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Getting a High End Bass...can't decide which.

p0k

p0k

I play the bass and design things.
Feb 6, 2007
4,431
427
Brockton, MA
#1
Hey Guys,

I've had lots of great basses, but I'm currently down to just one (my '74 Fender Jazz). Love the sound, but I definitely want to get a second bass. I was playing exclusively 5-ers for a long time, then switched to the 4 and have been enjoying it. SO...

I am going to make a big purchase this year...think 3-5K. I'd like it to be something I hang onto for a long time (a keeper). I'm leaning toward the vintage tone these days so I'm going to stick with that style...probably a Jazz bass. I am leaning toward an Ash Maple Sadowsky Will Lee 5 right now, but have always been intrigued with Alleva Coppolos as well (but have never had the chance to play one).

And the thought of maybe sticking with a 4-string has crossed my mind as well. Any suggestions or advice? Should I buy new, used, 4 string, 5-string, Sadowsky, Alleva, other brand, etc...? I know it is ultimately up to me but curious what others thought.
 
#3
Why does the cost have to be more than 3 large on up to 5? I hear this all the time, that the cost has to at or above a certain shocking amount, and I don't understand how that thought process works or yields a good result?

What my thought process is on something like this is generally as follows:
If I want a Fender jazz bass, I go directly to Fender. I do not pass GO, I do not collect $200, and I get a new MIA American standard jazz. It's the best line of jazz basses FMIC has ever made in their entire existence and it's a good jazz bass.

If I want something jazz-like but not the FMIC version, probably the best choice out there on the market today is the Carvin SB4000. It's the best sounding jazz-like bass you can get and it's around 1/3 of $3000 brand new. Yeah, a bit homely looking, but if you can get past the appearance, it's the way to go.

Then there're other options like the G&L JB for a little more, and then on up to the semi-boutiques like the Sadowsky and etc.

But there are lots of less expensive options to exhaust first before the cost needs to get that high. I mean, it's a jazz bass with a vintage JB tone - you don't have to spend that much money to get a good one.

Anyway, that's kind of how I think through an option like that. I don't start with the most punishing kick to the checking account and work out from there, but that's just me...

LS
 
#6
Two from my stable are as good as any I've played:

5 string - Fender American Jazz Deluxe - current version. Exceptionally well made, has the jazz sound but with active pickups you can get more variation. Mine is a keeper.

4 string - Fender CS 64 Jazz Bass - if you like vintage jazz, this is a great bass. These can also be had used and save some $$.
 
#8
It doesn't necessarily HAVE to be 3-5K I'm just trying to relay the point that it is a major purchase for me and i would spend a lot to get the right bass...

I have found the play ability and customer service of Sadowsky to be better than Fender...but that's just me. If I can find a Fender that I LOVE I wouldn't hesitate buying it.
 
#10
If you can justify putting down three to five grand for a Sadowsky, then more power to ya. Personally, I can't. I know Roger personally, and he's a great guy who makes a fine product. But I've just never understood the mindset that puts a Sadowsky in the same category as a Fodera, or an MTD, or an F Bass. :rolleyes:

I have no idea what your purchase criteria are. But I do know there's bunches and bunches of makers who produce high-quality J-style instruments. So you're in luck.

I think UncleJane has the right idea - both in terms of approach, and in terms of recommending Carvin. I've got a tricked-out SB5000 that is just a slammin' modern J. You too could get one - for 1/2 to 1/3 the price of an Alleva Coppolo, or a Nordstrand, or a Mayonnes, or a Mike Lull, or an Overwater.

MM
 
#14
If you love your '74 Jazz and are looking for something similar, but just a little different, then try the Fender Victor Bailey signature bass. They can be had used from $1400-1600. It's essentially a Jazz Bass with a mahogany body, flamed koa top, and active electronics. The tone is slightly darker than a typical Jazz Bass. Build quality is excellent overall, except for the quality of the flame in the koa top (it's hit or miss).

If you want something even more different, but still grossly in line with the Jazz Bass tone, check out Pedulla Buzz (fretless) or MVP (fretted). Even though most are P-J, they are available with a Bartolini J-J configuration. I've got a Buzz with J-J pickups and passive V/V/T electronics. It sounds like a Jazz Bass only with greater clarity. Wonderful.

Finally, if you're dead set on a very expensive "Super Jazz," check out John Suhr. I know Sadowsky and A-C get all the love around here, but I don't think anyone makes a Jazz Bass much better than Suhr.
 

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