I already have a MIM P and a fretless. I want to complete my arsenal with a MIM Jazz and call it quits. But I need some motivation to save up for one. So, convince me to buy a Jazz. Give me some reasons! For example, I already know the p bass got a thump, a fat bottom, ect., but tell me about the jazz! Where are the jazz bass owners?!! I play gospel, ska, punk, reggea, and classic rock! So give me a reason!!!
My advice, Save some money and buy yourself an SX. There's been quite a few debates about SX vs. MIM Fenders, but for my money the SX basses can't be beat. www.rondomusic.net With the $200-$300 you save by buying an SX over a MIM, you could afford some pretty nice upgrades (pickups, bridge, tuners) and still be under the price of a stock MIM with better electronics and hardware. For my SX I paid: $160 for the bass $20 for better pots $30 for Model J's $50 for a BAII $50 for MIA Hipshot tuners. That's about $310 or so, roughly the same price as an MIM (IIRC) with MIA-quality parts. No contest, IMO.
If you really want MIM, check out an MIM fender 60's classic Jazz. These are among the best of the MIM jazzes IMHO. Go play some basses and you decide. Try rolling off the neck pup 60% and dropping the tone control about 40% while playing finger-style over the bridge pickup. That sort of tone is what many jazz bass owners/players want. Warning, there is hum on most any Jazz, unless is has split-coils or some kind of hum canceling pups.
I agree. Go for the 60's Classic. This bass gets all the classic Fender Jazz tones. It has a great growl and the pickups can be adjusted to suit any kind of music via the vol vol tone configuration. Backing the pick-ups towards the bridge results in a growly, almost nasal tone, whilst backing towards the neck results in a nice, smooth woody tone. The sound is a wonderful and rich. The finish on the sunburst is superior to all the other MIM's.
If you already have two 4 string basses, maybe consider a 5 string ? Comes in handy when you have to play a drop tuned song.
I got one last year for $300. sunburst, like new. a lot better than the squire i had been playing. try to get a used one, for obvious reasons. if you're gonna throw down almost $500 for a bass, i'd be lookin' into other options. just my 2 cents EDIT: a MIM classic 60's bass goes for $700 new???
Thanks guys. Also, my fretless is 5 strings. I need a jazz to complete my collection. So the SX is comparable to a MIM. I should stop down at rondos.
a 1/4 turn rod adjustment and a new set of strings and you'll have a bass that plays like you spent $1000. Buy It GM