Cheap, but good Jazz Bass ?

[Barticus]

Sorry for you for picking a sub-par instrument. I have my Squier VM Jazz 5 for 2 years and, even with a lot of temperature/humidity changes within a year, I only touched the trussrod 2-3 times and only for a quarter/half turn. The sound is as good as any MIM Jazz basses I tried and what I expected out of a good passive Jazz bass.
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Yeah, it could be just bad luck of the draw with these 2 or it could be that the fretless necks are a little wonky too. Both of the basses I bought had a little weirdness with the necks, almost like a little dip between the 5-12th fret area. They just don't seem that stable.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Sorry, I know they're are a ton of VM fans, but hey I can only go by my experience with owning this Squier VM fretless.

I've upgraded it with Aguilar 4J-HCs and CTS pots to make it sound decent and to get rid of all the noise, but I still hear that plastic fretboard tone - if I expect it to be playable, I have to adjust it everytime I pick it up. The necks are only passable and are like playing on a longbow without adjustment.

I bought 2 the other one was really bad and sent it back due to a buzzy fretboard that I couldn't adjust. Of course if you like super high action, then its fine.

But only paid $230 for it new, and just needed it for one fretless recording... otherwise it would be on its way out.
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Yeah, I get that some will not like the ebonol fretboard. This guy likes them...


Ebonol fretboards only on cheap basses?
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GWB20THTQF--ibanez-limited-edition-gary-willis-signature-gwb20th-5-string-tequila-sunrise-flat?mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3333171191&rkg_id=0&product_id=GWB20THTQF&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping - Not In Stock&adgroup=Bass&placement=google&adpos=1o1&creative=337993469440&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpsLkBRDpARIsAKoYI8zC5cefSQQ9eVZbPctdjRoWiR3Wzhzp7fhET7gq9S0BB0yKiGUwWiAaAq8OEALw_wcB

And yeah, I have one, VM fretless jazz. I have one of the first runs of the bass from whenever they came out 10 years ago. I don't know really when they first came out but, I have never had a neck issue, never had trouble getting very low or high action if I wanted it. Never had the neck bow. I use Rotosound swing bass strings on it. Works for me.

Other than strings the bass is stock.

I did think the neck felt thinner than my regular jazz bass though.

 

[Lava]

The Squire Vintage Groove are great Jazz Basses. Bought one on a whim and loved it. I changed the PUs, but that's just a preference in sound.
I've also had great luck with the Lakland Skyline 44-60.
Both are passive.