I'm shopping around for a main bass and want to go with an older MIJ/CIJ. Basically I have it narrowed down between JB62, JB75, and Geddy Lee. Unfortunately unless I luck out and find one locally, my shopping is online so I have to deal in generalities and ask yall for advice. So...
My main criteria are durability, weight, and feel--in that order. Aesthetics is a nice cherry on top but not really worth sacrificing any of those. Hardware and electronics can be updated and sound is so variable that I don't get caught up in that. I will be doing a refinish on it as well to rock my favorite Fender color.
JB62: I have one of these already, a fretless, and I LOVE it... great feel, lovely neck, nice overall vibe. Feels like a workhorse. Sounds great too. So my main impulse is to get its fretted counterpart.
-Pros: they seem to run a bit lighter, 7.25 radius is nice, I actually prefer the heel truss rod, most affordable, seems like a tough working instrument and a pretty consistent model line.
-Cons: hardware is mediocre, may have to Dremel a rout for truss access, headstock markings are really blah, hard to find an aftermarket PG, electronics rout a bit of a squeeze for an Audere
JB75: I really prefer the 70s vibe so this one caught my eye.
-Pros: sexy neck, I actually dig the three-bolt (which I assume to be an improvement over the original), uses great looking body wood for clear finishes
-Cons: listed weights are sadly also period correct (upwards of 11 lbs!), bullet truss adjust at the headstock, tends to fetch higher prices than the JB62 and even GL
Geddy Lee: I don't really care about Rush, pickup placement, thin neck, or BA bridge. But this bass really has a swagger about it that's undeniable. And I am an absolute sucker for that TV logo on the headstock! Hey, we all have our things...
-Pros: Many simply love it. For me, the winner when it comes to overall look and vibe, closest I can get to a 70s jazz without springing for one. I also expect it would have better hardware than the other two. Easier to find these used as well as aftermarket things like pickguards by virtue of being a popular model.
-Cons: Many simply hate it. Having biggish hands, the thin neck isn't really a selling point and frankly it makes me kind of nervous regarding both feel and durability, two common complaints and red flags for a main bass. Seems to be quite variable when it comes to weight. Fetches a higher price as well. But man.... TV logo!
Typing all of this out I think I am likely to go the JB62 route based on familiarity alone but I am curious to hear suggestions, experience, etc.
Thanks and apologies for yet another "help me choose" thread!
My main criteria are durability, weight, and feel--in that order. Aesthetics is a nice cherry on top but not really worth sacrificing any of those. Hardware and electronics can be updated and sound is so variable that I don't get caught up in that. I will be doing a refinish on it as well to rock my favorite Fender color.
JB62: I have one of these already, a fretless, and I LOVE it... great feel, lovely neck, nice overall vibe. Feels like a workhorse. Sounds great too. So my main impulse is to get its fretted counterpart.
-Pros: they seem to run a bit lighter, 7.25 radius is nice, I actually prefer the heel truss rod, most affordable, seems like a tough working instrument and a pretty consistent model line.
-Cons: hardware is mediocre, may have to Dremel a rout for truss access, headstock markings are really blah, hard to find an aftermarket PG, electronics rout a bit of a squeeze for an Audere
JB75: I really prefer the 70s vibe so this one caught my eye.
-Pros: sexy neck, I actually dig the three-bolt (which I assume to be an improvement over the original), uses great looking body wood for clear finishes
-Cons: listed weights are sadly also period correct (upwards of 11 lbs!), bullet truss adjust at the headstock, tends to fetch higher prices than the JB62 and even GL
Geddy Lee: I don't really care about Rush, pickup placement, thin neck, or BA bridge. But this bass really has a swagger about it that's undeniable. And I am an absolute sucker for that TV logo on the headstock! Hey, we all have our things...
-Pros: Many simply love it. For me, the winner when it comes to overall look and vibe, closest I can get to a 70s jazz without springing for one. I also expect it would have better hardware than the other two. Easier to find these used as well as aftermarket things like pickguards by virtue of being a popular model.
-Cons: Many simply hate it. Having biggish hands, the thin neck isn't really a selling point and frankly it makes me kind of nervous regarding both feel and durability, two common complaints and red flags for a main bass. Seems to be quite variable when it comes to weight. Fetches a higher price as well. But man.... TV logo!
Typing all of this out I think I am likely to go the JB62 route based on familiarity alone but I am curious to hear suggestions, experience, etc.
Thanks and apologies for yet another "help me choose" thread!
