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MIM Jazz or Ibby SR500

mello_bedwetter

mello_bedwetter

Aug 11, 2007
1,343
4
MO, south of St. Louis
#1
I have an Ibanez SR500 and also a Fender Standard Jazz(MIM). I started off using the SR500 most of the time but the more I play the MIM jazz I like it. I would like to get away from the "active" electronics of the Ibby. I'm thinking of getting another Fender(MIM) Jazz, a new one. The one I have now is a '92 and it's been used quite a bit. I bought it used and I don't want to sink any money into it. I'm planning on going to GC Friday and checking out some basses. I can't afford to get a MIA so my question is, do you think it would be a significant upgrade going from the SR500 to a new Fender Standard(MIM) Jazz? I know I want a Fender. So.....Fender Standard(MIM) Jazz Bass verses the Ibby SR500. How do you think they compare as far as tone, electronics, quality...etc. Thanks.
 
#3
Its a personal decision between the SR500 and a MIA Jazz. Completely opposite ends of the spectrum, but both are great basses. I'd think about trading in or selling your old jazz for the new one if you arent too attached to it so you can keep that tonal variation.

goodluck
 
#4
IMO the SR 500 is a much, much better bass than any standard MIM Fender J or P. I had an SR500 for a while, and when I looked at and played that bass, I felt like they must have priced it wrong, as it seemed like way too much bass for only $550. When I had a MIM Fender, I felt like the bass did not justify the $425 - $450 asking price.

With that said, I would agree with the others who say that a MIM Jazz and an SR 500 are different animals. The Jazz is, well, a Fender Jazz bass, while the SR 500 is more of a modern sounding, active bass with soapbars.
 
#6
I just started playing on a MIM Jazz that is only a couple years old. Personally, I love it. It is a very solid bass for the asking price. I think it mostly depends on what sound you are looking for. Some people like the way a J-bass plays and feels, some don't, and therefore might lean towards the Ibanez. Honestly, I would say go and spend an entire day playing every bass you can find that is in your price range. Don't limit yourself to just the Fender or Ibanez. Focus on finding a bass that you like regardless of the brand, and I think you will find something that will make you a lot happier than if you pigeon hole your decision between only 2 different basses, IMO anyways.
 
#7
Well I stayed at GC for 3 hours and ended up with this...
P1000731.jpg
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Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass.
 

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