Fender Jazz OR Ibanez ATK ???HELP

[jet_king]

So lately I've been on the lookout in stores and on craigslist for deal on fender jazz basses. Ive been finding basses but they haven't been the particular version of a jazz i want. (looking for a black jazz with maple neck) But i recently found this cool Ibanez bass. Its called the Ibanez ATK 300. So I'm a big Ibanez fan and I currently have an Ibanez Jet king bass (Hence my account name) I really like Ibanez and I recall playing the ATK a while back and remembering it was a fun bass to play, but just yesterday i played a jazz bass and i loved it. So I'm torn from either saving up for a new jazz or getting this Ibanez. So for anybody out there who has played one or both of these basses I want your opinion on what you think of them and what you may also recommend.

 

[A-Step-Towards]

I have owned like 4 MIM jazz basses and 2 ATK 300's. I have also played dozens of jazz basses and a few more ATKs.

My 4 jazz basses are gone and I sold both ATKs this week. However if I had a choice between an MIM jazz bass and and Ibanez ATK i would get the ATK. New there 500$ and IMO they sound like a bass worth alot more.

However the difference in a Jazz and ATK is alot , there is not much about them that is similar. It sounds like personally you perfer the jazz so keep saving . I perfer the ATK so thats what I would buy.

 

[JimmyM]

if you don't already have a jazz, i'd say get the jazz. the atk is more of a stingray sounding bass. good if you like that kind of thing but a jazz is just a great all around bass that works for everything.

 

[danomite64]

Maple-necked Jazz or ATK? That's a tough decision; here's the only answer I could come up with:

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Very different basses.

As with a few other guys here, I went with both. ATK400 and an Aria Pro II "Precise" bass (70's MIJ Jazz clone)

 

[ssbass]

I used to have both. I sold the jazz and kept the ATK. Like others have said they are completely different.

 

[milo]

ATK

 

[jet_king]

well I'm looking for a bass that's works well with distortion. I know the J-Bass probably would, what about the ATK?

 

[theavondon]

ATK and distortion are just best friends. I run mine with the mids knob cranked, and it just destroys.

 

[Alex Huddleston]

grab one new, They are on sale at musicians friend for $300

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-ATK300-Electric-Bass-Guitar?sku=511834

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

well I'm looking for a bass that's works well with distortion. I know the J-Bass probably would, what about the ATK?

ATK kicks *** with my BDDI

 

[finneytron]

I would suggest having a look at the Squier VM or CV range and then looking for a used ATK.

You won't regret buying the Squier and the ATK's tend to go pretty cheap used.

 

[jet_king]

I wanna thank everybody who helped out and gave their opinion about the two bass's. It really helped me out in the long run about what bass I was going to purchase. I ended up buying a Fender Jazz bass. Its not the black w/ maple that I was primarily looking for, but I was also looking for a red w/ rosewood.(which is what I bought) It plays nicely and has a great set up, especially for being used. Only thing is that the strings need to replaced (apparently they are two year old strings) and then there's the bridge, i dont know if i want to replace it but i like it for now.

Thanks again for everybody that helped out and expressed their thoughts and ideas

 

[Bongolation]

Very different basses.

Yeah, questions like this always slay me.

As with a few other guys here, I went with both.

Yeah, I did, too, and play neither.

New AS Jazz and a couple of ATKs, a 700 and a 750. Haven't played them this year.

 

[MiniMoose234]

I absolutly love my ATK, its a different beast from a J, but being active i think its more versatile. And its a bit more unique, which i take some pride in.
Still. nice j

 

[Staccato]

There are different priced (models) of ATK by comparison. Though, there seems to be a lot of love on this forum for ATK as a lower cost alternative (and similar sound) to the Music Man bass, part of which JimmyM commented, above...

 

[jet_king]

I think getting an ATK will be my next task for a new guitar but as of right now I'm happy with what I have.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Play both and decide.

One thing is for certain: the Fender will hold its value better, even if the ATK is the superior instrument.

 

[Diogenes]

I have both and it's hard to decide which one to take to a gig. However I chose the ATK for recording my band's CD because it just sounded the best for this project out of my top picks.

IMHO most people can't go wrong choosing either one.

 

[bassdaddyfive]

As you travel down the musical highway of life, it's always good to have that good ol Fender in the tool box. For me it's a P bass. I rarely play it, but it's there if I need it. Good choice, add the ATK another time. My Ibby of choice is a BTB, but I like the ATK's too.