Growliest Fender Jazz for under $900

[kbaxter26]

Post #25.

I don't quite get it, but the several Geddy Lees that I've played sounded like weak sauce. From what I've heard them described as though, my examples were probably very poorly set up. Or else I was using a cruddy amp in the store.

I have played two Geddy's. Both MIJ AND 2007. One was sweeter that I thought it would be, the other...miserable.

 

[topo morto]

I own two top of the line Fender Jazz Basses. You know which one is the growliest?

My $145.00 Squire Jaguar SS Short Scale with DR Sunbeam 45-105s on it! LOL! Seriously! That little thing is amazing when it comes to that classic J Bass growl tone.

Not with the stock bridge pup, Shirley?

 

[Tony In Philly]

Question: What exactly is a MIM?

"Made in Mexico".

 

[GG7]

Not with the stock bridge pup, Shirley?

Yep! Might be a fluke, but it does a better Growly Jazz Bass impression than my 64, and that thing is pretty darned growly itself!

I was very surprised the first time I played it. Could be a combination of the Sunbeams and my Bassman 100t too which is one sweet tube amp! Brings out the growl in anything with the potential for that type of tone.

 

[sideFX]

A few hours ago I found a used [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], it has a very minor ding on the headstock and a little scratch on the lower back side of the body but the guy is asking for $370 less than the price of the new one ($1110), I'm seriously thinking of buying it, will keep you informed.

... there is such a tremendous difference in the necks on all three of the OP basses mentioned, that I would think that would be a prime concern over what could be accomplished through the magnitude of voicing options available ... JMHO

I'm aware of the Geddy's skinny neck and probably won't like it, but what's the difference between the 60's and 70's neck profile??

 

[sideFX]

Also I'd like to thank everyone for their tips and input on this.

 

[carpcutter]

I just dropped 500 on a used MIM 60's Jazz strung with black beauties. TONS of that jazz bass growl, running straight in to the amp. IMO very similar tone to the Geddy I had a few years back, but with a thicker (and more comfortable to me at least) neck. And the nicest MIM I have ever seen.

 

[sideFX]

So if I got this right, the thickness of the neck front to back from the chunkiest to the thinnest is 70s > 60s > GL ??

 

[mam1862]

A used Geddy will do the trick.

 

[svtcobraboy81]

If it's a one shot only, near perfect out of the box, go with a Road Worn J. After a subtle setup for your playing style you will get THE vintage tone you crave. I have a RW P and the J is the next thing I'm grabbing. Forget the naysayers, touring Pros's swear by them. I'll take the opinion of a pro before a weekend warrior any day. Cheers!

 

[gkbass13]

MIJ '75 reissues do the trick quite nicely IME.

 

[xroads]

check out this site:
Invalid Link Removed

It's UK based, but you'll find a lot of used Jazz basses within the EU.

 

[Jepus]

MIJ '75 reissues do the trick quite nicely IME.

Yup. My pj75 is pretty growly

 

[tomydacat]

look for a boner jazzz you wont put it down..

 

[topo morto]

the EU.

you can't use that word talking to a Greek!

 

[rupture]

one with an ash body

 

[Troph]

...
and THESE

I would not recommend flats (Fender or otherwise) for maximum "growl". Roto 66s and even DR Sunbeams are much more growly to me. But of course, different people have different concepts of "growl" I suppose.

 

[JoeWPgh]

For growl, I would start by looking at an ash/maple bass, with rounds. I'm not looking to start a tonewood dustup. But in general, I've found that setup to lean toward 'growl', or maybe 'grit'. But as always, YMMV, and the specific bass in your hands might not bear any resemblance to the generalizations associated to it. That's what I would start by looking at ash/maple, but not necessarily end up there.

 

[sideFX]

Resurrecting this thread cause I ended up ordering a Fender Jaguar CIJ a few days ago (got it new for a killer price), and I'm hoping it can growl a tad more than the standard Jazz due to the bridge pup being closer to the bridge (70's position).

But my question is this:
To anyone who have had experience with a Jaguar, do you think the pups need to be swapped out right off the bat, or do they sound decent for the tone that I'm after?

 

[Bisounourse]

Resurrecting this thread cause I ended up ordering a Fender Jaguar CIJ a few days ago (got it new for a killer price), and I'm hoping it can growl a tad more than the standard Jazz due to the bridge pup being closer to the bridge (70's position).

But my question is this:
To anyone who have had experience with a Jaguar, do you think the pups need to be swapped out right off the bat, or do they sound decent for the tone that I'm after?

I have never played a MIJ Jaguar, but I would suggest: just plug it in and play. If they are what you are looking for, just keep them in there. If you think they are weaker, look for other pups (there are lots of posts on Jbass pups here on talkbass).