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Jazz GAS, please advise

#21
Smooth. Not worried about bug attack and punch, my Ray does that. Think legato, melodic, tasteful, classic blues, old fashioned. I don't want a P thump, like to be heard in the mix without having to turn up. Does that make any kind of sense? Nice clean low mids, not too much top - again, if I want breaking glass there's the Ray.


I'd never played a J until today, shame on me. I loved the feel, and want to get a classic sound.
 
#23
chickenJames said:
Smooth. Not worried about bug attack and punch, my Ray does that. Think legato, melodic, tasteful, classic blues, old fashioned. I don't want a P thump, like to be heard in the mix without having to turn up. Does that make any kind of sense? Nice clean low mids, not too much top - again, if I want breaking glass there's the Ray.


I'd never played a J until today, shame on me. I loved the feel, and want to get a classic sound.
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Yeah so you want to make sure you like how the bridge pickup sounds when you mess with these basses. Low mids are there when you dial the neck pickup back a bit. Also roll the one back off a bit too.

To be heard on the mix without turning up, the best thing to do is compress. I run through a Pultec or an 1176 and hit it pretty hard - about 7 db.

I play Lakland Jazz basses, but played Fenders for years.
 
#25
Here's my $.02. I have an '08 Am Std J in Candy Cola (which is close to that Mystic Red) that I bought used. I have Chromes on mine and REALLY like the way it sounds. Huge tonal variety and with the older non-CS pickups. No desire to change those out as they work for me. I actually played a new Am Std J last Friday, and I'm perfectly happy with mine. Nothing wrong with the one in the store, just liked my setup and strings better. Keep looking and play as many as you can. If you can find used and its a keeper, I highly recommend that for economic reasons. Don't hesitate to go new if it's the one that speaks to you.

I wouldn't worry too much down the road if you decide to change out the pickups--just keep the originals if you re-sell.

chickenJames said:
Think legato, melodic, tasteful, classic blues, old fashioned. I don't want a P thump, like to be heard in the mix without having to turn up.
Click to expand...

Mine has this in spades--if my fingers could accommodate all that. A buddy gave me some advice a long time ago regarding Am Standards--solid from a player, tonal, and quality standpoint. I currently have an Am Std Strat, Tele and the J and I have to agree--and all three are as original. Sounds like you know what you want. Just find the right one. Good luck. BTW, here's mine...

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#32
Love my '14 USA Deluxe jazz, ash body maple neck and board, bound and blocks in black pearl. Fastest neck in my stable (I'm able to do Stanley Clarke style runs, which I can't do on my '97 Alembic Epic). Purchased (slightly) used for $1,000 usd. Stock pickups and preamp sound good, and you can switch to passive if that's your preferred sound.
 
#33
I vote getting the one that plays well, also. While sound is also important, the factors that affect sound may be easier and cheaper to augment. New pickups and strings or preamp/modeler are less investment than a new MIA. I've had a few more expensive basses that, while sounding good, didn't get played much because it felt like a chore.
Good that you think about cutting through the mix without having to turn up. Unfortunately, what sounds good in the mix may not sound as pleasing while played solo. Not as a rule, but sometimes.
I Play finger style funk badly as well. But not for long, because I enjoy playing the bass that I have, and will get better much faster because I enjoy putting time to it.
 
#35
The great and not so great thing about Fender basses, regardless if they're a P or a J, instruments even in the same series, the same lot, the same people making them, no two basses are alike. If you can manage it, I would try before you buy in every case. And I will mention Squiers, especially the Classic Vibe series, or at least try them for comparison's sake. You never know which one turns out to be The One for you.
 
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#39
Jazz GAS? Get a Jazz.

I'd suggest looking in the Basschat classifieds. I'd take my time and try as many as you can find. Fenders are churned out. Many are good but there are some that "won't be for you". Find one that feels good to play, you can always replace the pickups with something better if you're dissatisfied with the sound. Get a good repair guy to check and level the frets and set up your new bass. It will improve the instrument 100%.

My choice would be to start looking at American Standards.
 

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