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Let’s talk Jazz basses

#42
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...
If you are not entirely needing to go the Fender route, I am playing an FGN Mighty Bass Dark Evolution. It has great tone and the neck is better than the rest. If you get the chance, you should really try one of these out.
 
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#43
Grinderman said:
I'm not going to engage in a subjective debate about whether a new Fender Flea Jazz Bass--with a warranty in case those Fender production QC/neck concerns--is worth $1400 or for that matter what anything else is worth pricewise, because that's all your business.

This is how I see it; there are deals to be had out there if you're patient.

If I were looking for the most Jazz bass for my money, well under $1,000, I'd be seriously considering one like this. I don't even need another Jazz bass, I have a wonderful one already, but even I'm tempted to enquire about how excellent the claimed condition of it really is and possibly make an offer on this one.

They're asking for $650. Apparently it was a house recording studio bass, now defunct. I haven't confirmed, but I assume it's not a nitro lacquer finish. If I were already considering a Jazz bass in the Squire range anyway, a poly finish wouldn't make or break the deal because why should it.

Fender 60's Jazz Bass with Rosewood Fretboard 2009 - 2016 Brown Sunburst with hardshell case | Tom's Gear Garage | Reverb

View attachment 4418025

I have no connection or affiliation to this listing... just saying.


P.S. Lollar and Fralin pickups are wonderful. I have Fralin pickups in my J bass and Lollar in my P.
Click to expand...


For the record the flea bass is sweet! I had the chance to demo one when they first came out. The warranty would be super helpful if the neck issue were to arise, but basically I can't personally justify $1429 for a bass that will likely spend 98% of its existence on a stand while I'm playing my main bass.

They used to sell used for 700-900 and that I would jump on without hesitation. They seem to be going for 1200+ now though.

Thanks for the reinforcement on pickup selection and that's a solid find on Reverb too!
 
#45
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...

I've had two Jazz Basses over the years. The first was a 1965 Jazz that I bought in 1966. Loved that bass. Toured with it for 3-years in the early 70's playing 5-nights a week, 50-weeks a year and played weekends after that. Unfortunately all my touring gear was stolen when our house was burglarized in 1976. That was an absolute great bass. It had the 60's slim C-shape neck with 7.25" radius. Got to know that neck really well.

Didn't find another Jazz with that same neck until I bought my my 1982 Jazz in 1985. It is Olympic White and has a white bound maple neck with white pickguard, white pickups, and white strat-type control knobs. The reason I bought it was for that neck. Over my three years of touring we did about 750 performances, so I got to know that neck real well. Every Jazz I was finding had a thicker (front-to-back) neck and just didn't feel right. It also has the 70's era pickup spacing (4" center to center) so the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge. This bass has significantly more sustain than my '65 did, is a little bit brighter sound, and if I dig into the strings above the bridge pickup she'll growl all day long. I presume the better sustain is because of the maple neck (or at least influenced by it) and the brighter sound is primarily because of the pickup spacing.

So for that sound you're looking for, I'd say look for one of the 60's re-issues, but don't expect to find the 7.25" radius on the neck. Fender went to the 9.5" in the mid to late 80's and they won't even build one for you in the bod shop. That radius just feels wrong to me because I'm so used to the 7.25" radius. The MIM 60's re-issues however, DO come with the correct neck and radius. Odds are you don't really care about the 7.25" radius unless you've used it a lot. Most folks like the 9.5" just fine. So if the 9.5" feels good to you the MIA Jazz basses will do the trick although at significantly more money.

Also, be sure to check the spacing on the pickups. 70's era is 4" center to center and 60's era has 3.6" spacing center to center. I love the sound of my '82 with the 70's era spacing but the 3.6" spacing is more like what you are talking about for those 60's Motown sounds. I'm afraid if you get one with the 70's spacing you won't be happy with the sound. So take a little ruler with you and check the pickup's center to center spacing.
 
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#46
Grinderman said:
This is how I see it; there are deals to be had out there if you're patient.
Click to expand...

^Truth! :thumbsup:

"Make a list, create a budget for it, bank up the cash, keep your ear to the ground, exercise patience, don't be afraid to ask or negotiate, and move fast once you see it."

That has been my modus operandi whenever I'm shopping for major gear. And I've gotten ahold of some really nice stuff that I really wanted. And all at prices I was happy to live with.

It's kinda like chess. Your core strategy and opening moves make all the difference as to whether you end up winning or losing.
 
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#47
Bill Murray said:
For the record the flea bass is sweet! I had the chance to demo one when they first came out. The warranty would be super helpful if the neck issue were to arise, but basically I can't personally justify $1429 for a bass that will likely spend 98% of its existence on a stand while I'm playing my main bass.

They used to sell used for 700-900 and that I would jump on without hesitation. They seem to be going for 1200+ now though.

Thanks for the reinforcement on pickup selection and that's a solid find on Reverb too!
Click to expand...

