Best overall jazz bass

[Smooth_bass88]

 

[mdogs]

Well, since Fender is the only company who actually makes a Jazz bass, I will say Fender.

 

[Eric Moesle]

Having owned several jazz basses, I decided to "treat" myself to a boutique jazz a few years ago. Got a Mayones Jabba. Fit and finish was incredible, a thing of beauty, but it was HEAVY, sounded too polite and polished, lacked all of the grunt and mojo that, to me, make jazz basses great. Also tried a Sadowsky UV70, had the same problems (but was nice and light). I'm back to the Fenders and couldn't be happier. Don't assume that more $$$ will get you there - be aware of your sound goals.

 

[ahc]

Who? Whoever makes the one your hands and ears like the best.

 

[BaltBass5]

I own 12 American Fenders. Ultra, Professional, Performer, and ADE's.
I also own 2 Laklands.

I don't need anything else when it comes to Jazzes.

 

[Kukulkan61]

D Lakin Jazz basses were the best I've ever had but I'm very happy with my Fender Roadworn!

 

[FishDub]

Last year I stumbled upon magic..My Fender 60s Roadworn Jazz..

 

[elberon]

G&L JB (Fullerton) or just plain old G&L JB (maybe customized). At least that's the one I'm looking at in terms of quality vs price point (especially used USA models). I'm sure other brands like Sadowsky or Lakland can blow all of them out of the water (Fender included) but for way bigger money. Bacchus looks like a nice value also.

 

[Nedmundo]

For traditional J-basses, regardless of price, my favorites have been the Mike Lulls I've tried. For mid-priced, straightforward, passive J-basses, Fender's American Pro (and predecessor series) and G&L's JB and JB-5 are excellent. I think the G&Ls are slightly better, and they offer lots of customization from the factory.

 

[baxter_x]

By far Sadowsky basses. For their tone their preamp and the way it cuts through the entire mix without any effort.

 

[REV]

The Jazz bass design is timeless. For myself the best jazz bass I have ever played is the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass. The MIJ, MIM and MIA are all a little different but each good in their own way.

 

[Ursa]

They're a bit of a rarity, but the Fender Squier series (no, not squiers, the fender squier series, made by fender, in a fender plant in mexico) punch waaaaay above their weight class. I've got a Squier series jazz, and an american deluxe Jazz V, and while I can certainly tell the difference blindfolded (one of them's got a whole extra string and an active preamp) I certainly couldn't tell you which is "better."

25 or so years ago, I rehearsed several times on a friend's refrigerator-white Mexican Fender Squier Jazz Bass, and it remains the best J-bass I've ever laid my hands on. I'd love to own one just like it.

 

[Tom Baker]

practice

 

[jnewmark]

Fender

I'm not sure why...

Yeah, have tried all kinds of copies, including Sadowsky, but nothing seems to work for me except a Fender.

 

[pie_man_25]

25 or so years ago, I rehearsed several times on a friend's refrigerator-white Mexican Fender Squier Jazz Bass, and it remains the best J-bass I've ever laid my hands on. I'd love to own one just like it.

Other than the white finish+ white pickguard, it's pretty great.

 

[Jamvan]

I'm partial to my Vander Jam Bass.

In all honesty, though, the best "Jazz" bass I've played is my beat to heck bone stock 2001 Fender MIM 60's Jazz in oly white I picked up used for a song a couple years back. I wish my Lakland sounded like it as there's just something about it.

 

[Bass V]

my new Epi Thunderbird IV does an awesome Jazz thing in it's own thunderous way

 

[Bassmike62]

in your opinion, who makes the best jazz bass and why? Experience or wish list. I'm not looking for Advise on what to get, just what you guys like

Unfortunately, as outlined in a few previous posts, such a subjective answer. I like Fenders MIA and MIJ Jazz and my Squier VM70s is a very good budget bass. I also tried a few Sires and that also rocks my boat.

So the best answer (IMO) is... the one that does it for you.

 

[DukeCC]

The custom shop ones definitely play better, but at that price point I'm not too keen on gigging with them. Shopping around a bit for a good used USA one would be the best approach in my book.

 

[TrevorG]

Having owned several jazz basses, I decided to "treat" myself to a boutique jazz a few years ago. Got a Mayones Jabba. Fit and finish was incredible, a thing of beauty, but it was HEAVY, sounded too polite and polished, lacked all of the grunt and mojo that, to me, make jazz basses great. Also tried a Sadowsky UV70, had the same problems (but was nice and light). I'm back to the Fenders and couldn't be happier. Don't assume that more $$$ will get you there - be aware of your sound goals.

Sums it up for me. If you want something that sounds or feels better there are plenty options from the boutique houses. If you want something cheaper there are plenty of options again. If you want a Jazz bass, Fender make them as they always have. Twenty five miles from the original factory and sourcing the same wood. Which Fender is the best... I'm not going there...