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Best Jazz Bass I've Played

#22
KingRazor said:
The other day I went to my local music shop and played an MIM Fender Jazz bass...and it was amazing!

I've played like around a dozen Jazz basses in the past 2 or 3 years and this one was by far the best, better than any MIA I played.

The neck was extremely comfortable. Felt smaller than most other Jazz basses. The bass felt pretty light overall. Much lighter than my SX P bass.

Only problem it had was it had some fret buzz, but I think a new bass should always get a setup.

If I had had the money I would have snatched that up right away. But I don't have the money, or a job. So it was out of the question. :(
Click to expand...

Agreed.

The 90's MIM basses have slimmer necks front to back and have a C shape, from my experience. The American Deluxe series has a thicker asymetrical shape, until you hit the 2010 models, which get slimmer again.

The MIM basses seem to suffer from fret buzz and have inconsistent fret work, rather hit and miss, but the neck shapes are really playable!
 
#23
My Fender Standard JB is a 'frankenbass' made of a 2003 MIM body and a 62 RI neck (7.25" radius) and I must say, it plays better than the '64 I had for 30 years. No, I'm not plastered...it is lighter, the fretwork is impeccable, and (ok, I did put Fralins in) the sound is fantastic. I'll vote for the MIM Jazz Bass, but I'll have to say the downside is, play it before you buy it! They're all different.
 
#24
Wallyworld said:
My Fender Standard JB is a 'frankenbass' made of a 2003 MIM body and a 62 RI neck (7.25" radius) and I must say, it plays better than the '64 I had for 30 years. No, I'm not plastered...it is lighter, the fretwork is impeccable, and (ok, I did put Fralins in) the sound is fantastic. I'll vote for the MIM Jazz Bass, but I'll have to say the downside is, play it before you buy it! They're all different.
Click to expand...

That's what I was talking about, like I said I've played dozens of Jazz basses and this was the only one I would have bought new, without hesitation, had I had the money.

Looking for a Fender Jazz? Play everyone you can find, and once you find the one that gives you a G.A.S. attack...calmly walk up to the register and buy it.
 
#29
Doug Parent said:
Agreed.

The 90's MIM basses have slimmer necks front to back and have a C shape, from my experience. The American Deluxe series has a thicker asymetrical shape, until you hit the 2010 models, which get slimmer again.

The MIM basses seem to suffer from fret buzz and have inconsistent fret work, rather hit and miss, but the neck shapes are really playable!
Click to expand...

There is also what seems like a possible issue with the 90's MIM Standards and truss rods ... with that nice slim profile neck, several that I have seen all had the truss rod maxed out .. that and the fact that some folks like to 'upgrade' pups on them, and the MIM Standards from this era utilized the same size neck and bridge pups, which made pup modifications ( chose this word over 'upgrade' deliberately) a bit trickier ...
 
#31
The 2010 model MIM Standard that I received recently is fantastic to me.
I played a new at the time T 40 30 years ago and I would put it right up there with it.
Its very comfortable TO ME and the neck size is great, not as thin as I had expected.
Im happy with the pickups but not the volume controls.
I am upgrading the volume pots to linear as opposed to the audio tapers that are in there.
Im also adding the vintage threaded saddles.
It is currently strung with what I have been told are DR Lowriders.
I mean really, I am enjoying this bass as much as my peavey that I had.
 
#32
I played a purple MIA Jazz standard used today... it was fantastic. I have a MIA Standard J on order... so I'm hoping it plays like that bad boy

Screw MIM Js, mine sucks so I'm just bitter... bad tuners, electronics, bridge, neck, frets, heavy slab of noisy crap! It didn't age well at all. Not saying yours will... just saying mine didnt!

MIA for me
 
#36
I've played and owned many J's and the one that I now use all the time is my MIA 62RI. This was a real slow burner. Owned her for about six months before I played a gig with it and then it just grew and grew on me till all my other basses are now sold or the other three gather dust.

Out there is THE bass for all of us, it's just a question of waiting,looking and playing them.
 
#38
I went to GC in Cincinnati one weekend and played every MIM Jazz and every MIA Jazz in there, every MIA had a straight neck, but a horrible setup and every MIM had a decent setup, but a twist in the neck. :scowl:

I left there convinced I'd never buy a MIM and figured I'd have to pony up the extra bucks and get an MIA and set it up.

The very next weekend I went to the GC across the river in Florence and played two MIM's that had straight necks and decent setups:hmm:

I ended up taking home the Deluxe MIM (Black and Tort) and couldn't be happier:hyper:

If you find the right one, MIM's are wonderful. :smug:
 
#39
I've got a '95 that's a real keeper. Only paid $200 for it too.

Job market is tight these days. Any music stores in your area looking for help?
Craigslist has a help wanted section. Good luck raising some cash.
 
#40
Imo, the MIMs are thin and unsubstantial. MIA's beat them any day i think. After playing numerous basses when i first bought my MIA, it sounded so much better, but it also had a better finish. The fretboards on MIMs looks a bit stained, whereas the fretboards on MIAs feel like the real deal. Sorry, just my opinion ;)
 

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