• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

How the h*** does one choose a J Bass?!

W

williamk

Apr 2, 2008
871
28
#1
Ok I have a Ric 4003, but I'm getting more and more gigs for pop/soft rock/funk/ etc and I need a very versatile bass that can cover pretty much everything (I love the Ric but it doesn't do well for everything!). So I'm looking at Jazz Basses and there are so many freakin' models to choose from, I don't know where to start! 2 models that caught my attention were the Frank Bello and the Aerodyne Jazz which to me both look really awesome. I wrote a couple of days ago a thread about the aerodyne and the reviews I got were good but not incredible, and the Frank Bello just seems like no one knows about them...
So anyways, if I'm searching for a versatile jazz bass, not too expensive, what models should I be looking for? Too many choices!!
 
#3
Why not look into either a used or new MIM fender jazz? Find one that feels good to you and replace the pickups with something nicer like Fralins. i've got a MIM fender p-bass with Fralins and a Gotoh replacement bridge and I absolutely love it! I know it's not a jazz, but having done the same thing with a mexican jazz before, I can tell you that it can make a world of difference. Having the individual knobs for each pickup and a master tone has given me lots of versatility for different situations.

Just my two cents.
 
#4
Govier966 said:
frank bello model doesn't look versatile it only has to knobs and the visuals don't look versatile either. I have only played an arodyne once but i have to say its an nice instrument and really light too!
Click to expand...

More knobs does not necessarily make something more versatile. Ask my girlfriend how versatile I am. I only have one knob. Heh.

Also, what did you mean by "the visuals don't look versatile"? The OP probably doesn't want a chameleonbass (though that would be awsome).

To the OP: I would be looking more towards active with a good preamp than passive, if I was going to let the versatility be dependant on the instrument. However, I think you'd be much better off learning different techniques, like slap, pickplay and using your hand position to get different sounds from your bass.

Anyway, most any J or P would probably do for the "pop/soft rock/funk/ etc" you're making now.

Good luck!
 
#9
St Drogo said:
More knobs does not necessarily make something more versatile. Ask my girlfriend how versatile I am. I only have one knob. Heh.

Also, what did you mean by "the visuals don't look versatile"? The OP probably doesn't want a chameleonbass (though that would be awsome).

To the OP: I would be looking more towards active with a good preamp than passive, if I was going to let the versatility be dependant on the instrument. However, I think you'd be much better off learning different techniques, like slap, pickplay and using your hand position to get different sounds from your bass.

Anyway, most any J or P would probably do for the "pop/soft rock/funk/ etc" you're making now.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

yeah, I don't need a chameleon, and in terms of looks, I like the "all black body" of the aerodyne and frank bello. I would def. like an active jazz bass but won't that cost more than a passive? As you can see I'm pretty new to jazz basses, the only ones I've played with were pretty cheap quality and I hated them, but I know there are good, confortable and versatile ones out there, I just don't know which model will suit me best...trying them out is the best way, but I need a starting point!
And yeah, I am looking in the used market!
 
#11
One Bad Monkey said:
Find a jazz bass that feels good when you play it and has a good fundamental, unplugged tone. Changing out pickups is an easy thing to do, comparatively.
Click to expand...


Agreed. I "audition" every bass unplugged. If it resonates and has good, even response, I can tweek from there.
 
#12
St Drogo said:
To the OP: I would be looking more towards active with a good preamp than passive, if I was going to let the versatility be dependant on the instrument. However, I think you'd be much better off learning different techniques, like slap, pickplay and using your hand position to get different sounds from your bass.
Good luck!
Click to expand...

I play mostly fingerstyle, but also slap and pick if needed. I would like a bass that can sound good for slap/pop, coz the Ric certainly doesn't do well for that...
 
#15
St Drogo said:
More knobs does not necessarily make something more versatile. Ask my girlfriend how versatile I am. I only have one knob. Heh.

Also, what did you mean by "the visuals don't look versatile"? The OP probably doesn't want a chameleonbass (though that would be awsome).

To the OP: I would be looking more towards active with a good preamp than passive, if I was going to let the versatility be dependant on the instrument. However, I think you'd be much better off learning different techniques, like slap, pickplay and using your hand position to get different sounds from your bass.

Anyway, most any J or P would probably do for the "pop/soft rock/funk/ etc" you're making now.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

haha what i mean is a giant skull would look pretty out of place while playing pop soft rock and funk. maybe an ibanez atk would be a good bass.
 
#17
Kwesi said:
Yep! Pickups and preamp! Start with something that looks nice and sounds at least decent then make it sound awesome! What's your budget by the way?
Click to expand...
well I'm looking for used, and if I could get something around 800$ or lower, that would be awesome, if ever possible...
The thing is I just got hired to tour with this young pop singer, and my Ric is kinda naturally aggressive sounding. I need something that will be able to sound good in pretty much every pop-oriented music for gigs of the sort.
 
#19
hey man seriously just get a MIM fender jazz. of course you need to play on a couple different basses to see which one feels the best (keep in mind that you can adjust the bridge) but those are very nice basses. ive had allevas, lulls, music mans, f bass, and for the money those MIM fenders are just fine. you can always switch pickups install onboard preamps change the hardware and still come out paying less money...
 
#20
williamk said:
Ok I have a Ric 4003, but I'm getting more and more gigs for pop/soft rock/funk/ etc and I need a very versatile bass that can cover pretty much everything (I love the Ric but it doesn't do well for everything!). So I'm looking at Jazz Basses and there are so many freakin' models to choose from, I don't know where to start! 2 models that caught my attention were the Frank Bello and the Aerodyne Jazz which to me both look really awesome. I wrote a couple of days ago a thread about the aerodyne and the reviews I got were good but not incredible, and the Frank Bello just seems like no one knows about them...
So anyways, if I'm searching for a versatile jazz bass, not too expensive, what models should I be looking for? Too many choices!!
Click to expand...

Did you get a chance to try an American Vintage 75 J ? IMO, they are the most smokin' J's ever made at Fender (I mean in the 4-string and passive electronics category).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back