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Jazz basses besides fender ?
- Thread starter GodPlayedBass
- Start date
Tagima makes good instruments from what I hear. I've also heard lots of good things about the PRS Kestrel, as others above have noted.
If you want a good deal on a bass, look used locally.
If you want a good deal on a bass, look used locally.
It's hard to find a builder who does not make Jazzes.
This. And you'll find that a lot of them do it better, which is why those brands are so successful. YMMV
But you never answered what your criteria was. Do you mean the jazz style body, or just two single coil pickups?
I just watched this video last night and it looks like a decent value proposition.
Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural - Harley Benton
Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural - Harley Benton
Lots of options but if I were to categorize:
Faithful Reproductions/Copies
These are other companies builds that look and sound essentially identical to Fender Jazz basses, except the headstocks and perhaps hardware and electronics choices. Some diverse finish options. These are close to being Fender Jazz basses built by somebody else. They may or may not be parroting design elements from certain time periods in Fender's history. Examples are the G&L JB, the Lakland 44-60, and the Sire basses on the lower end.
Modern Renditions
These are definitely Jazz-inspired designs, but are "updated" according to the company's vision. Many are slightly downsized, as the traditional Fender J body is rather large. Many have active electronics, which has become so popular that high-end Fenders have active electronics now as well. Sadowsky is probably the most obvious example (though they will make you a full-sized bass too), and the Lakland Darryl Jones is a more significantly downsized passive design.
"Jazz Basses" with varying design cues
I put "Jazz Basses" in quotes here because some may argue if they fit into the genre. These are basses with two single coil pickups in roughly the jazz bass locations, but built by companies who wanted the bass to look like their design and not necessarily like a Fender copy. Pedulla Rapture, possibly the Fodera Emperor. Very arguable category, but the two single coil pickups will sound something like a jazz bass. Sometimes it's an alternative pickup option versus a dual humbucker setup that the company offers if you want one of their basses but would rather it sound something like a Jazz bass. Zon Sonus for example.
And a zillion boutique makers who align roughly with one of those categories.
Faithful Reproductions/Copies
These are other companies builds that look and sound essentially identical to Fender Jazz basses, except the headstocks and perhaps hardware and electronics choices. Some diverse finish options. These are close to being Fender Jazz basses built by somebody else. They may or may not be parroting design elements from certain time periods in Fender's history. Examples are the G&L JB, the Lakland 44-60, and the Sire basses on the lower end.
Modern Renditions
These are definitely Jazz-inspired designs, but are "updated" according to the company's vision. Many are slightly downsized, as the traditional Fender J body is rather large. Many have active electronics, which has become so popular that high-end Fenders have active electronics now as well. Sadowsky is probably the most obvious example (though they will make you a full-sized bass too), and the Lakland Darryl Jones is a more significantly downsized passive design.
"Jazz Basses" with varying design cues
I put "Jazz Basses" in quotes here because some may argue if they fit into the genre. These are basses with two single coil pickups in roughly the jazz bass locations, but built by companies who wanted the bass to look like their design and not necessarily like a Fender copy. Pedulla Rapture, possibly the Fodera Emperor. Very arguable category, but the two single coil pickups will sound something like a jazz bass. Sometimes it's an alternative pickup option versus a dual humbucker setup that the company offers if you want one of their basses but would rather it sound something like a Jazz bass. Zon Sonus for example.
And a zillion boutique makers who align roughly with one of those categories.
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Keep your eyes peeled for a used Carvin/Kiesel JB or SB. I think they're about as good a Jazz as can be had for the money.
My Ibanez has the same pickup arrangement and thin neck. I'm very happy with it.
I would personally look at a Lakland Skyline 55-60. I'm always looking at basses but never pull the trigger. I have close on these. If they had a shell pink, I'd be $1000 poorer.
Same. If I were in the market for a Jazz bass, I would go for Bacchus and nothing else. Unfortunately I don't like the offset shape, but I mean... C'mon. These guys have it all!
You want a headless one? You got it!
You want one with humbuckers? You got it!
You want both AND a quilted maple top? Well here you go, sir!
ok imma stop shilling now
How about a $1,000 bass?
How about one that doesn't even look like a typical J bass?
You can still find the original MIC Squier CV jazz basses for $300-$400, but you have to be ready to jump on them fast. I've passed on a couple because I already have 2, but it was painful to let them go by.
