Fender Standart Jazz Bass Made in Mexico I guess. Is it a great bass?

Fender's Mexican Standard are very well made basses. If you like Jazz basses you will be very happy with this bass. In my opinion it is an excellent value for the price.

 

The MIM Fender Jazz or P are very solid basses and very much worthy of the Fender name imo, great alternatives to the more expensive US models - this also holds true for the Made in Japan Fender basses. I've owned quite a number of basses, both US Fenders and MIM Fender basses among them- acoustically speaking, there's very little difference between the two, in fact I found myself playing my MIM Fender a bit more. Better wood, better pickups, bridge etc. come with the US versions but you'd expect that by paying more.
However, a few things I would consider if I were you - you can buy a MIM Fender used for around $300, where I live, and often you can find one in great condition for around the price. You can save your money that way and put it towards a better amp or towards another bass in the future. If you're willing to pay the new price, that's also getting close to the price of a used US Fender.

Also wanted to point out that your first bass, the Ibanez SR300 is on the low end of the Ibanez Soundgear models, once you get to the SR500 and above, you notice a huge jump in quality and sound. If you want to get another Ibanez bass now or in the future, try a SR500 or above in the Soundgear series.

 

I've been playing the same made in Mexico J bass for 15 years. I love her like I love bad whiskey.

 

^^^This^^^

^^^Indeed^^^

High Praise!

I carefully considered an Ensenada made Jazz, but went with an American Standard. Yes it cost twice as much. Today's American Professional Jazz is $1,500 vs $600 for the MIM Fender Standard Jazz. That $900 spread is quite a lot and could buy you a killer Fender Rumble 500 rig to go along with your new jazz bass.

 

Fender Jazz bass.

Probably the "best" bass ever made. IMHO.

That being said....

These days Fenders are still hit or miss. Being the owner of an MIA Fender Jazz myself I had to run through 6 of them to find "the one".

Now I'm hopelessly in love. And I can't find anything else that can hold a candle to it.

I've only owned one MIM Jazz and it was a deluxe. Didn't like the neck or the pre amp.

I would advise you to try before you buy. When you find that "one" that speaks to you you will know. You won't even need to plug it in. You will feel it.

And ordering online works for some but not for me. I found out the hard way when I ordered an MIA precision bass. But I also found out I'm not a P guy.

 

In general, the less you spend on a Fender, the less consistent. There are some great MIMs, there are some that bark. Always best to shop (and buy) in person.

 

Straight neck that adjusts easy, quiet electronics, sounds good unplugged, not too heavy, etc.

 

Simply holding the bass in your hands can tell you what you need to know. I held many bass's in my hands and out of all of them maybe only 2 have had that "feeling".

You will know.

The neck will just feel right. You won't be able to miss a note.

Even if it has the wrong strings on or need a setup it will just fit you.

I hope you find it.

 

All good points. I got even luckier.

The Jazz bass I have has stayed 100% stock since I bought her. CS60 pickups. No 60 cycle hum when soloing either pickup.

 

Get a good one, and keep it always close. It's like a good screwdriver, you'll need it.
I used Standard on medium and big gigs for last 3-4 years, anything from 200 to 40.000 people in audience. Never had an issue or complaint.
Having said that, a lot can be gained with couple of parts upgrade. Good strings and setup are first thing to do, but better pickups (i.e. getting alnico vs stock ceramic) can make your Standard sound just like your favorite Jazz from old records.

 

Like I said. I had to play through several bass's at several retailers until I found the one I have.

I know you can get excited by what is right in front of you. but if it doesn't feel right you should move on.