American Deluxe Jazz- $650 ?

(UPDATE: See bottom of page)

The music store wins. I was in my local store, AB'ing the Fender Geddy Lee and the Fender Highway One they just got in when I spotted a like-new used American Deluxe Jazz for $650.

Plays nice, sounds great, the construction is excellent and the action is low without buzzing. Come with Hardshell case. It's in lovely Sunburst with a tort pickguard.

Considering these go for $1300 new- do you think I should jump on it? I'm more of a passive guy personally, but this bass didn't quite have the sterile sound of many active basses I've tried. I suppose I could always get passive pickups and bypass the preamp if I become so anal about it.

What is everyone's gist of this bass and the opportunity I'm presented. I asked them to hold it for me until I call them tomorrow to make a final decision, so I need opinions fast.

Thanks!

 

I think this bass has active pickups. they have only 4 pole-pieces on the pickups and when we took the battery out it yielded no sound- but I'm not sure if active basses with passive pickups do this as well. Anyone know?

 

After a bit of looking I've determined it's a Deluxe from around 1995-1999 due to the pickups having one pole-piece per string and 9-volt preamp.

Are the '95-'99 basses any better/ worse than the modern ones? I've the preamp was modified as well.

 

So is it possible to wire it as a passive bass? I don't hate the EQ, but the option for passive is always intriguing.

 

Ahhhh!

My dreams have been slowed! I called them today to confirm my buy- as they were holding for me as I said earlier.

Well, I talked to one of the employees (it was his bass that he traded in actually) and he told me he found of that the owner, who I'm friendly with, had apparently been supposed to put the bass aside for someone on Friday, but forgot to tell the employees to take it off the floor and went out of town for the weekend.

Now I'm not sure I'll be the one getting the bass or not. I'm waiting for a call back after the owner comes back into town and can figure this out.

Bah humbug! Oh well, I can always use the store credit I was going to use for some of the bass' payment for starting up regular lessons again. I'll see what they say tomorrow....

 

Well guys, I'm sorry to say they're sold the bass to the person who reserved before me, despite their screw-up.

I guess I'll have to keep looking! I'm really bummed though.