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Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass MIM

D

Donte

Feb 21, 2010
17
0
San Diego
#1
First time poster here so go easy on me, let me start off by saying the bass has always been my favorite instrument. I just love the way they sound. When I listen to music the bass is always what I hear first.

So one day I was board and started surfing basses on YouTube. That’s when the fever kicked in. For every minute I watch YouTube the urge of wanting a bass grew 10 fold.

For some odd reason I found myself on Craig’s list looking at basses. Keep in mind I have absolutely no knowledge in basses. I normally do a lot of research before buying something, but I could fight the fever. I ended up buying a brand new made in Mexico Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass for $300. Now every time I look at it I tell myself, wow what was I thinking? On the hand, I get so excited thinking I finally own a bass.

So this is where I’m going to need your help. I want to learn to play funk and also like the way popping and slapping sounds.

So my question is did I get the right bass for this. Is the made in Mexico Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass a good bass to learn on? Also is it a good bass in general? Sorry for stinking up the forums with such a noob question, but unfortunately I’m a noob.

So any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Here is a picture of the bass I bought.
794134086_6a5uz-X2-1.jpg
 
#4
Donte said:
First time poster here so go easy on me, let me start off by saying the bass has always been my favorite instrument. I just love the way they sound. When I listen to music the bass is always what I hear first.

So one day I was board and started surfing basses on YouTube. That’s when the fever kicked in. For every minute I watch YouTube the urge of wanting a bass grew 10 fold.

For some odd reason I found myself on Craig’s list looking at basses. Keep in mind I have absolutely no knowledge in basses. I normally do a lot of research before buying something, but I could fight the fever. I ended up buying a brand new made in Mexico Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass for $300. Now every time I look at it I tell myself, wow what was I thinking? On the hand, I get so excited thinking I finally own a bass.

So this is where I’m going to need your help. I want to learn to play funk and also like the way popping and slapping sounds.

So my question is did I get the right bass for this. Is the made in Mexico Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass a good bass to learn on? Also is it a good bass in general? Sorry for stinking up the forums with such a noob question, but unfortunately I’m a noob.

So any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Sure, you did good. Hey, *I* own one (Except mine has one more string than yours) and I'm not a noob. For funk and popping and slapping it will be great. ( I always find 4 strings better for that and though I love 24 frets for the range, but they never seem to have the slapping tone that Fenders and Fender clones do. So now we got "you did good" out of the way.

So now the next item is how to learn to play bass. The first item is lessons. And I'll tell you why. The easiest way to learn how to do something is to go find someone who already knows how and have them show you. A good teacher can take a quick look (or listen) to what you are doing and immediately tell what you are doing wrong. DO NOT do as I did and learn a bunch of bad habits you have to "unlearn" later. Once you get the basics down then you can move on if you so choose. Truth is in music there is always more to learn and you should be listening everywhere you go.

Next there is the practice thing. You only get "good" with practice. And that always takes "reps" to drill the motions into your brain. Always remember to never practice faster than what you can do perfectly. If you try for speed and practice sloppiliy all you are doing is learning to play sloppy! So start slow and sure and let speed come as it will.

And third, as you start to get going, see if you can find some other noobs on other instruments to get together with. You don't have to be seriously trying for some record contract, just trying to have some fun. Bass alone can be a bit boring after a while and jams with other players at your level not only educates you all on how to work together, but also is inspirational and great fun!

Welcome to the world of bass!
 
#5
Yes, yes and yes. I've played bass for 12 years and I just bought one of these because I wanted a Fender Jazz and can't afford American right now. I have loved the way the deluxe sounds ever since my bass teacher pointed these out to me back in 1999. I like the one I got because it has the single pole John Suhr pickups and preamp, but the new ones are right up there. Mine has a 98 neck with a 2000 body. Not sure what the story is there, but it plays and sounds great, so I don't really care. Also the pick guard on mine is some aftermarket with a crappy tort patern, although it is 4-ply, they beveled the edge near the control plate so you can see a gap. I may consider getting one from GC they have for $30, although the picture doesn't match for the bass. Some places sell them for $50. Anyone want to sell one of these?

I paid $300 for mine, and it's a 10-12 year old bass, plus I drove a ways to get it, so I'd have to say that you got a good deal.

I'd say the worst thing about yours is the red/tort combo ;) I dunno I love tort but I don't like how it looks with some colors. Wanna sell it? :D

If you decide that you do not like this bass or just want something different at some point you should have no trouble getting your money back out of it, maybe even a little extra. GC has them "new" for upwards of $650.
 
#8
I really don't know the going rate in your area but unless the $50 includes a new set of strings it sounds a bit high to me. Also, if you bought it new at GC they should include a setup with the purchase.

Maybe some of our fellow TBers from your area will have better advice.
 
#13
With all due respect, I don’t think your bass is “brand new.” But you did score an incredible value, as the Deluxe Active Jazz is a fine instrument. Based upon your purchase price, a $40-50 premium for a proper setup (including a set of Fender Super Bass 7250MLs — the original factory strings spec’d for this bass) would likely be well worth the expense. Congrats, and welcome to the Deep End!
 
#14
StrangerDanger said:
They have to set it up for you when you buy the bass. That should go without saying. Im curious though. How in the hell did you get a NEW Fender anything for $300 from GC?
Click to expand...

I didn't get it from GC, I bought it from Craig’s list. It wasn't brand new in literal terms, but the guy said he bought it and played it like 3 times then it sat in the gig bag. It still had some of the plastic on it when I got it. It doesn’t have a single scratch or even a finger print on it.
 
#15
Donte said:
I didn't get it from GC, I bought it from Craig’s list. It wasn't brand new in literal terms, but the guy said he bought it and played it like 3 times then it sat in the gig bag. It still had some of the plastic on it when I got it. It doesn’t have a single scratch or even a finger print on it.
Click to expand...

Yep. My 5 string version cost me $300 at GC. Yes, it was "used" but like yours it was totally perfect without a single scratch or mark on it. Sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you!
 

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