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MIM Fender Jazz VS. Squier Special P

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Zirc, Dec 5, 2001.

  1. Dec 5, 2001 #1
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    Okay here's the deal guys. First off, I'm a lefty, so my choice of bass is limited.

    Right now I play most of my punk stuff (I have a carvin 5 string LB75 for other stuff) out of my Squier 4 string Special-P bass (it has one p pickup and one j pickup, like a hot-rod, but squier), but I recently went to mars and played a MIM Fender Jazz. I don't know what it was (coulda been the amp, speakers, or the bass), but this bass sounded great IMO (also had a beautiful midnight wine color). Only problem is, the bass is $419, which could set me back (I'm a high school student without a job, I rely on xmas and bday money to get me through the year).

    So my question is, should I go ahead and get the MIM Fender Jazz (I'll prolly have to trade in the special-p to afford it) or were my ears just screwed up when I tried out the Jazz and the special-p can produce the same sound?

    Look forward to hearing your opinions, thanks guys.

    - Chris
     
  2. Dec 5, 2001 #2
    funkycarnivore

    funkycarnivore

    Sep 16, 2000
    California, United States
    Hmmm...it's always hard when you find a bass that you really like, but don't have the funds. Maybe you could bring your bass next time you go to the store and try both basses out through the same rig?
    How much do you like the Squier? If I were you, I wouldn't spend too much money on a backup. The money for that could be used on other important stuff. I understand about the punk thing, but I think that FalsehoodBass uses a Carvin and he plays punk and sounds good.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2001 #3
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    A Squier P/J can make decent P noises, and decent P/J noises. It cannot make J/J noises, or J neck pickup soloed noises. Of course, a Jazz cannot make P or P/J noises either.

    Maybe you like the tone of a Jazz more. Or maybe it was the amp you played through. Like FunkyC says, take your bass next time and play it and the Jazz through the same amp. Your ears will not lie to you.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2001 #4
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    I thought Falsehoodbass said he used a Fender MIA 5 string P-Bass, but whatever he uses, I do agree it does sound very good.

    I'll prolly end up taking the squier to the store. Also, I don't really like the squier much, simply because it's squier and there's really nothing special about the sound, the feel is good though (which is why I want a fender for a 4 string). Plus, I do have to funds for the bass, it's just I dunno if I want to spend them. I dunno if it's worth it.

    - Chris
     
  5. Dec 5, 2001 #5
    SRSiegel

    SRSiegel Guest

    Sep 17, 2001
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    thats tough man. I would also agree that you should try to A/B the squier and the MIM J with the same rig and see what you like better. another thing, i play a carvin LB75 too, and i can get a sound thats close to the J if i go passive. I think all recent carvins have an active passive switch. So actually what i would do is take BOTH of your current basses, and go compare them both to the MIM J. if you can get the same tone without spending money on a new bass, then you can upgrade your amp, maybe get a pedal or two (could also use it as date money but lets get our priorities straight here) you get the drift. money saved is always a good thing when youre not working. good luck
     
  6. Dec 5, 2001 #6
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    Hey Jeff, thanks a bunch for your opinion.

    I think I really do like the Jazz tone. I love the tone of the J/J sound with lotsa tone (I'm a big fan of the AFI bass, I love how it sounds). Also, I'm not that satisfied with the Squier's P/J sound with lotsa tone.

    I think I'll prolly end up getting the Jazz, I just needed some people to reassure me it is worth the money. Thanks guys.

    - Chris
     
  7. Dec 5, 2001 #7
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    Siegel,

    Your LB75 is prolly very different from mine. First off, I got my used from a guy on this board. It's a 1988 Carvin LB75 and the pickups were replaced with active EMGs. I've tried this bass out and it's definitely not what I want for a punk tone, therefore it will remain as my heavy rock/jazz/anything but punk bass.

    - Chris
     
  8. Dec 5, 2001 #8
    BoognishMang

    BoognishMang

    Aug 21, 2001
    Austin, Texas
    i got a deal on a MIM Jazz $275 w/ashtrays. (i put them on later).
     
  9. Dec 5, 2001 #9
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    Boognishmang:

    Too bad it's right handed :p
     
  10. Dec 5, 2001 #10
    BoognishMang

    BoognishMang

    Aug 21, 2001
    Austin, Texas
    try finding a used MIM Jazz, there are decent ones out there. Besides Mars always (most of the time) has the highest prices. Try online stores like www.Basspalace.com or www.Bassnw.com
     
  11. Dec 5, 2001 #11
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    Tried those sites, all the basses looked right handed.
     
  12. Dec 5, 2001 #12
    BoognishMang

    BoognishMang

    Aug 21, 2001
    Austin, Texas
    shame that you gotta dish out $100 more for a lefty.
     
  13. Dec 5, 2001 #13
    SRSiegel

    SRSiegel Guest

    Sep 17, 2001
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    chris-

    yeah thats way different. mines fairly new, with 18v active alectronics, a single and a HB pickup. sorry eh?
     
  14. Dec 5, 2001 #14
    Zirc

    Zirc

    May 13, 2001
    Los Angeles
    It's only like that for some companies (Fender). When you start buying better basses like Warwicks and Stingrays, they don't charge extra for lefties. Plus, I wouldn't be half as good as I am now if I played right-handed. Hell, I don't think I could even play right-handed.
     
  15. Dec 6, 2001 #15
    Philbiker

    Philbiker Pat's the best!

    Dec 28, 2000
    Northern Virginia, USA
    Lefty, you're not the only one to prefer the sound of J/J bass to a P/J. The P and J pickups when played together have some strange phase cancellations that cause strange midrange tones. Some people like the sound, I personally can't stand it. There is no arguing with the classic Fender Jazz Bass sound. If you like it go for it! I agree bring your bass with you and try them both.