Just voicing my opinion for future buyers. You can agree or not, but i think new buyers need to be aware of this. So yeah, not to disrespect the Jazz bass cause i love mine, but everywhere i look, there's always someone, including myself, asking for pickups that'll highlight the mids and lows. Doesn't it make more sense just to get a Precision bass instead? or a bass with humbuckers? My warning is don't be like me thinking that just because so and so artist has a jazz bass means that if you get a jazz bass you'll sound exactly like them. Also even though the Fender brand is dependable, don't just buy it for the brand. Review yourself personally and ask yourself, "what kind of tone do i want to express?" Find a bass that can give you that tone and then get it. One month later you'll find yourself wanting a different tone because your bass doesn't quite cut it anymore. That's ok, you're human, most first basses won't give you every tone that you want to get. But my advice is stick with your bass through the thick and thin. First time buyers, don't rush it like i did, you'll find yourself in a better place.
what would be your advice on a good bass for funk and slap in a prie range of about £400. I play left handed as well, i really dont know what would be best?
Bass players young and old are always searching for that perfect bass and sound. Its a curse because it costs money but also enjoyable because you keep trying/buying basses.
As relatively new player, I definately suggest spending the money on the bass you want (cheap or expensive) from the start. Your bass should look appealing and inviting everytime you look at it or walk by it. It should MAKE you want to pick it up. If you really want the MIA bass, try not to settle for anything less if you can help it. If you are happy with a MIM bass, there is no shame in that at all. I have both and love both of them. If you want a Lake Placid Blue bass or a pink one, buy one if you can. Try a few out as there are plenty of great deals, new and used, out there. Just make sure you find the one you want because buying, selling, and losing money takes time and attention away from playing.
Usually replacing pickups is much cheaper than replacing a neck so if someone wanted a jazz neck vs a p neck. Also I have 4 Jazzes and 1 P bass, although I perfer a P bass, so what 4 Jazzes? Because let the the insturment choose YOU not the other way around. Some people like to tinker I'd add make changes to a new bass reguardless of the price/make/model. Just my 2cents.
It really helps if you just go into the store and play everything you can afford. Heck, I went in to Skip's, and I walked out with a Dean (I have some inner hate for the brand itself).