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Opinions on a secondary bass purchase!

Bass

  • American Special

    Votes: 21 10.4%

  • Modern Player

    Votes: 11 5.4%

  • Deluxe Active Jazz Bass

    Votes: 26 12.9%

  • Deluxe P-bass Special

    Votes: 24 11.9%

  • Classic 70's Jazz Bass

    Votes: 45 22.3%

  • Blacktop Jazz Bass

    Votes: 18 8.9%

  • Other, please comment

    Votes: 30 14.9%

  • Carrots

    Votes: 27 13.4%
  • Total voters
    202
W

Wannaflea

Jun 7, 2011
627
5
Jersey, CI
www.facebook.com
#1
Hi all,

This Easter, I'm coming to the States (Jersey, Channel Islands resident) and I'm going to be buying basses! :D Now, I'm going to be getting a Fender Jag bass, that's a given, but I also want another bass to add to the collection.

My current stable is
POS P-bass that plays alright
POS 6-stringer that I don't really need/play
Ibby SR305M for the high-fi sound, though I'm not a mad fan of the Ibby body shape
Fleabass Streetbass with and EMG-35DC, which covers a Stingray-esque sound
Fender MIM Jazz with DiMarzio Model J's, very dark sounding for a jazz bass, not a traditional sounding jazz at all
+ (will be added) Fender Deluxe Jaguar Bass which I'm hoping will be a nice bit of versatility, plus a bass I've always wanted

BUT

I'm looking for another, to add. I'm 17 at the moment (though please don't treat me as a child, and I'll do my best to not be a stereotypical obnoxious teen ;) ), been playing RELIGIOUSLY (like 5 hours a day most days, up to 8 on holidays) for around 2 years. I'm a fan (bass-wise) of RHCP, Muse, RATM and (music wise) Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead (LOVE EM), The Smiths, The Cure and Bombay Bicycle Club. I like the feel of a Jazz Bass neck, but aesthetically, I'm not fickle. I like versatility above all, but not if it means having lots of (different, but still) poor-quality and unusable tones.

I'm living with my parents, so don't have any bills to pay etc, so I've figured that the more basses I work to be able to buy now, the less I have to buy at a later age with a roof to keep over my head etc (It's a given that I will be playing bass all my life unless, god forbid, something very bad happen). So, basically, I'm looking for a bass to compliment my herd (yep, did just use that as a collective noun).

TL : DR = want another bass

Do I go:

Fender American Special Jazz Bass. I'm not an 'American Fender' snob, but this seems a good price for an MIA. Not sure about the Greasebucket tone circuit ('rolls off highs whilst maintaining low-end definition'), because it seems I already have a dark-sounding Jazz bass.

Fender Modern Player Jazz Bass. Seems a nice take on a Jazz Bass, how easy would a push pull (or something similar) to have each pickup both coils/single coil be to mod? Quite cheap and seems like it would be a nice tone to have in the arsenal


Deluxe Active Jazz Bass. Looks nice, I'd probably swap out the pickups for something else, maybe EMG's or something similar, with an active passive switch to boot. The 3-band EQ would be more versatile than the 2-band on the Jaguar.

Deluxe Active P-bass Special. I don't have a high-quality P-bass, and this has the added bonus of a J pickup and active electronics, though once again I'd add an active/passive switch. Like the addition of a Jazz bass neck. However, after saying that I don't care about aesthetics, that gold pickguard just wouldn't go with me. How easy would a replacement be to find, and how expensive?

Fender Classic 70's Jazz Bass. Quite bog-standard, but looks killer and I've heard good things.

Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass. Shot in the dark here, but I like the idea of getting into a precision bass tone, with Jazz bass comfort. The high-mass bridge sounds good too. No idea about the tone of dual-P though, any thoughts on that.


Should also mention that I have not, nor will I be able to, try any of these before I buy. Any more information needed, just ask!

ANSWERS/REPLIES/COMMENTS PLEASE, help me out talkbass! :)
 
#4
I would suggest a passive G&L Tribute model, either the SB-2, which is P/J, or the JB-2, which is JJ. Both have a J neck and a P body, and are very loud, for passive instruments. You can follow the herd, and there is nothing wrong with doing so (even I have a J bass), or you can join a more select fraternity, while still honoring the legacy of Leo, by going with a G&L, which is one of bassdom's best values, and best-kept secrets.
 
