If you were starting college to study jazz....

[Scoops]

..... what would you show up with as your workhorse bass? Fender Jazz? (Not me, by the way.)

Oddly enough, Jazz Studies departments tend to be ridiculously traditional (for people who study music that knocked down walls a broke all kinds of barriers). In my view, you can't (literally can't) show up with the "wrong" bass.

So, if you were going to help a kid going into a traditional jazz school (he'll be doubling on electric and double bass) find an "acceptable" bass guitar, what would you look for?

And, please, save your lectures. I know the school. It is what it is. It's a great school. But it's stuck in the past.

Budget is maybe $700-$800? Used is fine in great shape.

Why ask here?

Ask the school for a list of recommendations and purchase off that list per the budget

 

[bass12]

At your school perhaps..... but thanks.

So what's the school? And if the kid already has a full scholarship then what's the worry? Are teachers going to refuse to teach him because he has a Precision instead of a Jazz?

 

[DJ Bebop]

I see a lot here in NYC among professional, working doublers whose bane of existence is the double bass, and who for example picked up a busted Fender in the 70ties and then modded here and there through the next decades, playing and recording with it to this day.

Like this?...

 

[fiveoffour]

I have my degree in jazz performance...we never really played electric to be honest. I would say he won't give vibed at all unless he shows up with some piece of junk. Upright is what matters, and he's got that covered. Just get good instrument.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Yes. Yes it does.

Why?

 

[Space Pickle]

It doesn't. No idea what Two Fingers is on about.

 

[smtp4me]

I voted "other". Studying jazz and bass in college - an upright.

 

[Picton]

It doesn't. No idea what Two Fingers is on about.

This. I've read this whole thread now, and I'm mystified.

1. How, specifically, does it matter?
2. What thoughtful assistance does the OP think he'll get until he tells us?
3. Why all the secrecy?
4. If the OP is certain he knows the unwritten "rules," then why not just follow them without asking us?
5. Why wouldn't the prospective student get a say (the only say, in my opinion)?

I'm confused. But if I were good enough to get into a music school, I'd already have DEFINITE opinions about my choice of instrument.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Guys, what about acceptable amps? Does it need to be an Ampeg?

Cord, coilly or straight? :Ol

 

[DJ Bebop]

I think any bass that is not outrageous should do. So no Bootsy Star bass, BC Rich Warlock, Steinberger stick bass, pointy hockey stick headstock basses!

 

[Bruiser Stone]

If the prospective student's talent has earned him a full-ride scholarship, I'd say he's also earned the choice of instrument...and to live with the consequences of that choice and every other choice he'll make for himself from now on.

 

[DJ Bebop]

You know my pick!
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[zubrycky]

Here's a secret: You can play jazz with any bass you want and you can also play it with a pick if you want to.

 

[two fingers]

What are the other cats playing?

Great question.

 

[two fingers]

So what's the school? And if the kid already has a full scholarship then what's the worry? Are teachers going to refuse to teach him because he has a Precision instead of a Jazz?

No. Of course not. I just want to do something nice for the kid. He's got a cheap orange Ibanez. I would like to help him show up with a bass that "fits in" better. That's all.

 

[Bruiser Stone]

No. Of course not. I just want to do something nice for the kid. He's got a cheap orange Ibanez. I would like to help him show up with a bass that "fits in" better. That's all.

What does he want to play?

 

[two fingers]

It doesn't. No idea what Two Fingers is on about.

I know the faculty at this school. It does. The advice to ask that faculty is solid. Perhaps they'll have less attitude than this crowd.

 

[flojob]

Give him one of yours, if he appreciates that kind of stuff. Would probably mean a lot to him.

 

[Bruiser Stone]

I know the faculty at this school. It does. The advice to ask that faculty is solid. Perhaps they'll have less attitude than this crowd.

What does he like to play?

 

[Picton]

I know the faculty at this school. It does. The advice to ask that faculty is solid. Perhaps they'll have less attitude than this crowd.

That's completely unfair.

You're asking "this crowd" to chime in on something for which you haven't told us ANY of the parameters. Then, when people have asked you directly, you haven't deigned to answer.

Why ON EARTH would you not simply have asked your faculty buddy? Good Lord, why did you waste all this bandwidth?