When did you become a Jazz Bass guy (gal)?

[Jamvan]

I played most anything but a Jazz up until about 2 years ago. And, technically, I only have one Fender Jazz bass in my arsenal of basses but I've assembled many mutt Jazz basses in the last two years and I can't get enough of them. Love the sound. Love the style. Love the necks. Oh, and I'm ready to assemble a 5 string Jazz here very shortly.

I probably should seek help...

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There's nothing quite like a thread resurrection to remind you of the cool Basses you used to have. Three and a half years and this entire arsenal is gone. I now play these two (plus a MIM 60's Fender Jazz) instead. My preference for Jazz basses is still alive and well!

 

[Gee Man]

I've currently got a great P and a sweet Ric 4003s, but lately, the J Bass has been causing hard GAS. I see one in my not so distant future, just got to be patient and get the right one.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I became a Jazz bass guy a couple months ago when I heard JPJ on "The Lemon Song" and Jaco on "Soul Intro/The Chicken". I used to play a P with flats and while sounding great, it isn't was versatile as a Jazz. So I bought a japanese 62ri body and slapped some antiquity 2 pickups in it. It sounds fantastic! Only problem is the neck is too thin at the heel (2 7/16), and the pocket requires a neck that is 2.5 inches :/

 

[Paulabass]

In or around 1976 I was recording for RCA records with a Gibson EB3L. The producer hated it so much he stopped the session, went home and got me his Jazz Bass. Alas, I had to give it back to him, so I bought an Ibanez J-bass clone. That stayed my number one for years. I have over twenty basses now, but a few of them are always J's.

 

[Krantz]

Circa 1976 1977 after listening to Jaco; purchased a 77 Fender Jazz at SF Guitar Center (Van Ness and O'Farrell) spring/summer1978. Was my second decent bass (traded my first decent bass a Gibson Eb3 to get the jazz bass). The 77 was a midnight wine ash body rosewood neck with pearloid block inlays that was a total slap machine but weighed 11 lbs. Eventually sold it (after refin and adding a john east pre) and now play a 99 jaco fretted, fretless, and a 2013 Fender AMDLX 5 string.

 

[danster]

Around 1974-5. Bought a brand new Fender Jazz at Sam Ash White Plains, NY. White with maple/ pearl block inlays neck. Long gone, now have a Squier VM 70's. Same color. Love it.

 

[Paulabass]

Around 1974-5. Bought a brand new Fender Jazz at Sam Ash White Plains, NY. White with maple/ pearl block inlays neck. Long gone, now have a Squier VM 70's. Same color. Love it.

I used to live in Mt. Kisco N.Y. Sam Ash White Plains was my 'local' store.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Around 1974-5. Bought a brand new Fender Jazz at Sam Ash White Plains, NY. White with maple/ pearl block inlays neck. Long gone, now have a Squier VM 70's. Same color. Love it.

That mid 70's white/ maple / pearl blocks jazz sounds like it was a beauty. That's my favorite 70's look.

 

[Snakeman1066]

How is that Hartke rig? The 3500 is one of my favorite amps out there, and I am thinking about getting another one with that HyDrive 410...

I have had that HA3500 since the late 80's early 90's still going strong...the cab is adequate...I prefer the sound of the newer models (but like the look of the older ones better)....this is a practice rig left at our rehearsal studio (it gets the job done)...I play Mesa out in the real world...

 

[gtlover]

Back when I was getting into bass guitar (1991/1992) there were a couple of issues of Bass Player that featured the Jazz Bass prominently. I think it was probably the interview with Joe Osborn and the restoration of a pre-CBS bass that really caught my attention. I was attracted to the whole look of the thing, and (like Joe) really liked how it felt. Playing one for Jazz Band and Jazz Choir at school (albeit a Jazz Bass Special) sealed it.

I love the look - that funky offset waist, the chrome control plate, and in black with a white PG it's like a tuxedo. Then there's the slim neck, the balance whether standing or sitting, and of course the versatility of two pickups.

Bought my first one late '92 and it was my #1 for over 20 years. Awhile back I was joking with a singer I was backing that I've played it so much all the bad notes have fallen out.
In addition to the Longhorn and Jazz Bass Special in my current collection, I've also had copies by Ibanez and Hohner. I'd like to get another Ibanez J, and the dream is to someday get a 1975 Fender (my birth year).

 

[Clipped]

...when I found one without an offset body (G&L USA JB2). Love it.

 

[Gunga Din]

Was out in Germany in 1990 and the guy in the band I was watching had an old, stripped-down Jazz, a '62 that just had a tone I loved . After a decade of playing active basses, I fell in love with the Jazz Bass. It's never lost its attraction. Ever.