Johnson JJ-800($80) vs Squire Vintage Modified ($175)

[Gertok]

I want to get a cheap ass Jazz bass and mess around with it. Like change electronics, try to set it up better. just to see what I can do with it... It is a project. I have a very nice set up and two expensive basses + one custom made (waiting on that). So this is JUST a project... cause I am curious.

Which one of those are better for the price

 

[Dan B]

Squier VMs are highly regarded around here, and for $175 that price seems good.

Never heard of Johnson basses.

 

[Gertok]

Yeah that's what bothers me... Cause it is good to begin with hmm...

 

[Gertok]

Johnson does has pretty good reviews...
I like the look of squire though...

 

[B String]

If its a good example of the instrument, The Squire is a killer.
I went through five of them for a student of mine. His bass is
good enough to do "pro" gigs with. Hell, I'd use his bass on a
gig.

 

[stflbn]

Whatevers cheap at your local pawn shop.

 

[Gertok]

I think i am gonna go with Johnson for the mod cause of the price...
if I can low ball the seller for 150 than I will also get a squire! and my wife will move out

I just want to do it more like a report.
Do recordings and pictures, every step of the way.
I am gonna come home and record it straight how it is with no adjustments.
Than I will set it up (record), than change strings(record).
Change pick ups(record), pots (record)... finally, I might change the bridge.

What type of J pickups would you suggest for metal.
I called GC(they dont now **** in GC in UT) and of course he was trying to sell me Fender noiseless 150/pair. (which might be good, but its the only they have in stock so I was skeptical about it, he said those a better than what comes with American Deluxe)
so.... I dont know that I can probably find in search.

 

[WoodyG3]

The Johnson JJ basses are just fine for the money IME. I nearly bought one for the same reason, to tear it apart and put it back together.

 

[Paniconthenet]

My first acoustic guitar was a Johnson because my mom thought it was cute to have a guitar with my last name. it got smashed at a party when i was in high school. One of the local stores sells there stuff, from the looks of it, its on par with SX. I would snatch it up for 80 bucks, i bought a old rogue for 30 at a pawn shop a month back and tore it apart. go for it.

 

[Gertok]

What about a third option... Peavey Milestone and how much should i pay for it in only plaid once condition?

 

[Philbiker]

I'd take the Milestone over either of the others. Look to pay $125? I don't know. Check ebay sold listings.

 

[Gertok]

last option I hope... New SX bass..

 

[Gertok]

Not sure about the Milestone cause.....
I do want it to look as close to fender jazz bass as possible.
that lives SX and Johnson, so probably johnson cause it is only 40 miles away.
Unless some one jumps in and tells me that SX is by far better than Johnson JJ-800.

 

[stflbn]

For modding purposes you want something as 'standard' parts wise as possible. A peavey isn't as standard to mod as a Fender knock-off.

 

[Gertok]

Yeap...
I am actually thinking SX more and more...

 

[kesslari]

I hear so much great stuff about SX "bang for the buck".
I don't hear much, if any, about Johnson basses being particularly good.
That would make my choice much easier.

 

[Gertok]

I kinda think i am set on that SX.
Well, It is made out of same materials as all fender jazzes from MIM to MIA. I would definitely doubt the craftsmanship for the price, but there are so many great reviews, and a few youtube videos, that I just have a feeling of a very good deal right in front of me, stock. I will also have the ability to change all things I described above. The last catch is the look, it is very similar to jazz bass.... just like I want.