NBD! Tagima Woodstock Jazz 73

[apcbassist]

I can hardly believe I found this in town after weeks of "gassing" for one. Ok here it is I'll give you some what of a formal review and first impressions of this Tagima bass.
$249.99 (check reverb and Tagima website for local dealers)

Tagima TW 73 "Woodstock" series
Poplar body
Maple neck and Fretboard
Aged white
40mm nut
The best way I can describe the neck is a vintage gloss, Squier VM like feel. Definitely easy to play and after an immediate set up I was able to get the action nice and low without any fret buzz. I'm not a huge fan of the tort pickguard with the aged white body, I plan to swap it out with a black one. Maybe add some pickup covers for that classic "70s" look. Speaking of the 70s, this jazz bass has 70s pickup spacing. One step closer to that Marcus tone. It's sounds pretty killer, I was totally surprised by the electronics. I expected an "affinity" level of quality with these electronics in this price range but that is not what I got. The knobs shift smoothly and the pickups have an output I would say is equal to squires vintage modified line. I'm pretty satisfied I don't think I'll be doing a pickup swap here. Heres my distinction...
The Pros
Lightweight
Low action
Pickups are great, especially together.
Good quality electronics
Smooth fret ends
Well seated nut
And the Cons
Here and there I noticed tiny hair line blemishes under the lacquer along the side of the fret board. Probably a result of a quick sanding job (to be expected for this price)
Bridge and tuners are nothing Special.
Isn't the tightest neck pocket, but it's not too bad.

Overall. For a vintage style jazz bass, I'm stoked. Tagima has made its way into the US market and for less than 300 bucks I have a great playing and sounding bass that could be easily customized. Not to mention you also get 70s pickup spacing for 1/3rd of the price of a fender reissue.

Ask away any questions!!

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Not to burst your bubble but i wrote a post called "quick and dirty review of the Tagima bass" several months ago, and they are selling at my local store for $199. I agree with your very good review, great bass for the money. The closest comparison i can make would be to the Classic Vibe Squiers, congrats!

 

[apcbassist]

I'm curious to know what other models Tagima will have to offer in the years to come. The Woodstock series seems to be there take on a "budget" instrument. Oh and for those that's are intrested Tagima is a Brazilian manufacturer.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

I'm curious to know what other models Tagima will have to offer in the years to come. The Woodstock series seems to be there take on a "budget" instrument. Oh and for those that's are intrested Tagima is a Brazilian manufacturer.

Tagima is a Brasilian company, but their Woodstock line is Chinese made. Think Harley Benton or SX in terms of production level.
.

 

[apcbassist]

Tagima is a Brasilian company, but their Woodstock line is Chinese made. Think Harley Benton or SX in terms of production level.
.

Yes thanks for clarification

 

[cdef]

... their Woodstock line is Chinese made. ...

That's correct. Other lines are handmade in the new factory in Brazil, where M. Zaganin is now chief luthier.

Curio: for a while back in the '90s, Tagima built legitimate Fenders on a license - the "Southern Cross" series:

 

[Oren Hudson]

Looks like a nice score. Congrats.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

That's correct. Other lines are handmade in the new factory in Brazil, where M. Zaganin is now chief luthier.

Curio: for a while back in the '90s, Tagima built legitimate Fenders on a license - the "Southern Cross" series:

I had the pleasure of meeting M Zaganin while on a trip overseas, as well as the company director. Tagima is legit - they sell more instruments in South America than Fender and Gibson do.
.

 

[apcbassist]

Update. I returned the bass to my local dealer DUE to finding it for 20 bucks less online. I'm a college student, need I explain more haha. I emailed the seller and upon request he sent me detailed pictures. Brand new. I will update again once this one arrives, lets see how consistent these Woodstock basses are.
Oh and for those that care..
This model weighs 8.9 lbs !

 

[apcbassist]

Bass arrived! Well, I wasn't expecting this.. check out the neck on this bad boy.
My concern previously was blemishes around a couple fret lines on the one I returned, and it really wasn't that big of a deal.. anyway
Quality check: looks like production did really well on this one, no blemishes, no fret line cracks fret ends are smooth like the last one, the side of the fret board looks and feels nice. Low action achieved.
this ones definitely a keeper, and hey, saved $20!
Looking for a cheap jazz style bass without compromising quality? Put this on the list next to Squier and SX.

 

[apcbassist]

Flamed neck

 

[Bassa Nova]

I dig it! Enjoy!

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Like i said amazing quality for a "starter" bass. I am fairly certain these are MIC, possibly in the same factory that made the Squier CV's. Pure conjecture on my part though.

 

[JRA]

congrats on your new instrument!

Update. I returned the bass

Bass arrived!

congrats on your newer instrument!

 

[fewoz]

Brazilian here. I don't know about the Woodstock line specifically, but I own a Tagima TJB4. It's made in China, but the quality and finish are really good (Without having to pay too much) and it's comfortable to play. I'm not a "pro" bass player, but I feel this bass is a very good option and much cheaper than the Squiers (at least where I live). The TJB4 (and I believe the Woodstock as well) are made in China. The TJB435 is made in Brazil (Unfortunately it was more expensive and for the same the price I bought the TJB4 and another combo amp).

 

[Nunovsky]

I've bought a used Tagima TJB4 Special in 2016 that I modded to suit my needs.
The build quality is really good as stock but with the mods it reached another level.
My Tagima is one bass that I won't part with for sure and I would put it up against any JB out there without hesitation.

 

[Arnel M.]

any videos or sound clips?

 

[jcsk8]

any videos or sound clips?

 

[Gunga Din]

Nice flamed neck. The Chinese are rattling out some good ones like that.

 

[selowitch]

If only they offered a fretless!