I see a few second hand Fender Flea bass between $1,200 and $1,100. The cheapest I'm seeing now, listed as excellent condition, is $1,100. How well the bass you're looking at is hold up as far as resale value is worth considering, too.
 
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#48
Rip Van Dan said:
I've had two Jazz Basses over the years. The first was a 1965 Jazz that I bought in 1966. Loved that bass. Toured with it for 3-years in the early 70's playing 5-nights a week, 50-weeks a year and played weekends after that. Unfortunately all my touring gear was stolen when our house was burglarized in 1976. That was an absolute great bass. It had the 60's slim C-shape neck with 7.25" radius. Got to know that neck really well.

Didn't find another Jazz with that same neck until I bought my my 1982 Jazz in 1985. It is Olympic White and has a white bound maple neck with white pickguard, white pickups, and white strat-type control knobs. The reason I bought it was for that neck. Over my three years of touring we did about 750 performances, so I got to know that neck real well. Every Jazz I was finding had a thicker (front-to-back) neck and just didn't feel right. It also has the 70's era pickup spacing (4" center to center) so the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge. This bass has significantly more sustain than my '65 did, is a little bit brighter sound, and if I dig into the strings above the bridge pickup she'll growl all day long. I presume the better sustain is because of the maple neck (or at least influenced by it) and the brighter sound is primarily because of the pickup spacing.

So for that sound you're looking for, I'd say look for one of the 60's re-issues, but don't expect to find the 7.25" radius on the neck. Fender went to the 9.5" in the mid to late 80's and they won't even build one for you in the bod shop. That radius just feels wrong to me because I'm so used to the 7.25" radius. The MIM 60's re-issues however, DO come with the correct neck and radius. Odds are you don't really care about the 7.25" radius unless you've used it a lot. Most folks like the 9.5" just fine. So if the 9.5" feels good to you the MIA Jazz basses will do the trick although at significantly more money.

Also, be sure to check the spacing on the pickups. 70's era is 4" center to center and 60's era has 3.6" spacing center to center. I love the sound of my '82 with the 70's era spacing but the 3.6" spacing is more like what you are talking about for those 60's Motown sounds. I'm afraid if you get one with the 70's spacing you won't be happy with the sound. So take a little ruler with you and check the pickup's center to center spacing.
Click to expand...

Ugh…. Kills me to hear stories like that! I'm glad you were able to find another bass you're happy with though.

lots of super helpful info in this post, thanks!
 
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#49
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...
Jazz body (any color, any model), P neck, replace pickups. Nordstrand for something bitey, Duncan for something beefy, fralin for something vintage.

20210922_050415.jpg
20210922_050454.jpg
20210922_050423.jpg
 
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#50
40Hz said:
^Truth! :thumbsup:

"Make a list, create a budget for it, bank up the cash, keep your ear to the ground, exercise patience, don't be afraid to ask or negotiate, and move fast once you see it."

That has been my modus operandi whenever I'm shopping for major gear. And I've gotten ahold of some really nice stuff that I really wanted. And all at prices I was happy to live with.

It's kinda like chess. Your core strategy and opening moves make all the difference as to whether you end up winning or losing.
Click to expand...

+1

When I see a reasonable asking price on a quality item I make my offer fast; around 12 to 15 percent below their asking.

That's how got myself a barely used Mesa Boogie Subway WD-800 amp head for $700 a few months ago... and a barely used David Eden D410XLT cab to go with it for $300.
 
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#51
To the OP, have you tried a Jazz bass yet, at a store or somewhere? I'll probably be the lone voice on this, amid the many Jazz bass enthusiasts who have chimed in here -- I briefly owned a Fender Jazz, and it brought new meaning to the phrase "neck dive." The headstock was in love with the floor. In fact, it could barely stay away from the floor, even when I was playing sitting down and holding it in my lap.

Obviously there are many Jazz bass fans out there, as it's one of the most popular bass guitars out there, so lots of folks love 'em and don't care about this problem or they've tamed it somehow. I thought I would mention it, just in case you haven't played one yet. Anyway, regardless of this, good luck with whatever bass you choose.
 
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#53
John Stephen said:
To the OP, have you tried a Jazz bass yet, at a store or somewhere? I'll probably be the lone voice on this, amid the many Jazz bass enthusiasts who have chimed in here -- I briefly owned a Fender Jazz, and it brought new meaning to the phrase "neck dive." The headstock was in love with the floor. In fact, it could barely stay away from the floor, even when I was playing sitting down and holding it in my lap.

Obviously there are many Jazz bass fans out there, as it's one of the most popular bass guitars out there, so lots of folks love 'em and don't care about this problem or they've tamed it somehow. I thought I would mention it, just in case you haven't played one yet. Anyway, regardless of this, good luck with whatever bass you choose.
Click to expand...

