Convince me to buy something cheaper...

[toprekoms]

Sounds like a no brainer to me. If you can afford it and love it as much as you say do, BUY IT!

 

[aaronious]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

theres a used one for 1k. if you don't like it you have 45 days to return it. its a win win situation

 

[juancaminos]

Buy the Jazz, you won't regret it. You could probably get a good deal on a used one with a little persistance.

 

[Ellery]

Dude go for it. If not you'll always be looking back. For 15, no need mod, or trade up to a better bass later.

 

[basspraiser]

Hello fellow bass players! I've been in the market for a new bass for years and years now. And I have some money saved up to spend on one (my current bass is a Toby Deluxe IV, I like it a lot but the electronics are lousy and I'm ready for something else). I've been going to guitar shops around and my goal has been to find something versatile, unique, and preferably under a grand. I ended up around Indiana and got into Sweetwater and played a bunch of things in their shop and a lot was good. But then I played the Fender Jazz Professional series bass they had there and it just felt perfect. It's the most common bass style in the world but damn I like the Sonic Gray color and the neck is definitely the favorite out of any I played (it's really slim). And nothing I played afterwards felt even comparable....but it's right around $1500. Which I could probably do I've been saving a long time, but it's a lot of money.

Has anyone played this bass and know others with a similar feel and sound but maybe a bit less expensive? I went in there expecting I'd want a Lakland Skyline coming out but the Jazz just felt right. Anyway, you people always have great opinions and I learn a lot on here so I figured I can share my struggle and get some good feedback. Thanks!

If you REALLY like it ... $1500 isn't that much.

Imho.... Although there ARE a few worthy exceptions.... Most " great basses" are over a grand... So....

 

[Bobro]

If you can afford it, without messing up your finances or going without food or whatever, then passing up "perfect" is a really bad idea and the road to Regret.

 

[Nate Tetzlaff]

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.

Those ThunderJet basses are beautiful! Glad you're happy with it. And I think with the overwhelming support I'm getting from all of you I'm just going to buy it. Also, I've seen the bass I played in shop listed as a Demo on the website so I think I could save a couple hundred dollars going that route. All of you people on Talk Bass are so supportive! I love the passion everyone has for bass. So thanks again, and keep grooving!

 

[sigterm]

Those ThunderJet basses are beautiful! Glad you're happy with it. And I think with the overwhelming support I'm getting from all of you I'm just going to buy it. Also, I've seen the bass I played in shop listed as a Demo on the website so I think I could save a couple hundred dollars going that route. All of you people on Talk Bass are so supportive! I love the passion everyone has for bass. So thanks again, and keep grooving!

Make sure you let us know the weight

 

[Nate Tetzlaff]

Make sure you let us know the weight

Of course!

 

[HD007]

Glad to hear you’re pulling the trigger. It’s worth it to take home the one that speaks to you.

I have a fretless version of the Am Pro Jazz and also like the neck.

That sonic grey is mighty cool.

 

[Alex Bass]

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

You guys KILL me!!! 70's Fenders are garbage 80's Fenders are garbage the 90's stuff isn't vintage enough and who in the HELL can afford a 60's Fender and if you could who in their right mind would gig with it!!!!

 

[4sight]

You guys KILL me!!! 70's Fenders are garbage 80's Fenders are garbage the 90's stuff isn't vintage enough and who in the HELL can afford a 60's Fender and if you could who in their right mind would gig with it!!!!

I didn't say any of that, I'm not sure why you quoted my post along with your rant

 

[Salsabass1]

Hello fellow bass players! I've been in the market for a new bass for years and years now. And I have some money saved up to spend on one (my current bass is a Toby Deluxe IV, I like it a lot but the electronics are lousy and I'm ready for something else). I've been going to guitar shops around and my goal has been to find something versatile, unique, and preferably under a grand. I ended up around Indiana and got into Sweetwater and played a bunch of things in their shop and a lot was good. But then I played the Fender Jazz Professional series bass they had there and it just felt perfect. It's the most common bass style in the world but damn I like the Sonic Gray color and the neck is definitely the favorite out of any I played (it's really slim). And nothing I played afterwards felt even comparable....but it's right around $1500. Which I could probably do I've been saving a long time, but it's a lot of money.

Has anyone played this bass and know others with a similar feel and sound but maybe a bit less expensive? I went in there expecting I'd want a Lakland Skyline coming out but the Jazz just felt right. Anyway, you people always have great opinions and I learn a lot on here so I figured I can share my struggle and get some good feedback. Thanks!

Of you Find a Farida Jazz Bass give it a try.

 

[Dick Pountain]

One of these and a holiday trip to Jamaica: Hofner Ignition Violin Sunburst

 

[hatchards]

I think the Fender is a good choice, if that one particular bass feels perfect, buy it,the sticker shock will go away. If it’s the model itself, you can probably save some money shopping around now that you know exactly what you want.

 

[kenlaw2]

Shop used?

 

[TH63]

Hello fellow bass players! I've been in the market for a new bass for years and years now. And I have some money saved up to spend on one (my current bass is a Toby Deluxe IV, I like it a lot but the electronics are lousy and I'm ready for something else). I've been going to guitar shops around and my goal has been to find something versatile, unique, and preferably under a grand. I ended up around Indiana and got into Sweetwater and played a bunch of things in their shop and a lot was good. But then I played the Fender Jazz Professional series bass they had there and it just felt perfect. It's the most common bass style in the world but damn I like the Sonic Gray color and the neck is definitely the favorite out of any I played (it's really slim). And nothing I played afterwards felt even comparable....but it's right around $1500. Which I could probably do I've been saving a long time, but it's a lot of money.

Has anyone played this bass and know others with a similar feel and sound but maybe a bit less expensive? I went in there expecting I'd want a Lakland Skyline coming out but the Jazz just felt right. Anyway, you people always have great opinions and I learn a lot on here so I figured I can share my struggle and get some good feedback. Thanks!

you found it. Pull the trigger

 

[Michel Leduc]

Ibanez SR series have a slim neck and are not expensive at all. I have a 1992 and the neck did not move a bit.

 

[BBassBassington]

You could buy a Squier, or a MIM Fender Jazz and upgrade them.

Honestly the best way to buy a bass is with no budget though. Find the one you love then figure out how to pay for it. $1500 is $75/yr if you keep it 20 years. Just don't eat out once a month the entire time you own the bass and it'll balance out over time. Unless you fall victim to GAS there's no reason why you wouldn't have that Fender for 20 years or more, and do you know how cool it'll look with 20 years of love on it?

So I'm with everyone else buy the Jazz.

 

[TH63]

Just be aware that there are Fenders and there are Fenders. Despite being mass produced there are going to be some that will sound and play significantly better than others. So if you’re in the market for a new bass, and you find one that ticks all the boxes for you, think twice before passing it by.

My GF is a guitarist. She loves loves Strats. The single most popular guitar in the world. When she’s shopping for a new one (she has eight last time I looked) she’ll try out as many as she can. But when she finds the right one she knows it in a minute or two.

You'd think a Strat is a Strat. But each of hers has its own unique tone and response despite sounding like a Strat. And Fender basses are no different. Some just speak to you. And those are the ones you want to buy.

Yup. "Next time" rarely ever happens.