Advise when buying a used Fender Jazz

[chipbutty24]

Hi there. I am going to check out a 2006 MIM Fender Jazz bass on Saturday. I am totally new to basses but have been playing guitar for a number of years. What things should I look for when evaluating a bass. Are there any definite "walk away" signs. Guy says it's barely used and in like new condition. What's a fair price for a 2006 MIM. I offered $300, he said he would couldn't let it go for less than $350 (Canadian). Thanks.

 

[P. Aaron]

BASS: The typical things are: How does it feel in your hands? Plug it in and work ALL the controls and play every note on every fret. Listen for dead spots or buzz. Check the neck, its fit in the pocket. Does it look like the owner has cared for it? Is there a case? The condition.

DO you like the vibe? The tone...that kinda stuff.

BARGAINING: Don't phone it in, unless you've already met the owner, played it and are in the negotiating phase.

But nothing gets a better response than making an offer with cash in hand...in front of the owner. There's a price for everything...in the case of MIM Jazz basses, they are like IROC-Z's or bellybuttons: most people have one, so don't be afraid to walk-away if you can't get the deal you want.

 

[BenGrim]

350 is a bit high. They go for more like 250 (or less) these days. Unless it's 100% perfect and comes with a case, I 'd stay away.

 

[snyderz]

Same as a guitar. Neck, frets, fit, finish, pots, tuners, action, weight, balance, color. If you like all of those, buy it.

 

[Dub56]

Unless it's in phenomenal condition, plays really well, and is the exact color/fingerboard combo you're looking for, and comes with a case, you could pay less for one and be happy. Doesn't mean you shouldn't go check it out, it could be a good bass. Fenders are always guitars/basses I want to try before I buy and make sure it's one I like.

 

[gahpg]

Same as a guitar. Neck, frets, fit, finish, pots, tuners, action, weight, balance, color. If you like all of those, buy it.

and the sound

 

[Staccato]

If you paid $300 Canadian (not $350.00) would this include a hard case? His asking price is high for a MIM Standard.
I paid $399.99 NEW for my MIM Std. NOS last year at Guitar Center in the U.S.

 

[chipbutty24]

Thanks for all the input. The ad was on Kijiji and there was no price specified, so I threw out $300 (most others I've seen are in the 350-400 range round my parts). He can back with 350 which I though was fair.

I believe it does come with a case. My biggest concern is that, while I will have the opportunity to play it, I don't really know how to play a bass, I mean not well enough that I'd be able to tell a good one from a mediocre one. I guess if it feels good and sounds good to me it's a go. Stay tuned, I may be having an NBD this weekend.

 

[chipbutty24]

If you paid $300 Canadian (not $350.00) would this include a hard case? His asking price is high for a MIM Standard.
I paid $399.99 NEW for my MIM Std. NOS last year at Guitar Center in the U.S.

New MIMs are 660 here.

 

[Staccato]

What was suggested about checking for buzzing, or notes that do not play-individual notes-especially past the 12th fret/ high notes.

 

[emblymouse]

I suggest you take a little time and play it unplugged first. Just fret single notes, open strings too, and let them ring out. You want to pay attention to how it resonates, does it feel live or dead? This physical aspect comes into play with basses more than guitars and is desirable.
Don't worry too much about buzzing and fret noise, a good set up and new strings can fix much of that. You ought to budget $75 or so to have this done anyway, unless you are lucky enough to find it's just come back from the shop!

 

[Brubass]

I bought my used, mint condition '05 MIM Jazz about 18 months ago in the NYC metro area for US$220 with a hard case. I'd wait for a better deal.