Ive tried many actually. Pretty much any time I'm in a music store I'll test one out trying to convince myself I like them haha. Definitely not my usual flavor but I've played a handful that felt really good (one was the flea and another was a high end G&L) also I've got the P-bass with flats, Stingray with rounds, and while the Ray can reasonably comp any sound I want I'm a sucker for old school music and vibes so adding a J just makes sense to me (plus it would be nice to have a backup on stage, I tend to keep the p-bass at home these days).
 
#54
dusterdan70 said:
I have to play Devil's Advocate to the above. To your point, I concur that most of the Motown guys used P's but boy oh boy there are some very fine exceptions out there. One of the more famous examples is David Hood from The Staple Singers, on songs such as "I'll Take You There". If that's not THE Motown sound, I don't what is....recorded on a B15 and a 60's Jazz Bass, of course:) Flats and fun with the EQ = motown! P or J isn't the defining factor, imho of course
Click to expand...
It's the Muscle Shoals sound. Whole different vibe and feel from Motown to both Stax and Muscle Shoals.
 
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#55
Rip Van Dan said:
I've had two Jazz Basses over the years. The first was a 1965 Jazz that I bought in 1966. Loved that bass. Toured with it for 3-years in the early 70's playing 5-nights a week, 50-weeks a year and played weekends after that. Unfortunately all my touring gear was stolen when our house was burglarized in 1976. That was an absolute great bass. It had the 60's slim C-shape neck with 7.25" radius. Got to know that neck really well.

Didn't find another Jazz with that same neck until I bought my my 1982 Jazz in 1985. It is Olympic White and has a white bound maple neck with white pickguard, white pickups, and white strat-type control knobs. The reason I bought it was for that neck. Over my three years of touring we did about 750 performances, so I got to know that neck real well. Every Jazz I was finding had a thicker (front-to-back) neck and just didn't feel right. It also has the 70's era pickup spacing (4" center to center) so the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge. This bass has significantly more sustain than my '65 did, is a little bit brighter sound, and if I dig into the strings above the bridge pickup she'll growl all day long. I presume the better sustain is because of the maple neck (or at least influenced by it) and the brighter sound is primarily because of the pickup spacing.

So for that sound you're looking for, I'd say look for one of the 60's re-issues, but don't expect to find the 7.25" radius on the neck. Fender went to the 9.5" in the mid to late 80's and they won't even build one for you in the bod shop. That radius just feels wrong to me because I'm so used to the 7.25" radius. The MIM 60's re-issues however, DO come with the correct neck and radius. Odds are you don't really care about the 7.25" radius unless you've used it a lot. Most folks like the 9.5" just fine. So if the 9.5" feels good to you the MIA Jazz basses will do the trick although at significantly more money.

Also, be sure to check the spacing on the pickups. 70's era is 4" center to center and 60's era has 3.6" spacing center to center. I love the sound of my '82 with the 70's era spacing but the 3.6" spacing is more like what you are talking about for those 60's Motown sounds. I'm afraid if you get one with the 70's spacing you won't be happy with the sound. So take a little ruler with you and check the pickup's center to center spacing.
Click to expand...

BTW, I know the Fender America Original 60s Jazz neck is quite thin with that 9.5" radius fretboard, which you don't prefer, but that Flea Jazz bass does happen to have the 7.25" radius neck.

I had an early '65 L-serial Jazz bass with pearl dot, no binding and reversed tuners in the early '90s. The finish had been strip to natural at some point before I got it but the original Olympic White showed in the pickup cavity. Got it for a very good price and it was a great bass. I like the dumb young person I was, without much in the bank, I later sold it.
 
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#56
John Stephen said:
To the OP, have you tried a Jazz bass yet, at a store or somewhere? I'll probably be the lone voice on this, amid the many Jazz bass enthusiasts who have chimed in here -- I briefly owned a Fender Jazz, and it brought new meaning to the phrase "neck dive." The headstock was in love with the floor. In fact, it could barely stay away from the floor, even when I was playing sitting down and holding it in my lap.

Obviously there are many Jazz bass fans out there, as it's one of the most popular bass guitars out there, so lots of folks love 'em and don't care about this problem or they've tamed it somehow. I thought I would mention it, just in case you haven't played one yet. Anyway, regardless of this, good luck with whatever bass you choose.
Click to expand...
I respect this as your experience, but I've owned multiple jazz basses (3 Fender, two Lakland, and 1 G&L) and none of them had neck dive. On the other hand my Epiphone LP Special does, so I've experienced neck dive and the jazzes didn't have it.
 
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#57
John Stephen said:
I briefly owned a Fender Jazz, and it brought new meaning to the phrase "neck dive." The headstock was in love with the floor. In fact, it could barely stay away from the floor, even when I was playing sitting down and holding it in my lap.
Click to expand...

That would be a very unusual problem for a Jazz bass and one that's easy to correct if necessary.
 
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