• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best bass for $1600

#41
bassbenj said:
Yeah, that was my thought as well. I have a MIM Fender jazz and I was unhappy with it. So my first choice was new pickups, strings, setup, shielding, bridge etc. Was just a tiny fraction of $1600 (though not exactly zero fer sure) and that bass just came alive in my hands.

Now if the mods had not done it, then the next step would have been a MIA Jazz and if then I was STILL unhappy then clearly from there it would be time to move on to new territory like a G&L or MM.

But why not try the upgrades first?
Click to expand...

I've already spent a lot of bucks on upgrades. First I bought SD dual core hot stacks for $80 and paid a luthier to install them. I didn't like the sound so I paid another luthier to put back the originals. I've also had a setup done. So I've sunk around $300 on upgrades already. I think it's a money pit. The action was what made me fall in love with it the first time.
 
#42
Malak the Mad said:
If I had the money, I'd grab it, but not before doing a ton of research (TB, Youtube, other online reviews, retailer's customer comments, etc…).

Normally it would be going for a cool $900, but until September 2nd certain Fender lines have been given either a $50 or $100 discount. Not too shabby, eh?

One other thing you might want to look into on the "tone front"…a Tonestyler by Stellartone. I just bought one for a P-bass I'm assembling from parts. From all accounts, it should seriously improve the tone-shaping. I'm not what you would call "electronics-savvy", despite my love of gadgets, but varies the capacitance of the tone pot…or something like that. Do a search for it on TB and you'll find more than a few mentions. More learned folk could explain it better than I. :o

They're not cheap, but the testimonials alone made me decide to drop a bit extra into my build-project. Maybe it could sharpen up what you already have before you go and drop a small fortune on a new bass?
Click to expand...

Don't laugh, but what is "TB"? :o
 
#43
aparker82 said:
It's a bit less than $1600 as I believe it was $789 but my wife bought me this bass yesterday and it's absolutely amazing. The quality and tone of these Ray35's is unbelievable, than again in the $1600 price range you could buy a stingray. I will say though this blows my MIM Fender P Bass out of the water in all aspects.


attachment.jpg
Click to expand...

Very nice! My mouth is watering already! Cool bass. Congratulations! :D
 
#45
bassbenj said:
Yeah, that was my thought as well. I have a MIM Fender jazz and I was unhappy with it. So my first choice was new pickups, strings, setup, shielding, bridge etc. Was just a tiny fraction of $1600 (though not exactly zero fer sure) and that bass just came alive in my hands.

Now if the mods had not done it, then the next step would have been a MIA Jazz and if then I was STILL unhappy then clearly from there it would be time to move on to new territory like a G&L or MM.

But why not try the upgrades first?
Click to expand...

What pu's did you use? Do most luthiers know how to fix the shielding and the bridge, etc? I'm not a do-it yourself kind of guy. Thanks.
 
#48
I bought a used MIM Deluxe J a few years ago, and it is an OK bass, but it is certainly not a high-end instrument. It was worth the money I paid though, and I still have it.
When I decided to upgrade, I ordered an American Deluxe P, (natural ash finish/maple fret board), in December of 2011 from a local shop. (Price: $1360). I was very happy with it. So much so, that I ordered an Am Dlx J, (also natural ash finish/maple fret board) from the same shop in December of last year, (which cost me $1450).
I actually prefer the P, but they are both excellent instruments, and I have been very happy with how both of them play, sound and look.
I'm sure there are a lot of great basses in your price range.
Have fun finding something you like.
 
#51
Many fine suggestions so far. If the pickups are the issue and the bass is otherwise a fine player, may I humbly suggest DiMarzio Model J (DP123) pickups. They transformed my MIJ jazz into a tone monster. And don't forget new strings and adjustments of pickup height; small changes can make big tonal differences IME FWIW.

Another fine jazz-style bass with a more aggressive tone is the Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones. They show up regularly on the Classifieds here for less than $1000.
 
#52
One last upgrade or change you can try, before spring for another bass, is to change the tone cap. In the Fender forum, a poster (Brother Dave) described how the cap type can have an impact on your tone. So, you may want to check over there:
Invalid Link Removed
But, if you are set on getting another bass, an Amer Std Jazz Bass is not bad, especially that they now put in Custom Shop pickups. I had a 2008 5 string Jazz Bass and wasn't happy with the pickups so I put in some Bartolini's but I ended up selling it.
Another bass check out is MM Sterling (not Sterling by Music Man). It has a Jazz width neck, just like your old bass.
 
#53
Dirk Rockbottom said:
I'm becoming fed up with my MIM Fender Jazz. The pickups and circuitry are just a pain. I want to buy a good bass for around $1600 bucks.

I think the American Fender Jazz has a nice sound so that's my first choice. I like a warm tone with a bit of an edge to it.

If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dirk
Click to expand...

How are the pickups and circuitry a pain on the MIM Jazz, but a MIA Jazz, which has the same circuit and similar pickups (and similar sound, having owned both at one point) your 1st choice?
 
#57
Used Sadowsky Metros are often available for around $1600. Sometimes used USA Laklands can hover in that range.

Music Man is a solid product for that kind of $$, new, if you dig the sound and weight. They are well-made instruments.

Carvin provides good value.

But that used Sadowsky or Lakland is probably the best use of your $$$.
 
#60
ShowLow said:
Many fine suggestions so far. If the pickups are the issue and the bass is otherwise a fine player, may I humbly suggest DiMarzio Model J (DP123) pickups. They transformed my MIJ jazz into a tone monster. And don't forget new strings and adjustments of pickup height; small changes can make big tonal differences IME FWIW.

Another fine jazz-style bass with a more aggressive tone is the Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones. They show up regularly on the Classifieds here for less than $1000.
Click to expand...

Can't agree more with this post. Strings and setup make a huge difference(especially pickup height). I have Model Js and Model Ps in two of my basses and I love them. They are definitely worth looking to.

That being said though, my main player is a stock American STD Jazz that will have to be pried from my cold dead hands.

Edit: @Showlow There must be something in the water here :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back