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Best Jazz for the money?

C

Craithius

Oct 19, 2007
79
0
#1
I'm getting a new bass this year, bound and determined I am.

Here's what I'm looking for, Jazz bass, vintage 70's tone, 5 string, High quality craftsmanship, versatility, relatively noiseless electronics, there are other specifics, but that's more personal preference stuff. So, I'm looking to spend between 2800 and 4000, so what would you guys recommend?

Oh, and if they're boutique, they're most likely going to be sight unseen, living in the sticks, it's hard to get to a city that has a shop where these higher end models would be showcased. So any information you have would be welcome.

Top thoughts were: Sadowsky, Nordy, Lull, or maybe the new F-bass Jazz

Thanks
 
#4
What a choice you have! Go out and play every J bass you can get your hands on and make your mind up. You'll get a great bass for the price range you've got...Alleva Coppollo, Ateiler, Sadowsky, Nordstrand...The list goes on.

For though it'd be out of a Metro Sadowsky and Nordstrand :)
 
#5
Alistair R said:
What a choice you have! Go out and play every J bass you can get your hands on and make your mind up. You'll get a great bass for the price range you've got...Alleva Coppollo, Ateiler, Sadowsky, Nordstrand...The list goes on.

For though it'd be out of a Metro Sadowsky and Nordstrand :)
Click to expand...

+1 - plus I'd add Lakland into the mix too. The JO & DJ basses are superb and would nail your requirements.
 
#7
For 70s sound - Celinder! Period!!! They can be sometimes quite heavy (hey, that's why they sound like 70s JB) - 10-12 lbs but they really are the best 70s funkmachines! IMO they sound more 70s than 70s Fender Jazz Bass. You cannot get out this type of sound from any other boutique bass. PS! Ask more from KJung! He has all the above mentioned basses.

But if you like to get more Fender type of sound you should consider Alleva Coppola. Sadowsky is a bit different animal - more modern sounding. Nordy sounds completely modern but in a very beautiful way.
I think these are pretty much the best choices.
So, the choice is yours! :smug:
 
#9
Jazz lovers calling Kjung... jazz lovers calling Kjung..... :)

Waiting for Ken to step in (he owns both I'm going to suggest...) I'd say go for Alleva Coppolo (I think the 70s-like model is the LG-5, my dream bass) or Celinder Update....

You're going to love your 2008 !
Paolo
 
#12
Margus Alviste said:
For 70s sound - Celinder! Period!!! They can be sometimes quite heavy (hey, that's why they sound like 70s JB) - 10-12 lbs but they really are the best 70s funkmachines! IMO they sound more 70s than 70s Fender Jazz Bass. You cannot get out this type of sound from any other boutique bass. PS! Ask more from KJung! He has all the above mentioned basses.

But if you like to get more Fender type of sound you should consider Alleva Coppola. Sadowsky is a bit different animal - more modern sounding. Nordy sounds completely modern but in a very beautiful way.
I think these are pretty much the best choices.
So, the choice is yours! :smug:
Click to expand...


+1... if you really want the super aggressive Marcus type 'J on steroids' funk, the Celinder Update model is something, although it would be at the top of your price range or slightly over.

For a good, all around, relatively modern and aggressive sounding instrument that is relatively light, has the 70's look and while not a 'Fender on steroids tone' at least a very modern aggressive tone, and that has reasonably good J sounding pickups that are humcancelling, the Sadowsky Metro UV basses are pretty cool, with the optional VTC installed. The ash/maple models are quite aggressive, and have that unique Sadowsky tone, and are well within your price range. Also, if you buy directly from Roger Sadowsky (which I would HIGHLY recommend... the pricing is the same everywhere for these) you will have a no questions asked 7 day return policy, which makes trying one pretty much risk free. Also, I think Roger orders all the Metro's with the VTC option. Most Metro's that arrive in retail outlets don't seem to have this option, which is very useful for me for dialing out the sizzle when needed when using articulate modern rigs with tweeters and SS amps.

The Alleva's are VERY cool if you are looking for a more 'passive sounding, vintage' sort of 70's bass... they are active, but sound very passive. The pickups are single coil, but the shielding is so good that they are quite, although obviously there is hum if you favor a single pickup.

The Metro UV seems to be the best deal for what you are looking for, assuming you don't want a pure, traditional Fender tone.

IMO!
 
#14
Bjazzman said:
im sure it's been mentioned before but is the sadowsky uv pretty much the same sounding as the nyc models if they both have the vtc? im talking about the ash/maple models.
Click to expand...

I find the larger body and 70's pickup placement on the Metro UV to have a minimal impact on the tone versus the smaller body, 60's pickup placement of the MV5's. It's more about the look and feel with the UV... the UV sounds like a Sadowsky! It might have just a touch more sizzle to it, but very subtle to my ear. IMO and IME (I've A/B'd a LOT of these:))

The NYC Ultra Vintage model is a different thing than the Metro UV.. different design, I believe meant to more closely emulate a more vintage 60's model (i.e., some have Nitro finishes, single coils, etc.)
 
#18
This forum might as well be called "TalkSadowsky" sometimes. :D

Personally, I feel that the best high end jazz styled bass for the money currently is the Nordy. It will cost on the low end of your budget listing, and probably have the shortest wait time as well. You could order yours with an ash body, maple neck blocked and bound, and get the NJ single coil pickups in the 70's positions. Leave the bass passive, and there you go. A fully USA made 70's styled jazz bass, that will very likely cost you well under $3000.
 
#19
Tony G said:
This forum might as well be called "TalkSadowsky" sometimes. :D

Personally, I feel that the best high end jazz styled bass for the money currently is the Nordy. It will cost on the low end of your budget listing, and probably have the shortest wait time as well. You could order yours with an ash body, maple neck blocked and bound, and get the NJ single coil pickups in the 70's positions. Leave the bass passive, and there you go. A fully USA made 70's styled jazz bass, that will very likely cost you well under $3000.
Click to expand...

+1 on the Nordys. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices you and Ken showed me. That being said I just ordered a custom Bacchus 4 banger with the whole 70's specs thing and it set me back under half of the OP's lowest budget :)
 

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