How do you get a jazz to sound like this

[Professor Jones]

I just ordered a JB and it will be my first. I'm looking for that type of sound (among others) :



It definitely has some growl but it is very smooth at the same time. Neck pickup soloed maybe, but what type of strings in your opinion ? Round or flats ?

 

[Munjibunga]

Favor the bridge pickup, but leave a little neck in it. A little boost on the mids and bass, but not too much bass. The amp is going to play a huge role in that sound, too. If I were going for that sound, I'd try a DB750 and GS410. The jazz bass is the right one for that, too.

 

[Craig_S]

You can do well enough with rolling the front pickup off a bit, then dialing back the tone a bit and playing over the bridge pickup. No need for a different amp. You can get very close to that sound direct to the board.

 

[JimmyM]

+1 to everyone else, except for buying a new amp. you can get that sound on pretty much any bass with a jj or pj setup. that's pretty much what jaco did.

 

[Professor Jones]

Thanks for the replies. I already bought my amp and bass so what I was interested in was the possible set of strings that would help me achieve this kind of sound. As of know I've been using daddario XL roundwounds, but I'd like to try something different on my new jazz bass.

 

[DeluxeRed]

Thanks for the replies. I already bought my amp and bass so what I was interested in was the possible set of strings that would help me achieve this kind of sound. As of know I've been using daddario XL roundwounds, but I'd like to try something different on my new jazz bass.

IME, it's real easy to get too "bright" with strings on a Jazz. I use either DR coated strings or Fender semi-rounds on mine, and that helps keep them from getting too spanky without having to roll off the highs too much, while preserving the juicy mids.

Flats on a J never did it for me, either, though. Too harsh for pure vintage soul, like on a P, and not enough growl for that J sound.

 

[JimmyM]

xl's are fine. that's what i use.

 

[Craig_S]

XL's are great. Dunlops are great too. Both growl nicely.

 

[MrBonex]

What a great player! Whew. Thanks for the link to that.

I'd go with R. Cocco nickel roundwounds.

'Cause that's what I use to get that sound on a Fender Jazz.

Very inspiring! Makes me want to go practice. Damn day job.

And speaking of great tone and groove (although not a J):

 

[Floridabwoy]

I have TI Jazz Rounds on a foundation and it nails that sound.