Best Jazz bass for under $800?

Buy used and get a MIA Jazz. If you're looking for a four string passive, you could score one if you look enough.

 

Check for used deals. I know that the price of Fenders have inflated dramatically over the past few years, so you might be able to find a really nice used Fender Jazz that fits your budget.

The price of a MIM Fender is up to well over $600, and to be honest I wouldn't pay full price for one. But search well and the deals will come.

 

+1

If you must go new, MIM Fender work just fine, and G&L JB-2 Tributes are really nice at their pricepoint.

 

Lakland Skyline JO appears from time to time in the classifieds for around that amount and IMO they are way superior to anything squier can offer you.

 

+1 to that (I own a JB-2 tribute that I chose over the squiers and mim fenders)...

 

I'd even say they're superior to the majority of the American Standards. I had a Skyline JO5, and it smoked every AmStd Jazz I'd ever played. I ended up having to sell it to pay for my Elrick, but it was a sacrifice that I don't lose too much sleep over

 

look around and play a few - I have purchased 3 MIM Jazz basses (and they are all champs) and still haven't spend the 800.00 you have budgeted for one. Deals are out there

 

If you've got the patience, wait for a Hamer Cruise 2Tek to turn up. Great basses, and they've been coming in at around $550-600 lately.

 

I would definitely recommend the G&L JB-2 Tribute model. IMO it's the best bang for your buck.
http://www.music123.com/G-L-Tribute-JB-2-Bass-Guitar-516196-i1391149.Music123

 

If you like you J tone a bit bright and growly, I'd highly consider a used Skyline DJ4. Amazing instrument, and a used one in perfect shape would be well within your price range.

IMO!

 

http://www.rondomusic.com/product932.html

 

+1

$800 is a good-sized budget for a nice Jazz if you're patient and look for the deal. I just scored a CIJ 75RI Ash body vintage burst block inlays, gorgeous tone monster, shipped from Tokyo for $849

I just watched an ash bodied American Standard (S-1 switch) in Trans Sunset Orange fail to sell TWICE on eBay (no bids) with a starting bid of $700, an awesome Jazz bass.

Don't get in a hurry, do a little research, and good luck!

 

I'm a MIM J fan. Mine is a great bass...and cost under $300 used without a scratch on it.

 

Used Geddy Lee?

 

Check out a Ken Smith Design jazz or a Carvin SB4000

 

You didn't say Fender!!

 

If you're looking for a Jazz Bass, you simply can't do better for the money than than a Hamer 2-TEK CruiseBass. They sold for well over $1,000 when they were new in the mid-90's. They are absolutely top-notch in every way... wood, electronics, finishes and build quality.

 

I got this MIM used at Guitar Center, $250 with the case.



Dent on the end headstock and small chip in the clearcoat on the back/top, but a perfect player.

I got a near perfect MIM P for $300.

Go on-line and see what’s available in your area, but I’m pretty sure they ship, and you have the option of returning it at your local GC.

Just a thought.

 

Up to $200: SX
Up to $300: Vintage Modified Squier
Up to $350: Classic Vibe Squier
Up to $600: MIM Fender (I honestly don't think it's $250 better than the CV Squier)
Up to $800: Highway One Fender

If you shop used, you'll find some great deals. I would only recommend this if you are a good lemon detector.