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New bass guitar?

What should I buy?

  • Fender MIM Precision Bass (I already have one)

    Votes: 10 3.6%

  • Fender MIM Jazz Bass

    Votes: 57 20.5%

  • Fender USA Standard Precision Bass (I will have to save up for it)

    Votes: 48 17.3%

  • Fender USA Standard Jazz Bass (I will also have to save up for it)

    Votes: 85 30.6%

  • Other Fender (Please specify)

    Votes: 15 5.4%

  • Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV

    Votes: 11 4.0%

  • Other (Please Specify)

    Votes: 52 18.7%
  • Total voters
    278
  • Poll closed .
B

Basssssist

Guest
Jul 27, 2011
101
1
29
Croydon, London
#1
So, I just got £450 for my birthday and I have decided to buy a second bass guitar to go with my MIM Fender Precision Bass. However, I am not sure what to buy so I have come here to ask a community of Bass Guitarists what I should buy.

P.S. I mainly play rock music, and I sometimes play in alternate tunings (e.g. Drop D tuning).
 
#2
Well, it's all pretty subjective, and ultimately comes down to what feels good in your hands.
That said, a jazz bass might be a nice compliment to your P- most of the MIM models I've played have been pretty nice.
 
#3
Have a think about what you like. Some people prefer Two subtly different basses - eg. P with rounds, and a P with flats.
Most people prefer Two different instruments, eg. An active 5 string and a passive 4.

450 is enough to give you plenty of options. Try a good selection, listen to live performances / reviews online - An experienced hand can show the possibilities with an instrument.

Ultimately you'll be the one making the call. Used might get you better value, but a warrantee is nice. If you change to more (or less) strings it'll take a little adapting but you'll never know till you try it for a bit.

Try to find a bass that sounds amazing and feels good. One that makes you excited to play:bassist:. Good luck!

>>EDIT: I voted for other... Get what feels and sounds right.
 
#6
You are in a very good position since you already own a bass. Take your time and play as many basses as you can until you find one you really like. If you buy used, you can get more bang for your buck.

The worst thing you can do is run to a store and buy something on a whim. If you decide to purchase new, try not to buy something the first time out.

In other words, play some guitars (make sure to us the same amp/same settings), make a note of the ones you really liked, go home and let everything soak in, then go back to the store after a few days and see if you still like your choices from before (again, using the same amp and settings). If so, narrow down your choices, then get the one you liked, if not, simply keep looking.

Again, since you already own a bass you are in a position to take your sweet time.

If it helps any, I recently purchased a used Geddy Lee Jazz Bass (CIJ), I would put it up against any MIM or MIA Jazz bass. Let's face it, the Japanese have been in the manufacturing business for a long time. Products they build are world class.
 
#8
As you live in London you're in a pretty fortunate position that there are a lot of very good guitar shops which are close to you. My suggestion: go to a store and try out as many as possible!

From my experience, there is a large difference in USA Fenders and the MIM counterparts - but then again you may feel differently, as I'm sure some on here do.

The Thunderbird is completely different in sound, weight and feel to a precision and they're a bit like Marmite, you love 'em or you hate 'em! I love mine, but it's definitely worth playing before putting down money.

The Jazz is obviously quite different to a Precision as well, thinner neck and different sound. I personally prefer my Jazz to my Thunderbird (which still comes out every now and then) and when I was faced with a similar decision last year, I went for a G&L Tribute L-2500, a brilliant active 5 string which is right in range of your budget - I got one on Basschat in mint condition for £400. However, obviously playing a 5er is rather different to a 4, so my advice still stands: try before you buy, as many basses as possible!

If I was in your shoes I'd sell my precision and just by a USA Jazz, but remember I am deeply in love with my Jazz and couldn't imagine life without it. The US Precisions I've tried were pretty tasty as well, much better than the Mexicans in feel. Maybe when you try one out for yourself you'll feel the same way? it's definitely a decision not to be taken lightly, it's not like there's a rush so I'd wait until you find the right Bass for you instead of letting the money burn a hole in your pocket.
 
#11
I agree with EskimoBassist about there being a difference between MIM and MIA basses but not in playability. Soundwise absolutly. I suggest an MIM Jazz with a PUP, Pots and cap upgrade. You can even get new hardware but I don't think it is necessary right away IMO. With some upgrades MIM are great instrument. I will put my MIM Jazz up against any MIA any day of the week.

I have been looking at MIA Jazzes lately thinking maybe I'm missing out but in all honesty I have been totally underwhelmed by them especially for the price. The last time I was at my local guitar store looking at MIA's I also played some Squiers. I played a VM that IMO was the best playing Jazz in the store. Sounded pretty descent too.
 
#12
If you're in the UK, and London especially, like me, then actually you'll find there really aren't very many great bass stores, there's one, and to be honest, they have a very big focus on the high end instruments that are out of your (and my usual) price range.

I would advise checking out www.basschat.co.uk - we've got a good community and you can pick yourself up a bargain on the marketplace. There are get togethers where you'd probably get a good chance to try out a number of the basses on your list.

I'd also urge you to consider a Tanglewater (Overwater/Tanglewood) Contemporary Jazz. You could get one new for about £450-500 (probably £450 if you had the cash), and the 5 string version I've played was more or less the best £500 bass I've played in long time, fantastic build quality, a solid sound, and IMO they look the business.
 
#14
I would give the Jaguar a chance too. It has one of the better Fender necks I have played and the price is a little lower than the MIA basses. Anyone who has played a jag will probably tell you it's noisy but shielding the body cavity is an easy and inexpensive solution. It definitely is not for everyone but it's worthy of your consideration for this price range.
 
#17
Basssssist said:
So, I just got £450 for my birthday and I have decided to buy a second bass guitar to go with my MIM Fender Precision Bass. However, I am not sure what to buy so I have come here to ask a community of Bass Guitarists what I should buy.

P.S. I mainly play rock music, and I sometimes play in alternate tunings (e.g. Drop D tuning).
Click to expand...
My advice is don't get another bass right now. Save it in the bank. When you know what you want, without having to ask what you should get, then you'll be glad you have the money for it.
 
#18
If you want to stay well within your budget and buy now I'd go take a look at the Squier CV Jazz Bass. You're not gonna get all the way to MIA Standard quality but you'll get a lot closer than the price differential would suggest. To me these basses are the crown jewel of the Squier CV line.

I've owned a half dozen or more MIA Jazz Basses over the years and a few MIA PBasses as well and these Squiers give them a run for their money. They're probably one of the best bargains going in a Fender style bass. I wouldn't play one if they weren't a top notch instrument.
 
#19
BassFuzz24 said:
I would give the Jaguar a chance too. It has one of the better Fender necks I have played and the price is a little lower than the MIA basses. Anyone who has played a jag will probably tell you it's noisy but shielding the body cavity is an easy and inexpensive solution. It definitely is not for everyone but it's worthy of your consideration for this price range.
Click to expand...

The new modern Jag is f'ing nice! Play one the other day and it almost went home with me!
 
#20
Always save and get what you REALLY want. Remember, there's a psychological component to owning an instrument as well. You'll always feel a sense of pride pulling out a MIA Fender and will never feel a bit, well, "inferior" because you didn't go for the MIA. Save your money and buy the real deal. You won't regret it (but you probably will eventually regret another non-MIA Fender).

Now, if you really want to go the whole way...save up for a USA Lakland Jazz or P...but that's a different thread.
 

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