I'll add that the Sire V3 and V7 basses are killer for the price. Even cheaper are the new Allen Eden basses. I just bought a Sire V7 5 string from a TB member. Great bass. I'm thinking about getting an Allen Eden 4 string.
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Convince me to buy something cheaper...
- Thread starter Nate Tetzlaff
- Start date
Buy a cheaper bass and you’ll have more money for beer.
There you go, case closed.
There you go, case closed.
I find my 2014 American Standard Jazz Bass delectable. No plan to ever sell it.
You can try to find something less expensive that you like just as well, and you may succeed. If it were me, and the cost was sufficiently palatable, I would go with that exact one that you liked so much. I've failed to do that a couple of times in the past, and regret it.
Next up -- spend a few hundred more dollars finding the perfect strings for it.
You can try to find something less expensive that you like just as well, and you may succeed. If it were me, and the cost was sufficiently palatable, I would go with that exact one that you liked so much. I've failed to do that a couple of times in the past, and regret it.
Next up -- spend a few hundred more dollars finding the perfect strings for it.
IMO this is a decision that should only be made when you have enough practice and experience that you really know what it means to have a bass feel perfect to you. A newbie doesn't have that, but the OP has been playing for years, so I believe his statement about how the bass feels.
My verdict: buy it, if it's "the one." The OP has the experience to make that judgment. And given the variability between Fender basses, get THAT one. Do layaway if you need to.
I'm cheap. I own one bass that cost over $700, and that's a Gretsch Thunderjet. Spending over $1000 on a bass is an extreme purchase to me. But - I waited for a couple of years to find one at a price I could afford, and spent around $1300 on one that was technically used but in mint condition with hard case and all the warranty papers and case candy. It's my #1, and I doubt that will ever change.
That $1300 was well spent. I'd do it again if I needed to, but only for a bass that really, really fits me and does what I want it to.
My verdict: buy it, if it's "the one." The OP has the experience to make that judgment. And given the variability between Fender basses, get THAT one. Do layaway if you need to.
I'm cheap. I own one bass that cost over $700, and that's a Gretsch Thunderjet. Spending over $1000 on a bass is an extreme purchase to me. But - I waited for a couple of years to find one at a price I could afford, and spent around $1300 on one that was technically used but in mint condition with hard case and all the warranty papers and case candy. It's my #1, and I doubt that will ever change.
That $1300 was well spent. I'd do it again if I needed to, but only for a bass that really, really fits me and does what I want it to.
^^^Your instincts are correct. Buy that bass. Not one like it. That bass. Buy it now.^^^
Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
- Sep 5, 2014
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Make sure you get something can be satisfied with and put in the time. Get to know at the quirks, the strengths, the weaknesses, and something that will help you get better.
Fender makes some great basses. It it calls to you, then get it! Don't leave any room for doubt if you have to means to accomplish your needs.
Fender makes some great basses. It it calls to you, then get it! Don't leave any room for doubt if you have to means to accomplish your needs.
Buy it..put a black pearloid pickguard on it..I have 2 Fender jazz basses..they feel and sound so good..
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Only thing I would question in your comment (and I love Jazz basses too so I'm not putting down your choice), you mention the feel, the color, but how does it sound to you? It's very possible you found your ideal unicorn bass, but make sure it satisfies the most important reason for the instrument itself, the sound. Perhaps other Fender Jazz basses you tried at other music stores aren't set up correctly, makes a huge difference in the feel of the instrument in your hands. Reason for mentioning this is maybe a used US Fender Jazz bass may fit the bill too if it's properly set up, and it's going to be for less money. Just food for thought. Realize too, once you buy it new, in most cases, you're not going to be able recoup the full cost of the bass if you change your mind for any reason. So before you take the plunge, check everything and make sure it checks all the boxes including the sound.
That being said, around $1500 is really par for the course for a "forever" instrument, look at how much Ernie Ball Musicman basses go for these days if it makes you feel any better or a Rick. That's if you want it in it's er.....pristine virgin state that is. Used if you want to roll the dice and try to save money, sometimes works out great in your favor, sometimes not.
