• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

OK, time for a big decision..

I have recently obtained around 500 bucks that I can spend on pretty much whatever I want. My question is.. Should I splurge on a Fender Standard Jazz, which is a bass I have been GASing for for ages.. Or should I try to get a new amp.. Or a different bass? Or upgrade my SX? Or possibly just save my freakin' money for once? All input is welcome.
 
I've got an SX Scorpion (Basically a stealth Jazz knockoff) and a Fender Rumble 60. So far I've got one vote for new bass. And also one for a 500 dollar donation to the 'feed blast_tyrant' fund.

EDIT: Also, I'm making about 200 bucks a week working part-time, so if I can make the money back in about 3 weeks or so.
 
haxality said:
I have recently obtained around 500 bucks that I can spend on pretty much whatever I want. My question is.. Should I splurge on a Fender Standard Jazz, which is a bass I have been GASing for for ages.. Or should I try to get a new amp.. Or a different bass? Or upgrade my SX? Or possibly just save my freakin' money for once? All input is welcome.

Buy a GK 700RBII. A used one is in your price range.

Then start saving for a nice cab, like an Eden D210XLT. They sound great with the GK. You will be able to play any style and sound great...tone-wise that is. The skill is up to you.

THEN
upgrade your bass. By this time you will have a clearer understanding (I hope) of what you want in your bass, thus being better able to make that decision.

So basically, get a great head, then a great cab, then a great bass.

:D

Joe.
 
phooey on the people saying to buy amp/cab first.
phooey I say.
Unless you've got gigs coming up that you have an actual use for a bigger rig, I'd say get yourself a new bass first.

Options as I see it:
1. Save up for an American Fender Jazz. You can find them used for well under $1k.
2. Get yourself a complimentary bass, maybe a fretless. Give youself an alternate sound to play with and see where it takes you.
 
I say get a new bass. I imagine you are not going to playing any gigs soon and you are just an at-home player like myself and many others. The Fender Rumble 60 will suit you just perfectly for that. I say save up as much money as you can and treat yourself to a real fine bass, not some crummy MIM Fender Jazz. Trust me... you will be glad you didn't buy this in the future. This is totally IMO, but I say you either buy something like a Lakland DJ4, Marcus Miller, Geddy Lee, or some sort of EBMM Bass. You can actually find all of these basses for fairly cheap used, and used is not a bad thing AT ALL. Good luck on your choice though and make sure you come and tell us all what you got!
 
Hahaha. Wow, those were some varied responses. The main reason I want A MIM Jazz as opposed to my current NEARLY identical ripoff is the neck. The SX neck is not only about as narrow as a freeway, it's also painted with this cheap black paint that makes it feel like a tire. So otherwise the consensus seems to be that MIM Fenders aren't worth the money?

EDIT: Also, I figured a Fender would be a little higher quality, with regards to the finish and the tuners and stuff. Again, I dunno.
 
dude, Buy some shares--wait for a boom in the market; and buy every bass you could ever want.

*repeat the above to afford new amp*

i say save it, play as many bass as you can and buy the time you've decided on the one you'll possibly have enough money to buy it.
matt
 
haxality said:
Hahaha. Wow, those were some varied responses. The main reason I want A MIM Jazz as opposed to my current NEARLY identical ripoff is the neck. The SX neck is not only about as narrow as a freeway, it's also painted with this cheap black paint that makes it feel like a tire. So otherwise the consensus seems to be that MIM Fenders aren't worth the money?

It's not that MIM fenders aren't good basses for the money, because they are. Especially if you like the fender sound/feel/name. The point is that they're bearly an upgrade from that SX, and you'll have two cheap basses that are quite similar in tone and quality, which is kind of pointless unless you need a backup for gigging.

Used ones go for 2-300 regularly, so if you want to replace your SX just sell it for about $100 or whatever you can get and pick up a used MIM jazz. Save the bulk of your $500 and get something a step above.


Or, if you're feeling a little DIY-like, get some sandpaper and take the paint off the neck of the SX. Rub it with some lemon oil or tung oil, and it should feel a lot better.