NBD! Fender Flea Jazz Bass (+questions)

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Well, it's been a while since "my last bass purchase ever" so here we go again...

Most people around here need no introduction to the Flea Jazz Bass. It's not as pink as those Hello Kitty guitars, thankfully...

This is my first Mexican bass ever and my first VTVT ever as well. Man, it feels & sounds so good and is so versatile! Might easily be the best jazz bass I have ever owned; including USA models.

It sounds very alive, responsive pickups, no dead spots, no silent G string, very lightweight, low-actionable, comfortable neck.

Here is a quick YouTube video that I put together:


I know that some humbly-priced basses can be gems and some expensive ones can be lemons (as discussed here ). Still, I cant help but wonder:

• Are all Flea basses that good, or am I just lucky to find a gem?
• How much of a difference does the CS Journeyman 1960 offer?

Here are some photos...

 

[Paulabass]

Nice video! I've probably played 6 Flea basses in music stores and all of them have been very good.

 

[Arrow]

I tried 2 and both of them sounded dead and didn't play smoothly.
Maybe they just need to be broken in...
Just not my cup of tea.

Glad you found yourself a gem!

 

[MoeTown1986]

I think it’s just the whole road worn thing. I’ve never played a road worn Fender that didn’t feel great! Congrats!

 

[IReallyLoveFlea]

Mine is also wonderful

 

[Lesfunk]

I have had very bad luck with mex Flea basses in the past.
I believe you have lucked out and got an excellent one.
I’m happy for you.
The pickups are great and the neck feels amazing.
Mine were just ski jump pieces of poopie.
All the best of luck with yours

 

[Pet Sounds]

I've seen them in shops with bowed necks, but mine is fine. My only complaint is over-relic-ing, but I know it's based on an actual vintage Jazz.

 

[kbraker510]

I got one the day after Thanksgiving at Sweetwater. Definitely the best sounding and playing Jazz. The Pink is a plus and the relicing is not a thing for me. The only downside is the fretwork could use a bit more attention, especially for a $1,200 plus bass( mines needs the fret ends rounded and finessed. The gig bag is forgettable for an instrument at that price point. My other option at the time was a Lakeland Skyline 44-64

 

[u2brothr]

I played one that they rent at a music store here in Toronto. I fell in love.