I'm planning on buying a new backup jazz bass, but I'm torn between the Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz, a G&L Tribute Series JB-2, or a Fender Stand Jazz MIM. Any thoughts?
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Best Backup Bass?
- Thread starter Musicmanbassguy
- Start date
What are you playing for your main bass? If you want strictly a backup , you might want to stick with something that's close to your main player. I have two practically identical P Basses for gigging (although they do sound a bit different.) The bands I play in really don't need any sound that I can't get from them. If you are doing a wide variety of types of music or a genre that requires very different tones , go for something different from what you already have. If I wanted or needed a much tighter sound or a modern tone , I would bring my Ibanez or Cort along for gigging. Since that is not required , I keep the Ibby and Cort in my practice room and have them tuned differently to be able to work on You Tube stuff that I am learning. (One is tuned standard and the other is tuned to Eb.) It's amazing how many songs are on You Tube in Eb.
Sounds like you are wanting a Jazz-ish sounding bass to back up a Jazz bass. That's a good idea. Another approach, at at least for me, is to have a complimentary pair, like a fretted and a fretless, or maybe the same bass or type of bass, one with rounds and the other with flats. Either way it's a good plan. The basses you mentioned are good players and would make excellent back-ups. Read some reviews and go try them out if possible.
I like Fenders myself, but I have played some of the current Tributes and Squiers and have been impressed.
I like Fenders myself, but I have played some of the current Tributes and Squiers and have been impressed.
I'd agree with JD56Hawk. If it's strictly as a backup beater, get the Squier - It could be fun gradually modding it, too. Squier VM Jazz with Aguilar 60's pickups, anyone? 
Would this be 'best backup bass for metal?' 
I think we can assume you play a music man bass, given your screen name, but you should confirm that, the music you play and anything else that would help someone make a useful suggestion.
I think we can assume you play a music man bass, given your screen name, but you should confirm that, the music you play and anything else that would help someone make a useful suggestion.
I play a few different styles, including metal, along with jazz, rock, and sub genres along those lines.Would this be 'best backup bass for metal?'
I think we can assume you play a music man bass, given your screen name, but you should confirm that, the music you play and anything else that would help someone make a useful suggestion.
You still haven't confirmed that you play a musicman, but assuming you do, why is the Sterling my Musicman not on your list?
I do, and I also own a SUB Ray4, in terms of Sterling. Just looking for a bass better for jazz type projects.
Now I understand. Looking for a bass for jazz type projects is a different question than looking for a backup bass. Backup bass implies a bass to play when your primary bass is unavailable. I don't own the Squier VM jazz, but it gets great reviews. Try the search function; it's your friend.
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If you are talking about a back-up bass that you gig with, I would keep it the same model/style, as in a Jazz or P-bass, at least the same neck. Different profile necks can trip you up if a quick switch is needed in the middle of a gig.
I'd agree with JD56Hawk. If it's strictly as a backup beater, get the Squier - It could be fun gradually modding it, too. Squier VM Jazz with Aguilar 60's pickups, anyone?
+0.5.
Not sure I would put Aguilars in a bass that costs less than the pickups, but there is merit to swapping out the stock pickups for something better.
I once put Aguilar J60's in an MIM 5 string. Massive transformation, but costly!
But now that I think of it, the pickups in my 2014 MIM jazz are much better than in the older models. So, my vote is for the MIM.
wmhill
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I was pretty impressed with a Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass body I picked up. It just feels high quality.
Yeah great if you never play it! Small. But I haven't decided about keeping mine. Just feels weird when I play it. Sounds OK though. Looks weird hanging on you too!
My backup choice is something you play. So I like a fretted-fretless pair. Of course the choice of pair depends on the music you are playing as someone already noted.
