Studio needs a quality Fender - Gecommendations?

[zdanny]

Hi Bassmen,

I run a recording studio and we have been getting by with a borrowed Geddy Lee Jazz for a couple years as a house bass, but its owner wants it back. We don't really have the $800 or so it'd take to replace that with the exact model.

Is there a quality bass I should be looking for used? We'd really prefer to spend under $500 for this. I don't care where it's made if it's made well. I once had a Squier which was completely unacceptable - couldn't even play a solid open E on it. I do have a preference for maple fingerboards and passive pickups, but other than that my mind is open!

I would really appreciate advice from you gurus - Thanks!
Danny

 

[TheBasicBassist]

I'm sure you could land a used Fender Highway One for five bones, though maybe a tad more and that would get you pretty close to a Geddy-esque instrument depending if you go jazz bass or precision; the only issue would be that they don't (to my knowledge) offer maple boards.

 

[bobbybass85]

I'd say browse the classifieds here and your local Craigslist. You can find Made in Mexico (MIM) fenders for anywhere from 250-450ish depending on condition.

Past that it's just whether you want a Jazz or Precision.

 

[Nalte]

Another option is to go to Guitar Center and play every single Squier on the shelf until you find the right one. You won't have a Fender, but at least you will have the best possible Squier.

 

[cassius987]

Another option is to go to Guitar Center and play every single Squier on the shelf until you find the right one. You won't have a Fender, but at least you will have the best possible Squier.

On a budget I think this is the right thing to do. Fenders are just as hit-or-miss as Squires anyway.

 

[HeyyyyyJoe]

I'd recommend one of the Squier Classic Vibe basses. They're under $500 brand new, and they've gotten rockin' reviews.

 

[NKBassman]

I think Squier has come a long way in the last few years, so maybe don't discount them completely based on past experience alone. Go down to your local shop and try to keep an open mind.

And, ditch the jazz and get a precision.

 

[Muziekschuur]

Warwick....

 

[Muziekschuur]

Offer the owner 500 dollar.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Ignore the "warwick" trolling.

If you're on a strict budget, network around through your clientele of bands/ bassists and see if any of them have a Fender bass to trade for some recording time. If they're working musicians, they may have a very serviceable spare Fender around.

 

[gjbassist]

Ignore the "warwick" trolling.

If you're on a strict budget, network around through your clientele of bands/ bassists and see if any of them have a Fender bass to trade for some recording time. If they're working musicians, they may have a very serviceable spare Fender around.

This is an excellent idea! Bartering is a great way to get what you need without having to lay out the cash!

 

[johndough247]

+1 to the Classic Vibe basses, best fender style basses in that price range IMO

Used Geddy's pop up here quite often so keep an eye out, they usually go for maybe a hair over 500 i think...If you're willing to go a little over budget, The Fender Classic 60's and 70's J-basses would be my first pick for a J Bass under $1000, pickups sound pretty decent, not too heavy and amazing (vintage radius) necks...you could find one used for about 650, maybe less.

 

[j-raj]

Look for a used Tokai Jazz from the 80's, I've seen them pop up every now and then on CL or Talkbass, most of the time they are around $350-500 and really have a solid representation of a Fender Jazz and the construction is miles above the Fenders of that time IMhO.

Also might want to look for a used ESP Surveyor .

 

[cassius987]

Ignore the "warwick" trolling.

Aren't you insulting the OP's intelligence by telling him how to evaluate other people's posts? Besides, I think once he sees that a Warwick is not in his budget, he'll have no problem ignoring it.

 

[dave_bass5]

I vote get both a Squier CVP and a CV Jazz. Ive got both and have since sold off all my other basses as these do the job, and at a much lower cost than i would have imagined a few years ago.

 

[Jim Carr]

If you are certain that only a maple fingerboard will do, look for a used Fender 50's classic P-bass. If you can spend a hundred or so more, you might find a used Fender Road Worn P or Jazz Bass.

Yesterday I took my vintage '55 P-bass to rehearsal. The guys said, "Wow. So cool. Sounds great. Now get out the Road Worn Jazz and let's get to work."

 

[madbassplaya]

Look for a used Tokai Jazz from the 80's, I've seen them pop up every now and then on CL or Talkbass, most of the time they are around $350-500 and really have a solid representation of a Fender Jazz and the construction is miles above the Fenders of that time IMhO.

Also might want to look for a used ESP Surveyor .

I've got to agree here! MIJ Copy all the way.

 

[DanRJBrasil]

for that budget and for studio work you want a fender jazz mim,

 

[SwagAttack]

I would look at a G&L Tribute L2000, Ibanez SR600, Peavey Cirrus BXP, or a Sterling by MM. I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. And they are all roughly around 500-600 depending on used or new. They all sound different, but I think their quality is very good. They are all active, but for recording, I think active would be able to provide more range of tones. If you really wanted to, you could get a Fender Jag which has an active/passive switch and might sound similar to the Geddy. But they are a little more expensive probably.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

You could probably snag a used Geddy in the 500 range. Might have to pay a LITTLE more, like 600 tops, but they're great basses.