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Let’s talk Jazz basses

#102
Bill Murray said:
I was also surprised by this, I've only played two G&Ls I don't recall the models but one was very affordable (which I didn't like the feel of at all) and the other was not affordable haha but it was perfect
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These two play silky smooth and probably wouldn't break the bank. The fl is a 2018 JB (the blue one) and the fretted is a 2020, both made in Fullerton.

20210927_110629.jpg
 
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#103
Bill Murray said:
I was also surprised by this, I've only played two G&Ls I don't recall the models but one was very affordable (which I didn't like the feel of at all) and the other was not affordable haha but it was perfect
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The affordable model was probably the tribute series which is made overseas. Theres a USA G&L on sale here: For Sale - PRICE DROP G&L USA JB Silver Metallic

I haven't played one but the Schecter J4's look pretty nice for the money alder body, graphite reinforced neck, truss rod wheel at the neck heel, Schecter USA pickups.

I don't know what your budget is just that you said you didn't want to spend as much as what the Flea costs new. I was able to pick up an American Pro II on Reverb for $1250 before tax and shipping
 
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#104
20210519_135854.jpg



Excuse the dirty carpet, but the Vintera 70s J is the best jazz bass I've ever owned. Incredibly comfortable neck, fat thundering lows and crisp highs. Very active sounding passive instrument if that's what you crave (i'm addicted) you should honestly give the upper tier of the Mexican made Player Plus and Vintera jazz basses a serious look as they've really improved on quality control. I personally wouldn't replace my bass with the American Original 70s, I think the Vintera has better tone. A lot of people rag on the color, but truthfully the Pau Ferro Fenders sound the best imho. Really worth giving the Vintera line a shot, or if you're looking for active the Player Plus
 
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#105
FLStudiobassist said:
View attachment 4419934


Excuse the dirty carpet, but the Vintera 70s J is the best jazz bass I've ever owned. Incredibly comfortable neck, fat thundering lows and crisp highs. Very active sounding passive instrument if that's what you crave (i'm addicted) you should honestly give the upper tier of the Mexican made Player Plus and Vintera jazz basses a serious look as they've really improved on quality control. I personally wouldn't replace my bass with the American Original 70s, I think the Vintera has better tone. A lot of people rag on the color, but truthfully the Pau Ferro Fenders sound the best imho. Really worth giving the Vintera line a shot, or if you're looking for active the Player Plus
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That is a nice looking bass. I like the binding and blocks on the fretboard. The Vintera 70's Bass has had my attention for some time now.
 
#108
My main basses have always been P's and after 40 yrs of playing I had never owned a J. A few years ago I made a plan to begin a weekly blues jam in SLC (it ran about 2 yrs), and I knew I needed an inexpensive gigging bass that I could ding up, let other musicians play, and yet I was unwilling to compromise on great tone and playability. I also knew the location was a dive bar, might get some spilled drinks or maybe even stolen lol. So I bought a new Squier lake placid blue Affinity jazz for $200, sanded/refinished the neck, added Hipshot tuners and bridge, Stew Mac golden age jazz pu's, CTS pots, cloth wire, orange drop cap and did all the work myself. Under $600 total. This bass has seen close to 150 gigs now, plays and sounds like a dream, and the neck has been completely stable. Everyone that plays it loves it, and I frequently receive compliments on how good it sounds. It's an alder body and this J weighs about 1lb more than this Fender P that also an alder body, even though the P neck is more substantial. The Jazz could use a crown and polish on the frets, the roundwounds have worn significant dents in them haha. I love both these basses, but the slim J neck is definitely easier to negotiate. Here's a pic of both.

20210517_204550.jpg
 
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#110
I have a Flea RW. Wearing Fender Flats and no neck issues
Just got in trade a Geddy MIM , lighter weight and the previous owner put in hum canceling pickups and Rototsounds
Had a CV 70's Jazz, was great in all aspects except when i put a hipshot high mass bridge on it, the saddle were all the way up but still couldn't the action to go high enough( the original bridge was the same way but works.ed. Used all sorts of stings before i settled on Fender flats.
All are usable and worth more than the asking price.
If you are sure to upgrade, buy a used CV have at it. you can even go to stacked pots while you are at it.
 
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#112
Thanks for the all the suggestions and input! Super helpful and I'm excited to give the Jazz bass thing a go.

I made a list of all the recommendations and called three local shops plus GC and turned that list into playable options.

Luckily, one spot close by has a Squier CV 60s, Squier Paranormal Jazz, Fender player, 75th anniversary, 60s roadworn, and an ultra!

another spot that's not too far is an Ibanez dealer and has a decent selection of there offerings as well.

I was able to hunt down one Tokai, one G&L JB, and a Geddy Lee MIM.

Zero Sires, Laklands, Squier VM, Corts or fleas in the area though. Hopefully at least some of those will pop up locally sometime this fall/winter.

I'll keep y'all in the loop and hopefully in the coming months I'll have a sweet J to show off.
 
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#118
REV said:
IMHO the Geddy Lee Jazz bass is the best Jazz Bass Fender has ever made. The MIJ Geddys are a little more "grindier" than the MIAs. The MIA Geddy is an extremely well made instrument and to me has a better neck than the MIJ it's a little thicker. The sound of the MIA Geddy is a little more refined but still really good. Both are a little hard to find but worth the effort.
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What makes the difference? The pickups? If so, why not replace your fav with Barts or Fralins?
 

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