Is a cheap Jazz Bass worth it?

[matskull]

Hey guys, I haven't posted here in forever but I still play bass every now and then.
I currently own a fender AVRI 62 that I bought new maybe 20 years ago.

Even though it's a great bass, for years I've been wanting a jazz bass (or a sterling but that's another topic). I really like the tones on weezer's blue album for example, that sort of phasy midrange that the 2 pickups configuration creates is so nice and my p-bass just can't get these sounds.

Thing is I'm broke and I'd hate to sell my p-bass only to miss it a few years down the road. So I was wondering if in your opinion a cheap jazz bass, something like a harley benton MV4JB or similar, would be a worthy addition to get that jazz bass tone? I know it wouldn't have that nice nitro finish and might require a setup but I'm ok with that. I'm not looking for a pro instrument, I just want that jazz tone on an instrument that is fun to play.

What are your thoughts, any suggestions?

 

[bassdude51]

Dumb response..................YES!...............if it plays right.

 

[michael_t]

I just picked up a brand new Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz and couldn't be happier. $500 CAD ($362 USD).

 

[Kubicki Fan]

The J in the previous post is gorgeous!!

Also, a Squire is something that you can try.

A Harley Benton can be an amazing deal when you get a good one!

Either a Squire or an HB will keep you from spending in excess.

 

[bassicmike]

You should be able to find a Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Squier J for around $300. (They're on fB Marketplace frequently)

I regularly gig with my VM. It's also my bass for all travel gigs. It's a really good bass at the price point.

 

[matskull]

Dumb response..................YES!...............if it plays right.

I don’t think it’s a dumb response. Have you tried any cheap models, any recommendations?
Thanks

 

[matskull]

I just picked up a brand new Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz and couldn't be happier. $500 CAD ($362 USD).

View attachment 7564911

It looks great!
I gotta do my homework but in Canada is a Squier a better option than the Harley Benton?
I think the HB still ends up cheaper.

Also I wonder about the difference between passive and active.

 

[matskull]

You should be able to find a Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Squier J for around $300. (They're on fB Marketplace frequently)

I regularly gig with my VM. It's also my bass for all travel gigs. It's a really good bass at the price point.

View attachment 7564957

Thanks I’ll have a look at those!

 

[UNICORN BASS]

I am i wrong or does H B have a Canadian distributor? Also, i think that nowadays it would be hard to find a really crappy entry level bass.

 

[ElectricBass72]

I have 3 cheap jazz basses........

G&L Tribute JB: $550
Sire Marcus Miller V5 fretless: $600
Fender Vintera 60's Jazz: $539

 

[vindibona1]

Get a USED Squire Classic Vibe (or 70's VM modified) jazz bass for under $400. The CV would probably be my first choice as I think the pickups are nicer than in the VM 70 model (which I own... made in 2011). Because i got if for a steal some years ago, I was able to over-improve it with very little total cost. The big upgrade were pickups that somehow one of the shows I was doing paid for because they wanted me to have "noiseless" pickups, so generously paid for them. I did put a Gotoh heavy bridge and a drop D tuner in, which really did little. The BIG thing was having a professsional fret level/crown job done for around $100 and it plays as good as any of my instruments regardless of price/cost. If pickups are an issue there are some great ones out there for little $$$.
One more thing... I re-wired it so I could access either series or parallel pickup output. Other than the fret level/crown, the best thing I did for it.
Too bad it's a 4 string... and never gets played any more .

 

[Mastermold]

Squire or Sire have good cheap options for Jazz basses. SX used if you can find one. The ones from about 2005-2015 I think.

 

[Pilgrim]

I would definitely NOT sell the P, as you will immediately regret it.

Squier and other less expensive basses often sound great. Look there, and look at used ones - - they're a better value.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

+1 Squier Classic Vibe.

 

[ghostdog93]

Another vote for a used Squier VM or CV J bass. The 70s VM seems to be readily available on Reverb, last I looked.

I have a VM Mustang and a VM Jaguar, and they're good players. Solid basses for the money, and I bought both of them used.

I wouldn't turn my nose up at a new Harley Benton MV4JB, etiher. Under $250 USD at Thomann's. Sweet looking bass with the bound & blocked neck and matching headstock. Good deal for the money.

Already mentioned was the SX line, but those seem to be hard to find used at a decent price.

 

[MIJ Fender Guy]

Squier CV

 

[buldog5151bass]

Start saving up money. Then buy used.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Does it make bass sounds?
If so......your 90% of the way there.