Fender questions

[max22]

1- For someone who is starting with the bass, what bass is better, the Fender Jazz Bass, or the Fender Precision Bass?

2- Is there any significant difference between for example, a Fender Jazz Bass made on USA and one made in Mexico or in Japan?

3- If I buy a bass on Ebay for example, and the bass is located in USA, and I live in south america, will the bass survive the shipment? (The bass is sent to Miami, and from Miami, they send it here)

4- Is there any significant difference between a Fender Jazz Bass and a Fender Precision bass? (the sound)

5- What bass is better, the Jazz, or the Precision?

Sorry for the noob questions, Im just starting, and wiki doesn't help me much.

Thanks

.M

 

[The modifier]

None of those two basses is better than one another, its the bass that suits you best you should get, not one that is "better", but if you're anything like me ill get the cheapest I can find As fo the sound ive played both, and the P seems to get a very punchy fat sound , while the Jazz bass gets a bit more in the mids and higher ends, but as I said it really depends on what kind of music you play and the sound your after, as both of these basses will make an excellent beginners bass, although some will argue that the jazz will be better because of the skinnier neck.

 

[The modifier]

As for ebay I doubt it will survive as some sellers they package very poorly.

 

[bassist4dalord]

Here we go again!!! Haha I'll try my best to help you out.

1) As previously stated, both are equally amazing basses. I love both.
2) The MIA (Made in America) models typically have better build quality, quality control, and overall set up. However: any bass with a proper set-up will be very nice.
3) I would try local shipping/shopping. Much more convenient, cheaper, and less of a risk.
4) The sound. Ok. The Jazz bass is more high-end focused, and typically regarded as more versatile (not what I believe but that's a whole different thread.) As a side note, the Jazz bass has a thinner neck than the Precision. For 4-strings, I prefer a Precision neck (so I own a 4-String Precision bass.) For 5-strings, I have only played a Jazz 5 neck and I love it (so I own a 5-string Jazz bass.) But enough about me! The bottom line is both have there pros and cons. If you can, play both and give it some real thought. Now on to the Precision. It is more low-mid focused, so it will typically have a very full, thumpy sound. When played with a pick, it can have a great rock tone. Fingerstyle, it's just heavan. Warm, full, thump... I love it.

In conclusion, both are excellent basses. It all depends on what music you play, which feels more comfortable, what you can afford, etc... I HIGHLY reccommend you try the Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe Series. These are in some cases better quality than some Made in Mexico Fenders. Do lots of research, field study (play them both) and rock on!! Good luck man!

 

[max22]

It would be cool to buy a bass here... but the good basses are really expensive, and really hard to find. I hate this country

.M

 

[bassflyer19]

Much of it depends on your personal taste. With a P-Bass, you get a loud, punchy tone. With a Jazz, you get a great deep, growl. Also on a P, the neck is wider, which can be good or bad for someone.

Personally, I like the P-Bass a little more b/c the neck is wider, and fits my long fingers better. I also like the tone and punch that you get from a P. But that isn't saying anything against the Jazz. I would not trade my Jazz for anything.

A for country make, IMO there is not much difference. My Jazz is MIM and it plays better and feels better than many MIA Jazz basses. That may just be that I'm partial to mine. My P-Bass is MIA and it is the best P that I have ever played. Many American Standards and MIM Deluxe models do not stand up to it.

As for eBay, it is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. If there is a music store near you though, check that out before going to the bay though. At a shop you can actually hear and play a bass and get a feel for it. As for MIM and MIA, it usually depends on the feel of the bass itself. When I bought my Jazz, it's a MIM Standard Jazz, it plays better than the MIM Deluxe and MIA Standard that I compared it to.

So just try some out, see what you like, what fees good, sounds good. Let price become a backseat factor. Get something that you'll enjoy playing.

 

[bassflyer19]

I HIGHLY reccommend you try the Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe Series. These are in some cases better quality than some Made in Mexico Fenders. Do lots of research, field study (play them both) and rock on!! Good luck man!

+1

The Vintage Modified series is great. I have payed both the Jazz and P models. Both feel great. The P felt so good that I'm looking to sell my acoustic to buy one. In fact, the P played better than many MIM P's and many MIA Standards.