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Most versatile type of Jazz bass

#42
I think the Jazz Bass alone is a very versatile instrument, I regret ever selling my USA Jazz, im deffinetly purchasing another at some point.
I've used mine in Metal, Jazz, and blues.
Black, Maple fretboard, black motto pick gaurd...always wante dto try a audere as well.
 
#44
B String said:
I've always liked the tort on black look with Rosewood.
Mmmm....
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I'm hearing you on this B....

I think either the alder/pau ferro combo, or ash/roswood (no light ash). The ash will give you a llittle more attack....single coils unless you use Barts. Nordstrand 2 band if you need it. I personally like J pickups that will get gritty if you dig in...no even/uber clean sounding pickups.
 
#45
B String said:
Which type of Jazz bass is the most versatile for a wide
variety of Pop, Jazz, R&B, Rock, etc.
60's or 70's? Alder/Rosewood, Maple/Ash? Maybe some
combination of all the above? Can you make it work just by
having a good eq, or does it have to come from the bass?
(and of course the hands)
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As far as I'm concerned, there's no difference based on age or wood in the body or neck.. They're all jazz basses, they all play fine, and they all sound good when played well.

You will sound like yourself regardless of the J bass you're playing.
 
#46
They are quite different! 70's style Jazz has the bridge pickup 1/2" closer to the bridge. Gives it that spanky edge. A 70's Jazz with ash body and maple neck will be MUCH brighter than a 60's style with alder body and rosewood neck. I've got both and they sound very different from one another.
 
#47
barr63 said:
They are quite different! 70's style Jazz has the bridge pickup 1/2" closer to the bridge. Gives it that spanky edge. A 70's Jazz with ash body and maple neck will be MUCH brighter than a 60's style with alder body and rosewood neck. I've got both and they sound very different from one another.
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This is my point. There's the "lays in the mix well", warmer
sound of the 60's Alder/Rosewood, or the more in your face,
grindy, articulation of the 70's Ash/Maple Jazz.
Can you make one bass do both things well, or is it always a
compromise so that (as many have stated) you need one of
each?
 
#50
barr63 said:
They are quite different! 70's style Jazz has the bridge pickup 1/2" closer to the bridge. Gives it that spanky edge. A 70's Jazz with ash body and maple neck will be MUCH brighter than a 60's style with alder body and rosewood neck. I've got both and they sound very different from one another.
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Think the audience can tell?

I doubt it.

I'm sure that those who own them can tell a difference, so just choose one you like. From that point a J is a J.
 
#53
B String said:
This is my point. There's the "lays in the mix well", warmer
sound of the 60's Alder/Rosewood, or the more in your face,
grindy, articulation of the 70's Ash/Maple Jazz.
Can you make one bass do both things well, or is it always a
compromise so that (as many have stated) you need one of
each?
Click to expand...

The tonal difference is almost completely defined by the different bridge pickup position as opposed to the wood used. And yes you need one of each. :D
 
#57
B String said:
Tom. I've drooled over your basses from afar numerous times.
Nice work.
San Marino... nice. I love that area. I'm in the San Fernando
valley. And yes... my daughter is a "valley girl". (never thought
I'd say that)
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Thanks. :D

I moved east when I was only 13 so I didn't get around much I really miss skiing at Mammoth though and being able to see mountains.
 
#58
They are different enough to own both.:bassist:

It isn't really a matter of what is more versatile it's more about what you prefer.

Within this small universe of (not limited to):

60s vs 70s spacing
Ash vs Alder
Rosewood vs. Maple
Single coils vs. Hum cancelling
passive vs. active
nickel or stainless vs. flat wounds
ETC....

If you are willing to search hard enough with these different combinations you will find what works best for you. Or maybe it leads to altering the traditional Fender formula......

This is all wonderful stuff that I love to discuss and experiment with but I don't see it as a contest or reason to argue.
 
#59
metron said:
The tonal difference is almost completely defined by the different bridge pickup position as opposed to the wood used. And yes you need one of each. :D
Click to expand...

I am not looking for an argument but there has been lots of discussion on this topic and your opinion is certainly not universally accepted. There is a Roger Sadowsky interview floating around where he states that he believes the fingerboard is the largest contributor, while others have varying opinions.

I would however agree "OWN BOTH"
 

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