J-bass on a $600 budget

[Bassic_desires]

@scottfeldstein Have a look at (?Low End) Lobster’s review of the Sire V7 on YT. He recommends the V5 over the V7. It is a very good review.

 

[Acoustic356]

I love the Levinson Blade - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Bassic_desires]

I love the Levinson Blade - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Shows as a page that doesn’t exist.

 

[scottfeldstein]

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.

Right? The Cort factory in Indonesia makes some really fine instruments.

 

[DwaynieAD]

Used MIM or a squier

Edit: saw some mention of Cort and I'll join in on that. Have nothing but great things to say about my experiences with Cort instruments.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

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.

Which G&L Tribute model? I have the JB2 and those pickups are powerful/punchy/lively.

 

[salmon256]

Probably some kind of Marcus Miller Sire or G&L.

 

[jamro217]

BUILD
A
MUTT

 

[scottfeldstein]

BUILD
A
MUTT

I have thought about it. But I doubt I would save any money and if it sucked it would be my fault.

 

[DivisionLocal]

MIJ/CIJ Fender, no question. I was able to find a good one on Reverb that I absolutely love for less than $600, including shipping to the US.

I would recommend that over a MIM Fender, because the cheaper MIM Jazz basses do not look as cool or feel quite as nice.

 

[Nuage420]

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Don't understand your aversion to Squier. They are making some good basses in the CV and VM lines. But, if you need a better brand name on the headstock, Fender MIM.

 

[scottfeldstein]

Don't understand your aversion to Squier. They are making some good basses in the CV and VM lines. But, if you need a better brand name on the headstock, Fender MIM.

I wondered if someone might bring this up. Yes, I confess that the Squier name on the headstock has a negative connotation to me, even though it's totally true that I would play another instrument in the same price range on a stage and not feel weird at all. But also... I think they have some of the Fender thing going on that I don't like. With Fender, you always seem to get more with another brand that's trying harder at the same price point. I don't know why, but this seems to be true for Squier as well. I've seen reviews that compare the classic vibe 70 jazz bass bass to the Sire equivalent and it's no contest. You get more for your money with Sire. I don't know how they can get away with this as an "affordable" brand.

 

[Speakz]

If it hasn't already been mentioned... the Natural Ash Jazz FSR, MIM. Great basses.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

CIJ: Fender JB-62 Jazz Bass Reissue MIJ 1995-96 3TSB | Reverb

CIJ quality is top flight!

 

[Marc61]

Don’t write off Squier. Classic Vibe is a great bass. Plus it won’t cost you $600 so you’ll have some funds to modify and make it yours.

 

[Alan Ace Cooper]

Early to Mid 2000s Made In Mexico, Fender Jazz Bass

 

[Bassiclees]

Sire Marcus Miller V5 Alder 5-String Natural (2nd Gen)
in stock at price

 

[Marko 1]

A quick G.C. Used search, a few here under $600.
Used Musical Instruments & Gear | Guitar Center

 

[scottfeldstein]

I wondered if someone might bring this up. Yes, I confess that the Squier name on the headstock has a negative connotation to me, even though it's totally true that I would play another instrument in the same price range on a stage and not feel weird at all. But also... I think they have some of the Fender thing going on that I don't like. With Fender, you always seem to get more with another brand that's trying harder at the same price point. I don't know why, but this seems to be true for Squier as well. I've seen reviews that compare the classic vibe bass bass to the Sire equivalent and it's no contest. You get more for your money with Sire. I don't know how they can get away with this as an "affordable" brand.

Don’t write off Squier. Classic Vibe is a great bass. Plus it won’t cost you $600 so you’ll have some funds to modify and make it yours.

Or, if reviewers can be believed, I could pony up a little more cash for the Sire v5 and not need to mod anything.