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What is a really good "broken in" Jazz bass?

B

BadBassNo9

Apr 25, 2011
103
1
#1
Hi,

What model and brand of bass feels broken in, even when bought brand new? For example, i've found that my MIA Fender feels "tight", whereas i played a super-cheap vintage bass a few months ago, and it felt "loose" and broken in. The neck was easy to navigate, and it was just easy to play.

I hope that makes sense. I wonder how long it takes for a MIA to feel "broken in"? It's already starting to feel better, but is nowhere near as "loose" as i'd like it. Don't tell me i'll have to play it for five hours per day for the next 30 years for it to feel broken in? Lol...

So, i guess i thought i could take a short-cut and buy another bass that will feel "loose" and broken in from the get-go.
 
#7
I'm pretty much certain here that the difference you're talking about is nothing to do with the age of the bass or "breaking it in". It's just down to different strings - the gauge in particular. Try some lighter strings if you want a looser feel.
 
#8
You may like the feel of a worn neck. The finish changes over time. Rather than spend big bucks on a vintage Fender, you could watch eBay for a good deal on a broken-in neck. Or get yourself one of the Road Worn basses, or a Bill Nash. They are finished in nitro (like mine) but the finish is worn down almost to the bare wood for a nice vintage feel.
 
#9
one thats been played. I've owned and played some very nice gear, and although alot of them have felt fantastic from the start, nothing feels as good to my hands as something that's been played.

IMO the 2 best basses I've had were Nordy #38 and a 1998 Lakland. The lakland has alot of the finish worn off the neck. Both were nicely broken in.
My PRS which Is still pretty new feels great but just isn't there yet.

The basses like the roadworns just feel kinda fake to me. It just doesn't feel right.
 
#11
What model and brand of bass feels broken in, even when bought brand new? For example, i've found that my MIA Fender feels "tight", whereas i played a super-cheap vintage bass a few months ago, and it felt "loose" and broken in. The neck was easy to navigate, and it was just easy to play
Click to expand...

Have to echo some other posts here -- not really clear on your question. Can you be more specific about the differences that you're sensing between the two basses? "Loose" and "tight" are too vague for us to work from...

Is it neck size (width and or thickness)? String spacing? Does the cheapy bass have finish wear on the neck that contributes to smoother play? Different string tension? New vs. old strings? Instrument setup? Instrument weight/balance/comfort? One (or a combination) of those individual elements could be contributing to the overall feel differences.

If you can identify some detailed, defined attributes that distinguish the better-feeling bass from the "tight" bass, it'll be easier for other TB'ers to offer some suggestions.
 

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