I walked into GC to play some basses at $1k or less, with my intended focus being on looking for a P Bass.
I played the Squier Paranormal Jazz, both a P and Jazz players series, and Vintera 50s P.
The Squier was cool for what it was, the Vintera was very nice but not $200 nicer than the Players Series quality IMHO.
As for the Players series P & J....
The P was a very poor example of a P at any price point/level, while this specific Jazz Bass was one of the best if not best examples of a non vintage Jazz that I have personally played at any price point.
I’ve owned instrument from $100 - $3500, and I’ve really just accepted that when it comes to picking out an instrument, you just have to find a good one. That’s sounds so simple, but I know I missed the wisdom in it for a long time. As soon as I plugged this Jazz in and hit a note, I looked down to make sure I hadn’t accidentally picked up a pro series or ultra by accident. It was pretty amazing. I left without buying it just to not make an impulse buy. Went back the next day and there was a guy a/b-ing the player P and Jazz. Ias soon as the guy put it back down to play the P I asked if he was done because I had come to buy it. He said he was undecided and that if I knew I wanted it to go for it and take it. Without hesitating I grabbed it. As he was playing the P I saw him looking at the J in my hand and could see the regret building.
True story. The end.
I played the Squier Paranormal Jazz, both a P and Jazz players series, and Vintera 50s P.
The Squier was cool for what it was, the Vintera was very nice but not $200 nicer than the Players Series quality IMHO.
As for the Players series P & J....
The P was a very poor example of a P at any price point/level, while this specific Jazz Bass was one of the best if not best examples of a non vintage Jazz that I have personally played at any price point.
I’ve owned instrument from $100 - $3500, and I’ve really just accepted that when it comes to picking out an instrument, you just have to find a good one. That’s sounds so simple, but I know I missed the wisdom in it for a long time. As soon as I plugged this Jazz in and hit a note, I looked down to make sure I hadn’t accidentally picked up a pro series or ultra by accident. It was pretty amazing. I left without buying it just to not make an impulse buy. Went back the next day and there was a guy a/b-ing the player P and Jazz. Ias soon as the guy put it back down to play the P I asked if he was done because I had come to buy it. He said he was undecided and that if I knew I wanted it to go for it and take it. Without hesitating I grabbed it. As he was playing the P I saw him looking at the J in my hand and could see the regret building.
True story. The end.
