Jazz Bass copies

I'd go looking for 2nd hand Japanese. maybe you chance upon something on ebay closer to home. if no luck go for the source - Japan! try ishibashi or yahoo japan. basses can be an arse for international postage you need to suss it out. as far as brands go fender japan, Ibanez, greco, yamaha sb etc. cheers.

 

If I were you, I would take a look at Ishibashi, especially their used inventory. A used CIJ fender jazz from ishibashi is a lot of value for money.

 

Squier Vintage Modified Jazz - that's what I did when I decided it was FINALLY time to have a Jazz after 20+ years of playing - love it, and even wqith upgrades (pickups in my case) I'd have to spend a LOT more to buy another Jazz that compares.....and the upside is if you decide you don't want a Jazz later, you have very little invested....

Re: the MIM Jazz - haven't played one yet that STOCK sounded/felt as good as my VM STOCK, and modifed (with Nordstrand NJSV pickups), only a few American Jazz sounded on par.

Jamie

 

Bass Player Magazine had a good review of the Squire Modified Vintage Bass so I agree with this poster that you may want to check it out.

 

I went out and got a 2nd job to support my habit.

 

I am a BIG fan of Squire J basses. A few years ago, a student of mine bought one, and I was very impressed. I did have to adjust the truss before he could really play it, but it only took a few minutes. I have steered numerous other students toward these, and all have been very nice instruments. Squire J owners may want to buy a nicer bass someday, but they will never have to get rid of their Squire because it "isn't good enough." They could gig on those their whole life.

 

+1 on the Squier VM Jazz. I have nothing but good things to say about mine... As good (if not better) than a Mexican Fender, IMHO.

You might also look into the SX Jazz basses (search the forums under 'Essex'). Lots of praise for them here on TB. Here's a link to Rondo Music (SX's distributor):

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars4.html

Good luck!

 

I second the SX suggestion, but also the Squire VM Jazz. Lot's of bass for the money either way you go.

Also, the question begs to be asked, How can an MIM be a Fender copy? Or can a Squier really be a Fender copy......just askin is all......

 

Since everyone has already suggested the VM 70s Jazz, which is a great bass, I'll suggest an alternative. Look for a G&L Tribute JB-2. They are under $500 new and feature the same hardware and electronics as the American G&Ls. They are a great value.

 

Your in luck, Kurt's got a bunch of SX Jazz basses at the moment. You can have it within a week.

 

Have you tried the MIM 60's classic Jazz? A lot of people have been raving about them.

 

I think if you were not impressed with the Mexican fenders you would probably be even less impressed with the SX's.

If you want to get something that plays well look for a used American or a new or used Japan Fender.

-Rav

 

Don't waste yr time with sx you'll end up wanting to sell it. Fender Japan are easy enough to source, you might pay a bit extra when you include postage etc but chances are you wont regret it. the other bonus is the instrument will probably increase in value and if you ever need to off load it wont be a hassle.

Have you ever seen one of these basses before? I would love to own one as i am a big fan of vintage yamaha.

 

I'm picked up this '77 Aria 'Precise Bass' for $400. After a fret dressing and a Badass bridge it is as good as any Jazz I've played. The pickups are just incredible.
Put it this way, my Lakland Darryl Jones is sitting in the case and I'm gigging with this one. Look for mid 70's to late 80's Japanese Tokai's and Aria's- best kept secret out there.

 

+1! I have a Tribute JB-2, and I love it. I tried to sell it recently when I saw a great deal on new Skyline JO5, but I am actually happy no one bit because every time I play it, I am struck by just how good it sounds and feels.

For even less money, try to find a nice Peavey Foundation with Super Ferrite pickups. These basses kill and often can be found for less than $200.

 

Look for a used Fender MIA Highway One. Great value in those and can be had for pretty cheap!

 

I found a better pic of a Yammie bass i tried to put up before, but this one doesn't have the cool headstock (damn). note the bridge piece on the yamaha is a lot chunkier than what you get on most basses of that era. that alone could save you $60 down the track.



this ones on ebay but its in italy!!! http://cgi.ebay.it/Vintage80s-YAMAH...73592569QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4713QQcmdZViewItem

 

I second the used Peavey Foundation - great Jazz tone for under $200.

If you want the look of a Jazz too, I suggest a used Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, you can find them used for around $400-500. It will be on par quality wise with a MIA Fender.

 

I think there are a lot of good MIM Fenders out there, I sure wouldn't rule them out. Peavey Foundations are great basses, too. A Carvin B4 with the single coil J99 pickups would be great if you could find a used one. Sometimes you can find a great used Squier for next to nothing that happens to be a particularly good one. It's also fun to put a bass together from part, if you in to that sort of thing.