• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Cheap, but good Jazz Bass ?

#62
saabfender said:
I sold my MIA Jazz that I bought new and played for 10 years but had never been thrilled with. It was fine. Good. You know. Did well on its sale.

Bought a MIM P Bass that really turned me on which prompted the sale of the MIA. Really prefer the MIM Fenders. Have three now: 2 Ps and a fretless Jazz.

Even with mods, I'm into each for about $500. Probably never buy another MIA Fender. I can put something together I find compelling for much less.

Yearwise, I find 1994-97 to be where I've had most luck.
Click to expand...
Same here, i've been buying and selling MIM J basses for a few years now and i have yet to run across a dud. All workable and some rival the nicest basses i've ever played, and you can do a lot of modding as the aftermarket is endless.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jnewmark
#64
D4628134-8AAF-4A3C-AEFE-8D81960BFBF3.jpeg Hi Johnny!
If you can find one of the old Japanese Squier basses (serial numbers start with SQ...) they are affordable and comparable to US Fender quality.

I bought a worn '83 Squier Precision for $89, and it's one of the best p-basses that I've played.

BTW-still playing and loving that LDS 212 I bought from you, although it's gotten a facelift:
 
  • Like
Reactions: jnewmark and Wisebass
#65
Within a budget, always look for used. Within a lower budget look local. Shipping will eat up $100 or more simply due to size and that doesn't change if it's a $300 bass or a $3000 bass. Plus, within a lower budget there can be a lot of weight variation. You'll want to try before you buy. Sire or Squier seem like the two obvious brands to search for. If you don't need it right now and can hold off and save some more, I'd look for a used G&L JB-2.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tyohars
#66
On the "cheap but as good as the more expensive ones" category, nothing beats the Sire V7. It costs as much as a Squier VM and has better features.

But if you want to go "cheap and good", the Squier VM, the SX Jazz Bass, the Vintage Jazz Bass and the Harley Benton are all good options.

EDIT: Almost forgot to include the Sire V3. Great bass for the money.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: tyohars
#68
A brief inspection of the local Craigslist (tampa bay) showed a Mexican Fender Jazz for $375. Let's assume that you can wiggle the price a bit, and you've got your Jazz for three and a quarter. Swap in some top quality pups (used hopefully) some flats of your preference, and a bit of fret refinement, and I'd say you have a good, playable bass for around 5 beans. IIRC you are in a major city, so availability should not be an issue. Best of luck with your decision and acquisition.

Kindest regards,
ELG
 
  • Like
Reactions: fhm555
#70
SpruceApple said:
Late 80s to mid-90s Peavey Foundation with the Super Ferrite pickups. They are easy to find with a hard case for $200 to $300 and fabulous. Made in USA. Quality for cheap.
Click to expand...

Oh, yeah! I have two that I'm restoring right now (keeping one) plus a fretless. The necks are really thin and very fast. The Super Ferrites are like souped-up Jazz pickups - a little more bite. So, I'm going to put GHS Pressurewounds on the Peavey and just put D'Addario tapewounds on my '72 Jazz.

My go-to Foundation demo:

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: jnewmark, lowdownthump and SpruceApple
#73
groovaholic said:
View attachment 3192720 Hi Johnny!
If you can find one of the old Japanese Squier basses (serial numbers start with SQ...) they are affordable and comparable to US Fender quality.

I bought a worn '83 Squier Precision for $89, and it's one of the best p-basses that I've played.

BTW-still playing and loving that LDS 212 I bought from you, although it's gotten a facelift:
Click to expand...
I like it !
 
#74
ELG60 said:
A brief inspection of the local Craigslist (tampa bay) showed a Mexican Fender Jazz for $375. Let's assume that you can wiggle the price a bit, and you've got your Jazz for three and a quarter. Swap in some top quality pups (used hopefully) some flats of your preference, and a bit of fret refinement, and I'd say you have a good, playable bass for around 5 beans. IIRC you are in a major city, so availability should not be an issue. Best of luck with your decision and acquisition.

Kindest regards,
ELG
Click to expand...
Yeah, started to look around locally but it's been slim pickings so far. Our GC local store has a bass section about as big as my bathroom; really just one side of a wall. A little bigger space for bass amps, but not much for bass guitars. Craiglist has been pretty barren also, but its been awhile since I checked.
 
#75
Great suggestions so far from everyone, thanks ! Got a feeling it's going to be a Squire, or a MIM, as they seem to be more plentiful on the usual online sites. I'm tempted to buy a new Squire VM from Sweetwater; they seem to take more time to make sure everything is right about the instrument before they ship. Anybody have any comments about Sweetwater ?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ELG60 and EatS1stBassist
#78
The Fender VM Jazz is a great bass for the money. The only mod I did to one that I had was change the pickups to some Quarter Pounders. The original PUs were just a little too weak for my tastes.
 
#80
jnewmark said:
Great suggestions so far from everyone, thanks ! Got a feeling it's going to be a Squire, or a MIM, as they seem to be more plentiful on the usual online sites. I'm tempted to buy a new Squire VM from Sweetwater; they seem to take more time to make sure everything is right about the instrument before they ship. Anybody have any comments about Sweetwater ?
Click to expand...
Great
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back