Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
J bass recommendation
- Thread starter carlosjrf
- Start date
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
- Disclosures
- I suck, but nobody really notices
I would buy a body for 100 bucks, a neck for 200 bucks, and pickups and hardware for 400 bucks. Then I'd have exactly what I wanted, for an entry level price...like I always do.
I'm a +1 on the Sandberg option. But to add something more, consider a Lakland Darryl Jones.
To my eyes the full size Fender J body looks a few pounds overweight, and the Darryl Jones body is a nice downsize interpretation. Some of them are heavy though, so be careful.
Above your price point, Valenti basses are simply fantastic. Also a little downsized, though more subtly than the Lakland. He does have a preowned 2008 model on his in stock site for $1700 right now, 4-string natural finish.
To my eyes the full size Fender J body looks a few pounds overweight, and the Darryl Jones body is a nice downsize interpretation. Some of them are heavy though, so be careful.
Above your price point, Valenti basses are simply fantastic. Also a little downsized, though more subtly than the Lakland. He does have a preowned 2008 model on his in stock site for $1700 right now, 4-string natural finish.
SX Ursa. 32"
Apparently they're handmade
I snagged two of them for about 4 bills. Now- mod time madness!
Apparently they're handmade
I snagged two of them for about 4 bills. Now- mod time madness!
Last edited:
Another vote for G&L. Absolutely phenomenal instruments, and the JB is great if you do not mind the 60's bridge pick up spacing.
I bought an Empress JB a couple of years ago and it has become my favourite, and I'm a P bass guy.
So far I have had 3 different G&L basses, different models, and they have all been outstanding. Planning my custom order fretless soon.
I bought an Empress JB a couple of years ago and it has become my favourite, and I'm a P bass guy.
So far I have had 3 different G&L basses, different models, and they have all been outstanding. Planning my custom order fretless soon.
Last edited:
You can get a brand new G&L Fullerton jazz for $1500. They are great.
Id like to do this but i dont have the time to dedicate. Next one though.
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
- Disclosures
- I suck, but nobody really notices
Not sure why you want to count Fender out on this, but if you could get a hold of a Roscoe Beck, it’s a jazz like no other. Best Fender jazz ever made IMO.
It’s an absolute tone monster with impeccable build quality and incredible versatility. They are, however, hard to find these days (for very good reason).
Next up would be a Fender USA Geddy Lee jazz. Look no further for an aggressive 70s jazz tone, if that’s your thing.
After that, I would second the exploration of the Sandbergs. They look interesting, but I’ve never played one. Would love to try one out someday.
Best of luck with your search!
It’s an absolute tone monster with impeccable build quality and incredible versatility. They are, however, hard to find these days (for very good reason).
Next up would be a Fender USA Geddy Lee jazz. Look no further for an aggressive 70s jazz tone, if that’s your thing.
After that, I would second the exploration of the Sandbergs. They look interesting, but I’ve never played one. Would love to try one out someday.
Best of luck with your search!
I would say, "go out and try as many of the recommended "J" basses as you can and then buy the one that suits you the best." I am currently playing a FGN mighty bass. It's a Japanese built with American distribution and the neck is to die for. Great overall build quality.
