Purchasing advice

[Nowitzky]

Hi people from talkbass.com

I'm a newbie in this forum but I play bass since some time. Sadly though I don't know much about the ins and outs of the bass itself (I'll surf around in this forum to build up myself some culture about bass' parts and components).

Now, I might have soon around 900€ (around 1300$) and I was thinking about buying a Fender Jazz Bass. And here comes the question: with this amount of money (even slightly more as well) what can I aim for?
What should be the specifics of the bass I want to buy? Please don't overlook anything in the descriptions since I'm really... well, disinformed about this kind of talk. I have to learn a lot and this might be the right chance.

Thanks in advance for the advice (and sorry if this isn't the right place to post this kind of topic but it seemed like it was ;p)

Alessio

 

[bassteban]

Hello, Allessio-
It might help to know what you want to do(what kind of music you like, specific bass tones, etc). Is there a certain player or band you like a lot?

 

[RickenBoogie]

I don't know the pricing where you are, but if it's a Jazz bass you want, look at the American, or American Deluxe series. (1st is passive, 2nd is active, 18 volts). Most prefer the traditional passive J bass, but the active provides a 3 band eq with quite alot of cut/boost. Just stick to the American made one's, and you'll be ok.

 

[Nowitzky]

yes sorry i forgot the most important factor. Hmm my bass player of choice is john paul jones so his sound is what i aim at.still i'd like an all around bass but with a 'round' and 'sweet' sound (sorry i am using italian words since i miss the english ones) .

 

[Dbassmon]

There are a lot of options at different price points from Fender. I think it is important to play a bunch because honestly, you find a really great playing and sounding bass that isn't the necessarily most expensive American Models. Essentially, if the bass plays great and doesn't have dead spots or neck dive or other problems, you can find a good Japanese or Mexican model that sounds identical to the American model for several hundred less.

John Paul Jones used a passive J and an Alembic, very different sounding basses. An active Jazz bass will get a little closer to the Alembic Hi Fi vibe and still allow you to dial down the highs for something closer to vintage.