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Help me pick my next bass

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Fletz, Jan 16, 2009.

  1. Jan 16, 2009 #1
    Fletz

    Fletz

    Jan 16, 2009
    New Jersey
    Hartke artist
    First off, new to the board! So happy I found it!

    I've been a bassist for 25 years. After all this time, I have come to the conclusion that the only basses I like are Fender Jazz basses. I love the slim neck - my primary reason for always gravitating to them. That said, I have a question that perhaps someone here can answer.

    The two basses I own and play now are a 1993 American Standard Jazz. It's a workhorse. Been with me through all the gigs. It's my go-to guitar. My other bass is the Geddy Lee bass. Fast. Fun. Simple.

    I am ready for a new bass. I am back in a gigging band and want to, of course, add to the collection! I want to stay under $750.

    I am considering the Fender '70s Jazz Bass Reissue. Thoughts? Is there enough difference between that and the Geddy Bass to make it worth the investigation? Based on my story, are there any other basses I should not miss?
     
  2. Jan 16, 2009 #2
    WyrdoBass

    WyrdoBass

    May 31, 2008
    Everett, WA
    the 70's reissue seems to much like the geddy IMO. I've played both and the geddy blew it away in both quality and sound.

    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Deluxe-P-Bass-Special-4-String-Bass-515201-i1148626.gc

    this is a great bass, played it and loved it. Has a jazz neck and p/j pickups. Might be good for you so you could get the P sound, and to have something with active electronics.
    ___
    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Jaguar-Electric-Bass-Guitar-103645867-i1147460.gc

    A lotta people like the jag, although it tends to be somewhat love/hate. It's got a ton of tonal options from its series/parrallel switch, and the active/passive switch with a two-band EQ.
    ___
    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Jazz-Bass-24-Electric-Bass-Guitar-526799-i1410724.gc

    the jazz 24 is also great. Active electronics and 24 frets, still with a jazz neck and pickups.

    Oh! and welcome to Talkbass! :)
     
  3. Jan 16, 2009 #3
    Fletz

    Fletz

    Jan 16, 2009
    New Jersey
    Hartke artist
    Thanks for the tips! Exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Awesome. And thanks for the welcome!

    Any other brands? Anybody else with ideas? Other comments on Wyrdo's recos?
     
  4. Jan 16, 2009 #4
    seansbrew

    seansbrew Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2000
    Mesa AZ.
    You seem to have the lower line Fenders covered, why not save for a re-issue, closet classic, or tricked out Fender deluxe?
     
  5. Jan 16, 2009 #5
    newbold

    newbold

    Sep 21, 2008
    Toronto
    Or a lakland.
     
  6. Jan 16, 2009 #6
    lonote

    lonote Guest

    May 1, 2002
    Cottage Grove, St. Paul suburb
    Oddly enough, I was in GC today and played a 70's for quite a while. What did I think? Well, I played a '72 Jazz as my #1 for 10 years or so and the 70's felt like it and sounded like it. I liked the feel and look of the blocked neck but the too white binding looked a little out of place. My advice to you, since you have Fenders already, is to look for a used Hamer USA CruiseBass with either a 2-TEK (my choice) or Gotoh bridge. They are fabulous basses that feel, sound and look great and you can find them on e-bay for $500 - $700 with OHSC. They are a steal...top shelf woods, hardware, finish and electronics.
     
  7. Jan 16, 2009 #7
    Kemet09

    Kemet09

    Oct 29, 2004
    Chi-Ca-Go
    Endorsements: Sire Basses
    I'd say try a Rondo Music bass... SX's (essex if you do a talkbass search on them). Get one of those & trick it out to your hearts content & you'll still come in well under your budget. Since its your gig bass it wont crush you if something happens to it.

    www.rondomusic.com :bassist: