• 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.

Let’s talk Jazz basses

Bill Murray

Bill Murray

Dec 12, 2019
1,053
2,013
35
New Hampshire
#1
I'm toying with adding a Jazz bass to the line-up but kind of torn on what direction to go.

It would essentially serve as a back-up bass on gigs but I would also like to use it for our motown set, so I'm specifically looking for a vintage sound.

I love the idea of the Flea Road Worn but the truss rod adjustment is a buzzkill, I don't think they're worth the $1429 price tag they come with currently, and there's an alarming amount of complaints with necks being warped.

I've also considered going with a MIM Geddy or Squier CV and doing a pick-up and string swap.


I'm not looking to go nuts, I don't need anything fancy. I just want that vintage look and sound in a cheap but work worthy package.

Im a Stingray and P-bass guy so im in foreign territory here haha any input is appreciated!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MGCollis, JRA and mouthmw
#2
I own a Flea Jazz.
Never had an issue with the neck ( Lazer straight & feels like a comfy well worn neck ) although I know a few have.
The pickups are superb, the hardware is "as expected" but very usable.
The absolute star for me though is the twin stack pot controls. Why this hasn't remained the standard Jazz layout is beyond me, as personally I feel I have far more tonal adjustment than a VVT setup.
Plus there's the road worn nitro-cellulose finish, which continues to age nicely
Its now the only jazz I own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FACTION95, GreyEagle, NDpeppers and 8 others
#3
darren1970 said:
I own a Flea Jazz.
Never had an issue with the neck ( Lazer straight & feels like a comfy well worn neck ) although I know a few have.
The pickups are superb, the hardware is "as expected" but very usable.
The absolute star for me though is the twin stack pot controls. Why this hasn't remained the standard Jazz layout is beyond me, as personally I feel I have far more tonal adjustment than a VVT setup.
Plus there's the road worn nitro-cellulose finish, which continues to age nicely
Its now the only jazz I own.
Click to expand...

I LOVE the twin stack pot, big selling point there for me as well. I can't understand why they changed that either.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop and dcbluesbass
#4
Hard to go wrong with the Geddy, and i'd imagine they'd have fixed the neck issues on the Flea by now. But that said, wanting to use a Jazz for a vintage Motown sound is counter intuitive, since most of the Motown guys used Ps. That's not to say that you can't use a J for Motown, and having the variety of basses is always a great idea, but just don't want you to be disappointed that what you plan on using it for may not live up to your expectations.
 
  • Like
Reactions: droo46, George Harvey, Kipp Harrington and 11 others
#5
jdaunt said:
Hard to go wrong with the Geddy, and i'd imagine they'd have fixed the neck issues on the Flea by now. But that said, wanting to use a Jazz for a vintage Motown sound is counter intuitive, since most of the Motown guys used Ps. That's not to say that you can't use a J for Motown, and having the variety of basses is always a great idea, but just don't want you to be disappointed that what you plan on using it for may not live up to your expectations.
Click to expand...

Ahh good to know, for some reason I thought they used Js haha. Just blew my mind.

I'd still like to add one to the line-up but will definitely adjust the application, thanks!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#6
I bought one of these six or seven years ago.
Pretty much cut my teeth on it.
Five years ago it was damaged in a fire and I sold it.
Finally bought another...discontinued model, they're getting harder and harder to find...especially a "new" one.
Even with the D'Addario black tapewounds, it still has that unmistakable Jazz bass growl.
No need for a Fender Jazz with this one.
Pics-Art-09-08-03-31-16.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Glenn Mac, shojii, Qlanq and 11 others
#8
alack said:
Save yourself some $. Find a Squier CV or even a VM and start with just a string swap. I have a VM70s model and to my ears the pickups sound fine. It certainly sounds like a J bass.
Click to expand...

Squire has come a really long way, I'm totally happy playing them. If it was my main bass I could justify spending extra for a better fit and finish but I think Squire is underrated honestly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Glenn Mac, Marcus Willett, SoCal80s and 3 others
#13
I'll throw another vote out for a Squier. Got a CV Jazz earlier this year (70s mind you, not 60s), and am loving it. Stock pickups are actually pretty decent, possibly good enough as a backup bass. I saw this as becoming my main bass for gigging covers, so given the use it has, and will continue to get, swapping the pickups out made sense. So far the bass has proven super robust; just got through a couple outdoor shows on days where we had all 4 seasons within the span of the gig, at a time where we're going from hot and humid to cool and dry, and the neck hasn't moved in the slightest! I was seriously expecting it to, so am really quite pleasantly surprised by how robust this thing has been straight out of the gate.

Almost went with Lollars, but ended up with Fralins, and I am LOVING them! If you go the swap route, be sure to give them a look too.

Don't worry about the P-heavy emphasis when playing Motown; I've gotten by using this J in a very traditional/purist Motown project, and they were all loving the tone. You can rock it for sure!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Glenn Mac, DJ Bebop and Lukasonbass
#15
I am wanting to get a reliced jazz bass but with 24 frets. (Particular originals require it). I am playing an Ibanez 2600 premium. But it looks odd to me and I am afraid to scratch it. Lol. I have a fender 24 v but it has dead spots above the 21st fret. Maybe bacchus or gamma makes one that is affordable that I can bang up myself? Plus I like fender style headstock and tuner position.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lukasonbass
#19
Bill Murray said:
I'm toying with adding a Jazz bass to the line-up but kind of torn on what direction to go.

It would essentially serve as a back-up bass on gigs but I would also like to use it for our motown set, so I'm specifically looking for a vintage sound.

I love the idea of the Flea Road Worn but the truss rod adjustment is a buzzkill, I don't think they're worth the $1429 price tag they come with currently, and there's an alarming amount of complaints with necks being warped.

I've also considered going with a MIM Geddy or Squier CV and doing a pick-up and string swap.


I'm not looking to go nuts, I don't need anything fancy. I just want that vintage look and sound in a cheap but work worthy package.

Im a Stingray and P-bass guy so im in foreign territory here haha any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...

What PUP and strings are you considering swapping too?
I put a Fralin 5% overwound on my Squier P,
and a John Benson custom on my Musicmaster.

In both cases, I couldn't be happier.
Benson's prices are more reasonable though.....057912
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lukasonbass

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back