I wish I could tell you not to, but if the bass feels right you need to just suck it up and get it. I know the high price tag can be a little concerning, but that's what you saved money up for and if you can afford it then get what you want. A tool that feels good is going to make you want to play and want to progress...that, is priceless in my opinion.
- Jan 26, 2014
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- I teach lessons and perform live music in and around San Diego CA. Sometimes I even make money doing it!
I am NOT a hater of any particular brand, unless they earn it
I have been burned badly by FMIC, as have many others. Long story short, I bought a 50th anniversary Jazz in ‘96, which I have since found out (from a source at FMIC), were manufactured with guitar truss rods. Needless to say, it sucked and developed an uncorrectable bow after a year or 2, so I sent it in for warranty repair/replacement. After *nine full months,* they sent me one with a 1998 neck (Eliminating any 50th anniversary significance), which also totally sucked. Kicker is, I worked at a Fender dealer, and was expected to promote and sell those overpriced slabs of junk. Lol.
So, while there are many Fender haters, The truth is, many of their instruments are, in fact, crap. That said, I still own 2 Fender instruments, and if you find one that’s actually well built, go for it, they’re out there too, but you need to be smart about it, $1500 is not a lot to pay for a great bass, just make sure it’s great.
My advice to the OP is to make sure it’s set up how you like it in the store, so you can see if there are any... or more likely, how many... high frets or buzzy areas on the fretboard, that’s the most difficult issue to rectify- if it’s not too bad, a good luthier can level it, but keep in mind there’s a reason Warmoth is in business selling replacement Fender necks.
If you know the model that feels and plays right, be patient and find a good one, don’t settle for the first thing you try without setting it up how you like it. Sweetwater does have a good return policy as far as i know, so that’s probably a great place to buy one. Also don’t be hesitant to try their own lower end versions, you never know when you’ll stumble across a perfect neck; my 2015 MIM Jaguar’s neck is essentially perfect, and i purchased it for only $300 off craigslist, since the original owner couldn’t figure out why the electronics didn’t quite work properly. I bought it with the intention of replacing the pickups anyway, but found the problem was the ground wire wasn’t properly seated to the bridge. Not exactly a part exposed to wear and tear. How that could make it through QC... well, that’s FMIC for ya.
Al this is to say: be selective, and don’t be seduced by the sticker on the headstock, the company on the sticker doesn’t care much about you either.
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If you connected with a Jazz, then just keep playing every Jazz you can get your hands on, even Squiers.
If you find one that speaks to you as much or more than the MIA Jazz, buy it.
If not, buy the MIA Jazz.
Also, buy used if possible.
If you find one that speaks to you as much or more than the MIA Jazz, buy it.
If not, buy the MIA Jazz.
Also, buy used if possible.
This seems like a bass that you might be able to find used at a seriously discounted price. OTOH, if this new one really speaks to you, go for it.
Bones
Bones
I say step up from the Toby and get a Tobias.
The Killer B is a bolt on and approx $1000 on used market.
It is a very good bass and now collectable.
The Killer B is a bolt on and approx $1000 on used market.
It is a very good bass and now collectable.
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
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@Nate Tetzlaff, please clarify...you are interested in any Fender Jazz Professional, or you played specifically ONE Fender Jazz Professional that you bonded with?
If it's that one specific bass, make the trip again. If it still feels perfect, then buy it. As many others have said, it's rare when you find that one bass in the wild that feels just perfect to you.
If it's that one specific bass, make the trip again. If it still feels perfect, then buy it. As many others have said, it's rare when you find that one bass in the wild that feels just perfect to you.
Well... for the same money you could have a G&L JB with a factory hard case. Just sayin.
Actually, not just sayin', but strongly hinting, or even strongly suggesting. Pretty much.
Actually, not just sayin', but strongly hinting, or even strongly suggesting. Pretty much.
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My only thought would be to see if you can find a used American Standard. It'll be 1/2 the price and probably play almost identical. I personally have a hard time justifying the additional $$$ just to have it new. However, if you have the money and truly can't live without that bass, maybe it's worth it.
