Bass Help...

Absolutely you will need a better amp. A Jazz shouldn't be wimpy with lows, although it is much more refined in the mids.

If you want deep lows, and a 5-string, maybe the Fender American Standard Precision is what you would like. Precision basses have a very thick sound in the lower part of the frequency spectrum, the lows and low-mids.

If that's not in your price range, I would also consider a Yamaha BB425/BB425X, which can act as a good Precision imitator with just the neck pickup soloed. Plus, you have the advantage of another pickup if you want a different sound. The BB basses are monsters.

 

it is very hard to beat the low end of a fender precision bass. An active bass may not be the best either, it might just make the mids and highs louder depending on the bass

 

IMO you don't need a new bass at all. A Jazz should be able to deliver solid deep lows just fine. I think the issue is more likely your technique, as you noted your not really a bass player, and your amp.

For recording, I would definitely recommend staying passive, and unless you're sure you like playing a 5 string, I wouldn't go there either. If you want to improve your specific bass, consider upgrading the pickups.

My advice for recording would be to purchase a good DI. A passive fender recorded direct through a good DI will deliver solid lows, and you can EQ to taste in your DAW. MANY MANY records are made this way. I would suggest taking a look at Radial direct boxes as a starting point. The Countryman 85 is also a studio standard, and on the super cheap, a Whirlwind IMP will get the job done.

Also, if you have an interface with instrument inputs, give that a go and see how it sounds. Depending on what you have, some do a better job with bass than others. Good luck!

 

Solo the neck pup on your jazz, play closer to the neck, and get a decent amp. That should do.

 

I was gonna say lower end Warwicks are more expensive than a mid-priced Yamaha, but apparently the BB425 ain't so popular, and now most of that is dominated by the $600 BB425X.

A G&L tribute is also outside your range. Try looking around for a used BB415 from Yamaha. They are really cheap and fantastic bang for the buck. More than I can say about anything else.

Oh, and yes, ditch the Crate. I own the same one - so I know all too well.

 

Check out the amps forum. They might be able to help you there. I recently tried an Orange Terror Bass and fell in love.

 

If you're set on trying something different than the J, you could always try to work out a trade rather than selling and buying again. Lots of traded occur in the classified on here. Where are you located?

 

Id reccomend the BC Rich spalted maple top, neck thru Paulo warlock for that sort of sound. EMG active mm humbucker style pups, neck thru. Warm voiced humbuckers instead of the treble oriented stingray version of. Paolo Gregoletto Signature 5 St Warlock Bass Bass - B.C. Rich

 

If you're just looking to use this for recording, a good DI will be cheaper and arguably better than a decent amp. For your passive bass, an active DI like a Countryman Type 85 or Radial J48 would be great.

And I'm with everyone that says to keep the bass you have now. New strings can make a world of difference in getting the tone you're after.

 

Thunderbirds don't do church too well, but they do bottom end. I picked up an Ibanez SR800 recently as well, and with the P/J dual pups and active preamp, it can do just about any sound you want, from Jaco to Trujillo.

I can vouch for the newer gen Rockbass, but stay away from the Corvette $$ - those pickups are amp killers. I traded down for one with 2 active J style pickups and love it - it also comes in a 5 and there happens to be one available on eBay here:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/140736221722?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648

 

Can we see this Jazz? I want to see if I can grab some info about. Can you also post the serial #?