J-bass on a $600 budget

[J Wilson]

Fender Jazz Basses (or similar JB-shaped objects from other sources) in a used 4 are not that hard to find. With your back problems, I'd aim for alder or poplar, ash is going to get you into that weight range you don't want to be in, though there are exceptions. A quick flyby in Reverb a few minutes ago had quite a few FJB's used around that kind of money, and widen that search to other makers would yield a big selection.

I always suggest don't get in a big hurry and look for exactly what you're after, even if it takes a while, and I far prefer buying from a store instead of an individual, but all that's your business.

Yeah, I wouldn't want a Squier either.

. . . but then again . . .

 

[CTBassGuy]

Let's say you're in the market for a used four string j-style bass with two single coil pickups. Your budget is $600 (plus reasonable shipping). And you do not want anything with Squier on the headstock. What are you looking for? What would you jump on if you saw it in your price range?

MIM Fender Jazz?
PRS?
Sire?
G&L?

Just jumped on a G&L Tribute SB-2 (PJ) and have owned a PRS SE Kestrel (JJ). Both very good, with the Kestrel having somewhat weak/bland pickups, IMO.

Of those you listed, I'd hit the PRS and upgrade the pickups later on. Neck through, Hipshot tuners, Hipshot Transtone bridge, and string-through-body are really excellent features and outstrip the others you listed. In fact, I'd likely still have it if I had not lucked in to a CIJ Fender Geddy Lee.

Dave's Guitar Shop has Kestrels in stock on Reverb "used" (they are actually NOS, or at least mine was) at $450. They even have the discontinued red one, which is the one I had (pictured below).
Gear | Reverb

 

[Corrington]

I'm opinion, $600 to $800 is the sweet spot for many quality guitars and basses.
Over the years, I've found that if I spend much less on an instrument ($300-$400), I wind up spending more money on upgrades (e.g., pickups, bridges, tuners, nuts, etc.).
Last year I bought a used Schecter Banshee Short-scale bass for $650. It's fracking awesome. No upgrades required. Sounds great, feels great.
I suspect any Sire, G&L, Schecter, Fender MIM, etc. in the ~$600 price range will work well for you.
Now you just have to settle on your features (passive vs active, 4 or 5 string, weight, etc.) and aesthetics (e.g., shape, color, etc.).
Enjoy the hunt!

 

[higain617]

Old MIJ Fernandes.

 

[Nuage420]

Let's say you're in the market for a used four string j-style bass with two single coil pickups. Your budget is $600 (plus reasonable shipping). And you do not want anything with Squier on the headstock. What are you looking for? What would you jump on if you saw it in your price range?

MIM Fender Jazz?
PRS?
Sire?
G&L?

A used Fernandez

 

[scottfeldstein]

I'm opinion, $600 to $800 is the sweet spot for many quality guitars and basses.

I know what you mean. The two I have right now each go for about a grand when new. I got them for $600 apiece on the used market. Ibanez BTB745 and my Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ fiver.

 

[Sam Dingle]

mim jazz or sire if you can handle the weight

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Let's say you're in the market for a used four string j-style bass with two single coil pickups. Your budget is $600 (plus reasonable shipping). And you do not want anything with Squier on the headstock. What are you looking for? What would you jump on if you saw it in your price range?

MIM Fender Jazz?
PRS?
Sire?
G&L?

G&L JB2 Tribute. You can thank me later.

 

[Gizmot]

I vote for the G&L. There are three of them in my closet and they never disappoint.

 

[mb94952]

SIRE ; the bass that has it all !!!
(or used Fernandes like a lot have said !)

 

[6-3-2]

Of what I've played, G&L and Sire, I'd go Sire. The Sires are just a bit nicer in fit and finish. I also liked the Sire J pick-ups more, the G&Ls were pretty thin. Neither are bad at all, but the Sires felt a step up.

 

[scottfeldstein]

Of what I've played, G&L and Sire, I'd go Sire. The Sires are just a bit nicer in fit and finish. I also liked the Sire J pick-ups more, the G&Ls were pretty thin. Neither are bad at all, but the Sires felt a step up.

There's a lot of love for the Sire J-basses. I knew that before even asking. And I've always wanted to give them a try. Perhaps I'll flip the Warwick and grab one.

 

[mb94952]

There's a lot of love for the Sire J-basses. I knew that before even asking. And I've always wanted to give them a try. Perhaps I'll flip the Warwick and grab one.

You AT LEAST have to TRY ONE. I WAS BLOWN AWAY and I went in a skeptic. GC has THE best return policy.

 

[6-3-2]

There's a lot of love for the Sire J-basses. I knew that before even asking. And I've always wanted to give them a try. Perhaps I'll flip the Warwick and grab one.

Guitar Center has Sires these days too. More guitars than basses, but you can still get a feel for the fit and finish.

 

[Acoop]

Used, being the optimum word, Mex. with some quality added parts isn't too far out of reach at that price. ... Look for one with upgraded pickups and controls, you'll know the difference when you hear it.

 

[ebo]

I would also say G&L, but then they’d catch on and the price would go up. Shhhhhh……

 

[lomo]

If weight doesn't matter, Sire.

Edit: saw your post re back injury. Approach Sire with caution.

 

[scottfeldstein]

If weight doesn't matter, Sire.

Edit: saw your post re back injury. Approach Sire with caution.

Interesting. I will definitely inquire about weight before ordering anything.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I am waiting on the Sire V5 5 strings. What makes this bass stand out is that it is modeled after a 70's jazz, meaning the bridge pickup is 1/4" closer to the bridge. The difference in sound is very noticeable.

 

[mb94952]

Sorry to double dip, but Made in Indonesia nowadays is the equivalent of MIJ from the 80's, in MY opinion. It's a lot of bang for the buck. Two examples off the top of my head are SIRE of course, and Ibanez Premium. I can't feel or see the difference between a $600 Premium MII and a $2500 Prestige MIJ.