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

[williamk]

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...

yeah I'll check those out!
But I have to say I'm not really a fan of the standard jazz in terms of looks...it's too...ordinary looking!

 

[williamk]

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).

Ok I just looked at pictures on google and I have to say that would be the best !!! But it's 2000$ and over!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

You might also want to consider a used Music Man Stingray for that price. It has a solid sound and feel for the music you describe.

 

[Rockingbird]

You don't. It chooses you.

 

[iplaymetal]

You don't. It chooses you.

+1

 

[williamk]

You don't. It chooses you.

I wish it was that easy!!

 

[bassmanrocke]

If you're thinking about used it is a good idea to let us know what city you are in. There are lots of tbers who can pass on leads.(Example- If you live in the Orlando area there is a nice blue MIM jazz for$125 at Music Shack. I would really appreciate it if some one buys it because I don't need to be tempted.)

 

[Jeff Scott]

So I'm looking at Jazz Basses and there are so many freakin' models to choose from, I don't know where to start!

Good thing you aren't looking for a Strat or a Tele!

BTW, those are guitars.

 

[williamk]

If you're thinking about used it is a good idea to let us know what city you are in. There are lots of tbers who can pass on leads.(Example- If you live in the Orlando area there is a nice blue MIM jazz for$125 at Music Shack. I would really appreciate it if some one buys it because I don't need to be tempted.)

I'm in Montréal, and the only fair-priced jazz basses I've seen on the used market are aerodynes, at about 800$ which apparently is not a good deal...
But I'll keep on lookin'

 

[Jeff Scott]

I don't know where to start! .....what models should I be looking for?

Start by looking at G&L. , say the JB-2, for example.

 

[Govier966]

it is all black, the one with the skull is the squier bello...yeah I definetely don't want a skull on my bass!!

oh i got confused when i search for the bass the only result i got was the squier.

 

[St Drogo]

Start by looking at G&L. , say the JB-2, for example.

Why is that one better?

Not having a go at you, just really want to know. besides probably better quality control.

 

[fourfinger]

If you've got $800 you're in the ballpark for an Atkinson customized J build.

Definitely look into that -- I think he only asks about $900, uses top-quality parts, and you get to pick your favorite nitro finish. Unbeatable.

 

[basmartin]

Follow your GAS

 

[electracoyote]

I would recommend the American Standard if you can swing it. A good one will pretty much end your search. If you're patient, you can find one used for well under $1K w/HSC.

Whatever you do, try to play before you pay. The wide variety of Jazz basses out there equals an incredible variety of tones, and there are a lot of dogs in my book. Not all of them will give you the zing, pop, or versatility you seek.

 

[williamk]

Start by looking at G&L. , say the JB-2, for example.

interesting! looks pretty good (apart from the headstock...) is it versatile?

 

[KingRazor]

Agreed. I "audition" every bass unplugged. If it resonates and has good, even response, I can tweek from there.

+10

I don't think people place enough value on what a bass sounds like unplugged. It's a big deal to me.

 

[Engine207]

I really like my Classic 70s, even if it's "an MIM."

This right here.

I would hold mine up against any non-vintage MIA all day long. The tone is awesome, it looks great, and the craftsmanship is terrific! I had a Highway One (MIA), which was also a very nice instrument, but the 70's Classic has a much better feel.

Aside from the bullet truss adjustment on the headstock and the closer bridge pickup spacing, the biggest difference is in the thickness of the neck. From the fretboard to the skunk stripe feels much more like a P-bass to me.

Mine's not for sale, but if you want a 5er...

 

[nickbass79]

I bought a MIM Jazz and had some EMG Pups and a two band EQ. Sounds Great and it was cheap!

 

[s_mcsleazy]

id say start with a standard and if theres anything you dont like about it... theres probabally one that fixes it