So I’ve been really interested in these Manhattan Prestige basses for quite a while but was never able to find much about them aside from what Neil Jason promotes. I decided to take a chance and grab one and let me say this thing is sweet. I always felt there has been a lull in the development of passive basses. Everyone is trying to showcase all the bells and whistles for an affordable price while Neil’s vision was to refine the classic J bass. Let me start by saying this thing sounds, feels and plays better than the last USA jazz I had (which I parted with a few months ago). It’s a very light bass but feels solid if that makes sense. No exaggeration it’s the best J style neck I’ve ever had in my hands. Pickups are absolutely stunning and had a decent setup out of the box. A couple minor buzzes but I haven’t taken a close enough look to see if it’s a fault with a fret or just needs a once over setup. My one complaint is I found a few finish flaws. The only one that bugs me is a piece of the satin flaked off on the side of the neck (see photo). For the price I guess I’ll live with it, but we have to remember these things were $999 at one point. I’m sure I can fix it with a little steel wool. Anyways, it’s a keeper for me hands down. I was actually able to speak on the phone with Jack Thompson (Neil’s business partner) on the phone a couple weeks ago and he was kind enough to answer all my questions. That makes or breaks a business for me and I was pleased that one one the owners took the time to actually speak on the phone. People seem to sleep on these basses but don’t! I highly recommend them.
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NBD. Something cool I’ve been curious about.
- Thread starter Maestro29
- Start date
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,607
- 18,656
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,607
- 18,656
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
Homie, they are just a straight up very
Easily playable J bass. They ones I played felt like a like mid 60s J that has been played for decades.
Noted.
I’d be curious how one compares to the Nash JB 63. I had a JB63 for a while and its the nicest playing J I’ve held. Not that I’m a connoisseur, or in the market, but I do like checking out basses
$599 on the website. I think it’s a fair price. They were originally $999, which I think is a little steep given the finish flaws on mine. Sonically it’s one of the best J’s I’ve ever played.
Nice, I’ve seen these around though “Manhattan Prestige” sounds like a naughty euphemism like “Cleveland Steamer” to me…”I met this chick on Tinder, she showed me her Seamoon and gave me the full Manhattan Prestige, then I woke up with an empty wallet….”
