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Convince me to buy something cheaper...

Fender Jazz is a great bass, if you can afford it. I think they are a little overpriced, but it’s your money. It’s an accepted standard for virtually any gig but metal, so you can’t go wrong there. If you like a slim neck, did you try any of the Ibanez SR series? Best bang for your buck IMO, and plenty available with J or P tones.
I have two mid-priced Ibanez basses (actually one is almost student priced but excellent) and when you buy an Ibanez, it doesn't require much more than what's already on it. The pickups are already hot-rodded, the necks are fast and smooth, and the sound is distinct and very punchy. Excellent build quality for the price. BUT it won't sound like a Fender. Squires will, but not Ibanez so much. You might come close with the excellent tone controls on the Ibanez.

That being said, give the higher end ibanez basses a look. @Killed_by_Death might be able to share a bit more on that than I, because they don't make high end Ibanez basses for lefty's (sadly).
 
Here is some motivation for those who use cheap basses.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles used a $30 pawn shop bass when they were beginning to blow up in popularity.

Kim Deal from the Pixies recorded their first two albums on a $100 Aria entry level Bass.

Mike Dirnt from Green Day prefers to use MIM basses.

The guy from Royal Blood only uses a Gretsch that goes for $300 new and he sounds HUGE.

Blasko from Ozzy often uses a freaking Squire Mustang.

The guy from Mastadon also often uses a freaking Squire.
 
Here is some motivation for those who use cheap basses.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles used a $30 pawn shop bass when they were beginning to blow up in popularity.

Kim Deal from the Pixies recorded their first two albums on a $100 Aria entry level Bass.

Mike Dirnt from Green Day prefers to use MIM basses.

The guy from Royal Blood only uses a Gretsch that goes for $300 new and he sounds HUGE.

Blasko from Ozzy often uses a freaking Squire Mustang.

The guy from Mastadon also often uses a freaking Squire.
I'm only familiar with the classic vibe and affinity squires, I'm gonna look out for a freaking squire next time I go to GC, sounds like theyre on to something.
 
Why?
You’ve already found the bass that plays and sounds like you want it to.
If you can afford it, go buy the actual bass that moved you to open this thread if you are sure it’s what you want.
That said, IME when a bass truly speaks to my heart i lay out the geeters and take it home. If i feel i need to sleep on it then maybe it’s not all that.
My instinct to grab one like that is not perfect but it has been right more than not so i’ll continue to go with it if a bass truly blows my dress up. In the long run even if you find the one, chances are still good you will eventually find yourself looking at other basses with bad intent.
It took me the better part if ten years with only my number one before i started thinking about looking around. Number one still holds that spot, but i’ve been buying selling and trading MIM J basses the last few years so at any given time i could have as many as ten basses. Currently i’ve got six, including the one, but that is a constantly changing number.
 
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There is a 1983 Fender Jazz bass (sunburst) for sale on guitar centers used website it checks all the boxes you want in a bass and its actually cheaper than the one you currently want PLUS its a vintage model. I'd go with that!!!!!!!
 
There is a 1983 Fender Jazz bass (sunburst) for sale on guitar centers used website it checks all the boxes you want in a bass and its actually cheaper than the one you currently want PLUS its a vintage model. I'd go with that!!!!!!!

'83's not vintage, just old (ish). 80s Fenders don't have the greatest rep, you'd really need to play it before buying.