender jazz (on the stand) in the same shot.

Note the bridge pickup spacing down by the Tone knob on both.