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Sleeper Jazz Basses

socialleper

socialleper

Bringer of doom and top shelf beer
May 31, 2009
10,158
13,691
Canyon Country, CA
#1
It was fun learning about some of the hidden P bass diamonds in the rough out there (like the Ibanez RB630\650 and Peavey Fury.) I picked up a Peavey Forum for $200 and see some great potential for upgrades in it.
Now I'm wondering if there are some hidden gems in the jazz bass world where they have been sort of forgotten about, but are a tremendous value if you can find one in good shape. If I ask about "value" jazz basses, I know people might immediately go to Sire or Squier, but I'm curious if there are some sleeper models from the 70s, 80s, and 90s that I should know about.
 
#5
The Fender Jazz Plus is pretty forgotten, even though they're only about 25 years old. Basically the precursor to the American Deluxe, it has the preamp out of the Kubicki Factor basses and Lace Sensor pickups. No scooped sound here (unless you run it in passive mode), this thing got mids for days. It's also a slightly smaller body, so it's lighter, and the fastest jazz neck I've played. B string is great on the Jazz Plus V too. The fretboard is surprisingly thin, and tuners aren't the best, but it plays and sounds GREAT and you can get them for a real nice price.
 
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#11
socialleper said:
It was fun learning about some of the hidden P bass diamonds in the rough out there (like the Ibanez RB630\650 and Peavey Fury.) I picked up a Peavey Forum for $200 and see some great potential for upgrades in it.
Now I'm wondering if there are some hidden gems in the jazz bass world where they have been sort of forgotten about, but are a tremendous value if you can find one in good shape. If I ask about "value" jazz basses, I know people might immediately go to Sire or Squier, but I'm curious if there are some sleeper models from the 70s, 80s, and 90s that I should know about.
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Dropped a Quarter Pounder in a Peavey Fury and its a great bass.
 
#12
socialleper said:
It is interesting that people don't have the same passion for beater jazz basses as they do precision style basses. It seems like people are willing to go cheap on a P they can refurb but not a forgotten jazz.
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I compare them to cars. The P bass is a pickup. It's really designed to do one thing and it does it well. No muss, no fuss. Jazzes are fussier. I always ask, "Why do you think so many J's have preamps and P's don't?" Because J's can't sound like a P without it, and those owners want the J to be a Jack of All Trades. It's not a pickup, maybe it's more like a sports car with four doors... and a roof rack.
 
#13
tbplayer59 said:
I compare them to cars. The P bass is a pickup. It's really designed to do one thing and it does it well. No muss, no fuss. Jazzes are fussier. I always ask, "Why do you think so many J's have preamps and P's don't?" Because J's can't sound like a P without it, and those owners want the J to be a Jack of All Trades. It's not a pickup, maybe it's more like a sports car with four doors... and a roof rack.
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They may be fussier because of the smaller bodies and thinner necks, but I don't think the average jazz owner wants it to sound like a P. When rolled to the neck its like 90% there, but a preamp doesn't really fix physics (split single coil v strait single + placement.)
The discovery of forgotten Ps and PJs was fun, and since I want to get a jazz bass I was hoping to go the same route. Something about rescuing a neglected 80s bass from a world of disuse. If nothing awesome pops up, I can always do a Sire.
 
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#14
I'll never forget in the early/mid 90's stumbling across a Schecter jazz bass in the used section at my local store (at the time) in Joplin, MO. Blew away every Fender jazz bass they had. Had tone for days and I snatched it up quick!
 
#15
Fernandes or Greco Jazzes from the 70's are actually great, compared to actual Fenders from the same time period they might even be a little better. Cheap too, Greco ones tend to go for about £400.
 
#16
socialleper said:
They may be fussier because of the smaller bodies and thinner necks, but I don't think the average jazz owner wants it to sound like a P.
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Not exactly the same, but 3 band EQ's with mid-boost make a strong argument against yours.
They're fussier because of the different settings. Pickup blend combinations and tone control. Yes, much more flexible than a P, but the beater bass crowd wants less to go wrong.
 
#18
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
I was on the same exact quest as you. I ended up with a Squier CV P and I just placed my order today for a Sire V7 Vintage.

You did good with the Peavey Forum. Great choice.
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I'm pretty happy with it so far. I slapped some Geezers in it and will take it for its first full live test tonight.

With the Sire prices being what they are it's almost impossible to say no. But I'm on this 80s bass jag, so I'll see if I can scratch my jazz itch with something like that first.
 
#19
Blaargh said:
Fernandes or Greco Jazzes from the 70's are actually great, compared to actual Fenders from the same time period they might even be a little better. Cheap too, Greco ones tend to go for about £400.
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I've looked at some Greco, Electra, and Tokai jazz basses on Reverb. I wanted opinions on them. Then I have to decide what colors I can live with. I hate 70s looks.
 

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