#5
I can highly recommend the American Special Jazz! I've had mine for about six months now and I have fallen deeply in love with it. It is a very well built instrument, both the neck and body are slightly thinner than an American standard, making it very playable and lightweight and the tone is awesome! And don't worry about the greasebucket; it does NOT mean that the bass sounds darker, just that the tone control reacts a bit different than the standard circuit.
 
#6
Well hey there fellow 17 year old! One day we'll put all these old geezers out of gigs, but until then, don't say anything ;). How far inland are you coming, because that would give you options store-wise and what kind of basses you could be interested in. Instead of having your money set in one area, have a couple considerations, and when you get there, find an amp similar to your set-up, and test out as many basses as you can.

When you go inside, ask for a really qualified salesman that knows his stuff and let them know that you have the intent of walking out with an instrument, their ears will perk up, and they'll help. BEWARE of the bully salesman though!! These are smooth-talking motherf$#@*&$ and they nearly hustle people when it comes to clearing product. If you start to get bullied into a purchase, just tell him to take it easy, and even to back off if necessary. Especially since you and I are young, they'll try to hook you up with something that works rather than what you're really looking for. *Note: not saying that this is EVERY salesman out there, and many of them are quite alright, but there is a population of them like this*

If you know where you're going, map out some stores that seem to have the type of product that you're interested in. Shoot them an email telling them you'll be coming from out of town and checking out many guitar places etc. Don't make them think that they're the only ones you're seeing even if you are, because they could use that.

All in all have fun, and whatever you do, I highly recommend that you don't purchase or set your heart on a bass blindly without playing, unless you're really confident. I've purchased without playing before and wished I hadn't in the end because after dropping a grand on a new bass and not being so thrilled is never fun!

Best regards,

Brooks

P.S. Everyone will describe basses with different terminology that carries different definitions, so it's always best to trust your ears and hands rather than other people's words & experiences! (no offense to ANY TB members intended)
 
#7
Fender Reggie Hamilton Standard Jazz. P/J, good pickups (Noiseless J + American P), 3-band EQ, active/passive switch, Hipshot D-tuner, jazz neck and body, good fit and finish. I'm not a fan of the F-company lately, but a few models are really sweet, and this one is.
 
#8
Thanks for all the replies, guys!
plankspanker13 said:
I would suggest a passive G&L Tribute model, either the SB-2, which is P/J, or the JB-2, which is JJ. Both have a J neck and a P body, and are very loud, for passive instruments. You can follow the herd, and there is nothing wrong with doing so (even I have a J bass), or you can join a more select fraternity, while still honoring the legacy of Leo, by going with a G&L, which is one of bassdom's best values, and best-kept secrets.
Click to expand...

Never played a G&L, and I'm a bit wary of spending money on a brand that I've never played before. Have you got any videos/sound clips?

DeathFromBelow said:
I can highly recommend the American Special Jazz! I've had mine for about six months now and I have fallen deeply in love with it. It is a very well built instrument, both the neck and body are slightly thinner than an American standard, making it very playable and lightweight and the tone is awesome! And don't worry about the greasebucket; it does NOT mean that the bass sounds darker, just that the tone control reacts a bit different than the standard circuit.
Click to expand...

Same as before, d'you have any sound clips or videos? Is the build quality of American standard, or is it just a bit better than MIM?

slapmachine said:
Well hey there fellow 17 year old! One day we'll put all these old geezers out of gigs, but until then, don't say anything ;). How far inland are you coming, because that would give you options store-wise and what kind of basses you could be interested in. Instead of having your money set in one area, have a couple considerations, and when you get there, find an amp similar to your set-up, and test out as many basses as you can.

