Looking for a jazz bass under $1000 but less would be better. I’m good with buying used. I’ve typically preferred USA models in the past, but I’m open. What’s my best option?
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Best jazz bass under $1000
- Thread starter oreo speedwagon
- Start date
Build one using Fender/Squier parts on stratosphere. I just put one together from 4 different basses and love it.
Do you just want something with the double single coil configuration or do you want the Fender J-shape etc.?
Probably the best Japanese reissue you can afford
That's what I was thinking; if it has to be an American-made Jazz, many have sung the praises of the 2012 to 2016 Fender American Standards. It's the period where the Custom Shop '60s were the stock, single-coil pickups and, from what I've seen and read, had decent-or-better quality control. This one is a teensy bit over your $1,000 ceiling, but at this time, most MIA Jazzes are gonna cost a little over a grand, so…
I owned one and it still bites that I had to let it go to pay the bills.
A close second might be something from the MIA/MIM, mix-and-match Fenders. They started with the Highway 1/One Jazzes, continued with the American Specials and are currently branded as American Performers. The bones are made in the U.S., but they're assembled in Mexico and have some parts found in the MIM Standards/Players. I, myself, never owned one, but I sampled a few over the years and they felt very good in my hands.
This one is, in my opinion, priced a little too high, but one might be able to use the MIA Standard linked above as leverage to get a price-match discount.
And last, but certainly not least…
…curate the parts of and assemble a working Jazz based upon your particular tastes, like I've done with my Projekt basses.
That’s a collection of beautiful basses.That's what I was thinking; if it has to be an American-made Jazz, many have sung the praises of the 2012 to 2016 Fender American Standards. It's the period where the Custom Shop '60s were the stock, single-coil pickups and, from what I've seen and read, had decent-or-better quality control. This one is a teensy bit over your $1,000 ceiling, but at this time, most MIA Jazzes are gonna cost a little over a grand, so…
I owned one and it still bites that I had to let it go to pay the bills.
A close second might be something from the MIA/MIM, mix-and-match Fenders. They started with the Highway 1/One Jazzes, continued with the American Specials and are currently branded as American Performers. The bones are made in the U.S., but they're assembled in Mexico and have some parts found in the MIM Standards/Players. I, myself, never owned one, but I sampled a few over the years and they felt very good in my hands.
This one is, in my opinion, priced a little too high, but one might be able to use the MIA Standard linked above as leverage to get a price-match discount.
And last, but certainly not least…
…curate the parts of and assemble a working Jazz based upon your particular tastes, like I've done with my Projekt basses.
Wow!!
Sire Marcus Miller V5 4-String
A PASSIVE BASS FOR VINTAGE ENTHUSIASTS The V5 is a true passive jazz bass loaded with vintage-inspired features in both tone and style. Designed for players who appreciate an authentic vintage feel, it offers the added advantage of a comfortable neck—all at an exceptional value. Features...
www.sire-usa.com
Check tour local classifieds , you can often find a used MIA fender for less than a grand.
I would go MIJ in that price range... my International Color Series Jazz in Maui Blue goes for just under $1k used. Killer bass.
I a/b'd it with the American Vintage II 1966 RI and preferred the MIJ.
I a/b'd it with the American Vintage II 1966 RI and preferred the MIJ.
Markbass Jazz bass. Probably the most slept on and underrated jazz bass in the current market. Better than a Sire jazz bass for me.
markbass.it
MB GV 4 Gloxy Val Black CR MP – Markbass
markbass.it
A couple of contenders:
Used Lakland Skyline 44-60
Sandberg Electra TT4
Schecter J4
Sire V7/V8
Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ
Used Lakland Skyline 44-60
Sandberg Electra TT4
Schecter J4
Sire V7/V8
Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ
So…many…KNOBS!!Markbass Jazz bass. Probably the most slept on and underrated jazz bass in the current market. Better than a Sire jazz bass for me.
MB GV 4 Gloxy Val Black CR MP – Markbass
Seriously, though…any idea how round or flat the fretboard is? I can't find any documentation to that effect?
I’m going to add another vote to finding a used fender American jazz bass from 2012-2016.
Fantastic bass. I have one from 2012 and it was my main axe for ten years- has a great tone and feels really nice to play.
Fantastic bass. I have one from 2012 and it was my main axe for ten years- has a great tone and feels really nice to play.
For a LITTLE extra money I would make an offer on this.
In my opinion, these are the best jazz basses made since the 60’s.
In my opinion, these are the best jazz basses made since the 60’s.
It’s a pretty flat fretboard. About 14” radius.So…many…KNOBS!!
Seriously, though…any idea how round or flat the fretboard is? I can't find any documentation to that effect?
Not a fan of the knobs either lol
The Fender new American standards were from 2008-2016. In 2012 they upgraded the pickups to the custom shop 60s and made the tuners more lightweight. However even the stock pickups between 2008-2011 were pretty good. I own a 2008 and it’s a high quality build that plays like a dream.
