About to choose my first bass and need a little push...

I voted Squier J. I think it would be more than adequate for your stated aspirations, and versatile enough for about any situation.

Hopefully I don’t get laughed out of the thread for suggesting this, but you might also want to check out one of the older, passive Ibanez GIO soundgears with the P/J setup. They aren’t much to look at but they’re light and have a slim neck that’s pretty guitarist friendly. And somehow whatever cheap OEM pickups they used sound surprisingly clear and full. My sister has one and tonally, it holds up pretty well against some of my significantly more expensive instruments. And it was sub-$200.

 

Try them out and evaluate playability and sound. What we think is good for you might suck for you. I would first establish a budget ahead of time and stick to it.

 

I voted "Other" because I'm a P bass (and derivatives) guy.

I do own a J and have gigged it but am not keen on the shape, or theVVT controls for live use (despite the fact that I gigged an SG guitar for years, but that is different because there is the pickup selector as well).

I do think that if I had started in a J and only played that for 35 years instead of a P then that would be my go to type so don't take too much notice of me.

 

Welcome to TalkBass and to the deep end!

In your price range, and with the description you gave, I would try one of these.

For Sale - Fender Aerodyne 4-String Jazz Bass Black Rosewood Fretboard

I am in no way associated with the bass or the seller. I just did a search in our classifieds and it came up.

This is a MIJ "Jazz" with PJ configuration. It has volume/volume/master tone controls. The neck profile is slim. The body is slim. The looks speak for themselves (in my view anyway.... I think they look great).

It's a great mod platform if you should decide to try other pickups or a preamp in it later.

They hold their value very well, so if you should decide to sell later you shouldn't lose much.

Fender Japan build quality is fantastic.

This. This is your versatile, easy-on-the-hands, good looking, easily flipable launch into the bass world.

Best of luck with your hunt either way.

 

I would not want the Danelectro as my primary instrument. Quality not as good, tone not as versatile. Whichever of the other 2 feels better. The jazz is a better instrument imo.

 

I'll have what he's having... definitely a great choice!

(I voted for Fender Jazz, from what was offered.)

 

Have you tried this incredible beast?

If you do want someting more traditional, think G&L.

 

Get a best Fender bass you can afford.
If you want budget, get a Squier or Yamaha bass.
End of story.

 

Must admit that as far as budget goes, this one goes a long, long way.
I must've played two dozen jazz basses leading up to this purchase, Fender and Squier, and not one of them made me actually reach in my pocket for my wallet...this one did.

 

Noticed you didn't list Music Man Stingray? Noticed one of my other choices G&L's.

 

Any clue as to what it is?

 

Used Fender Jazz standard (also referred to as MIM) for half your budget, you'll need an amp too

 

Reverend Thundergun.

 

I agree. I have a Dano Longhorn and am planning on trading it for a Strat. It’s fun but more of a novelty IMHE.

 

Thanks. That one looks like it'd sound good.

 

This to me screams Squier jazz. I'd plump for a CV or a VM over an Affinity. Perfectly usable/playable instrument that isn't going to tie up a lot of cash.

 

I am going with the majority on this one. I would hunt for a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass. Here's one now!



Used Squier in 4-String Basses

(Sorry - I don't know my way around HTML.)

I've played alot of basses over my years and, for the dough, I am very impressed with Squier's Classic Vibe series.

P.S. I am not affiliated with the seller.

 

I voted for the Jazz and also the Squier Jazz (didn't know I could do that!). I voted for the Jazz because I've been playing one for 52-years now (since 1966). Be sure to try out the neck before you buy because all Jazz necks are not the same. They will typically have that same nut width just fine, but the thickness of the neck can vary tremendously.

I bought a 1965 Jazz in 1966 and it had a thin neck with a shallow "C" shape and a 7.25" radius on the fretboard. I toured for 3-years with that bass in the early 70's so I really got used to that neck. I recall seeing a 1966 Fender Jazz on the wall with block fretboard markers instead of dots and white binding on the neck - really looked cool! Then I pulled it off the wall to play it and the neck sucked! Although it was the same width at the nut, it was a really thick neck with a deep U profile. Hung it back on the wall and ignored it, very pleased that I had a '65.

My '65 was stolen in 1976 and I didn't find another neck with that same profile until 1985 when I bought the White Jazz (MIA) that you see in my avatar. Modern Jazz necks normally have a 9.5" radius fretboard or a variable one from with 9.5" to 12" radius as it moves up the neck. Most players like them just fine. What I"m saying is you don't have to find a neck like the one on my bass because you haven't already been using a particular neck for years, but check them out before you buy them to make sure they are comfortable for you. Stay away from the thick U-shaped necks and I'm right with you about not liking the feel of the P-bass necks!

I included the Squier in my vote because my grandson got a Squier P-bass for Christmas and it both looks good and sounds good. It also had the best P-bass neck on it I've every felt. Wasn't as big and clunky as all the rest of the P-bass necks.