Old Fender Jazzes V New Fender Jazzes

I am no expert but I bet there is a lot of nostalgia when it comes to the older models. I just can't imagine that they can't make them better these days, Who knows, I'm probably talking out of my wazoo.

 

Depends on the year, but either way, I'd rather have 4 2008 Fenders than one crappy one from the 70s.

 

i only own newer basses, not because i think theyre better, but because i cant get my hands on an old one in good shape but i have played so many i think i know. old basses just play a little better because theyre so worn in. if you just have an old bass in the closet that has never been played, its going to play close to a new one. depending on the year, older basses are also built a little better and a little more carefully but you can defiantly get away with just getting a newer one. you probably wont be able to tell the difference in sound too much i dont think. some brand like fender make "vintage" models that are made to feel like the original.

 

It's been said here many, many times that there are good and bad in all era's. In the 70's the general opinion was that Fender basses were pretty crappy. Now all of sudden, well over the last few years they're hot and their value has sky rocketed. I've owned a few and they were good basses but the general consensus is that there were a lot of "dogs" in that era. Never owned 60's Fender jazz but the same can said I'm sure. The newer ones have gotten a lot of favorable reviews here from some knowledgeable players and the refinements in production over the years is led to better QC. How's that for a non-answer.

 

I've been a fan of Fender since the late 60's. I can remember when a 1968 Candy Apple Red Strat sold for $268, wish I had one today. As far as their quality, up until around 1973 their quality was pretty good, but after '73' they went thru a period of downright terrible consistency untill around 1987-88 when the American Standards came out. Engineering designs have come along way as far as Fender goes and the instruments simply are better suited for long term playablity, staying in tune, components are better suited for todays gigging musician. Although, Fender still has had a rapsheet a mile long when it comes to quality consistency. I own a 08' MIA Jazz and it's quality of workmanship is second to none, maybe it's just mine, but the 08' J- and P- basses have been defined by their quality control and their engineering advances. Only time will tell if this trend is to continue.

 

I actually had a 1962 3 knob sunburst jazz.It was good but not great.It played nice.It didn't sound as good as other 60's jazzes.I sold it in the early 90's.Got a good price at the time but would have got a LOT more for it now.
It was really a plain vanilla sounding bass.They made some duds back then too!

Old Fenders have become collectable icons.It's like cars or baseball cards or any other americana collectable.
I have to admit,it's hard to beat the charisma of the vintage mojo but I don't think they are worth the 5 figures they are getting.Many 70s ones are absolute crap & they get a pretty penny now.90% of what you are paying for is the icon status.
I think the new Fender stuff is nice.It's also real easy nowdays to customise a Fender into anything you want.I also think basses blossom the more you play them.

But.....Every now & then I'll play an older bass and it will feel real comfy in my hands and the tone will be real warm & round & I think "Man,I wish this was mine!" .