When you go inside, ask for a really qualified salesman that knows his stuff and let them know that you have the intent of walking out with an instrument, their ears will perk up, and they'll help. BEWARE of the bully salesman though!! These are smooth-talking motherf$#@*&$ and they nearly hustle people when it comes to clearing product. If you start to get bullied into a purchase, just tell him to take it easy, and even to back off if necessary. Especially since you and I are young, they'll try to hook you up with something that works rather than what you're really looking for. *Note: not saying that this is EVERY salesman out there, and many of them are quite alright, but there is a population of them like this*

If you know where you're going, map out some stores that seem to have the type of product that you're interested in. Shoot them an email telling them you'll be coming from out of town and checking out many guitar places etc. Don't make them think that they're the only ones you're seeing even if you are, because they could use that.

All in all have fun, and whatever you do, I highly recommend that you don't purchase or set your heart on a bass blindly without playing, unless you're really confident. I've purchased without playing before and wished I hadn't in the end because after dropping a grand on a new bass and not being so thrilled is never fun!

Best regards,

Brooks

P.S. Everyone will describe basses with different terminology that carries different definitions, so it's always best to trust your ears and hands rather than other people's words & experiences! (no offense to ANY TB members intended)
Click to expand...

Hey man! I'm going to NYC for a couple of days, then the Florida Keys for a week and a half. I know a guy who runs a music store there, who will give me good deals on whatever I order. Every bass I have was bought unplayed, apart from the Ibanez, which I never play (go figure aha). Haha I went to NYC last year, and experienced the 'hard sell' technique, the man was nearly forcing the bass on me hahaha. What's worse, he was criticising my bass playing all the time and (he didn't know this, but I was looking for a bass with a nice bright tone for slap that could still pack punch and warmth - the one I decided on was my fender jazz) he was telling me not to slap :confused:

Basically, money-wise, it's only really viable for me to buy basses in the states, so I have to order beforehand. I have spare money left over, so I'm going to make a purchase hahaha. Each time I visit, I try out more and more basses, so that my next decision can be more informed.

Marihino said:
Fender Reggie Hamilton Standard Jazz. P/J, good pickups (Noiseless J + American P), 3-band EQ, active/passive switch, Hipshot D-tuner, jazz neck and body, good fit and finish. I'm not a fan of the F-company lately, but a few models are really sweet, and this one is.
Click to expand...

I was really seriously considering this actually. This is MIM yeah? (I have no problem with this aha)
 
#11
plankspanker13 said:
I would suggest a passive G&L Tribute model, either the SB-2, which is P/J, or the JB-2, which is JJ. Both have a J neck and a P body, and are very loud, for passive instruments. You can follow the herd, and there is nothing wrong with doing so (even I have a J bass), or you can join a more select fraternity, while still honoring the legacy of Leo, by going with a G&L, which is one of bassdom's best values, and best-kept secrets.
Click to expand...

This is a great suggestion....another to consider would be Lakland Skyline 55-01 or 44-01 depending on your string count preferences.....Maybe even a fretless! They come with ebony fingerboards.
 
#14
Wannaflea said:
Thanks for all the replies, guys!

Never played a G&L, and I'm a bit wary of spending money on a brand that I've never played before. Have you got any videos/sound clips?
Click to expand...

A G&L Tribute L2000 would be very similar to the Fender Blacktop with the dual humbuckers but of far better quality and better features. Can be played active or passive and the features are better. The cost is about $200 more but well worth it. Here's a link where you can research it.

G&L Tribute L-2000 4-String Bass | Musician's Friend

Another suggestion. Don't spend the $$$ on a Deluxe Jazz and swap out the pickups. It's not worth it. I've owned one and the pickups match up with the electronics in that bass quite well. It was the best sounding and playing Jazz Bass I've ever owned.

Good Luck with your shopping spree.
 
#15
If you like Muse, Randy Jackson just had the Music Man company make the bass player of Muse a custom made Bongo with a maple neck. Very killer looking bass. Since I also play Music Man, I highly recommend them. I think everything about them is much better than Fender in my opinion. Fenders aren't bad but Music Man's are better!
 
#17
Don't underestimate the MusicMan and G&L brands, many of us think that Leo Fender went on to do better work with his last two companies. They're definitely worth researching more. Lakland originally started out trying to make a better MusicMan bass and ended up creating their own niche, too.

In my opinion, you seem ready to thin your herd down to two or three really good instruments and get rid of the lower-end models. Take your time to spend your money wisely on this one and you'll be on the right path.
 

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