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

#42
Personally, as a huge Led Zeppelin fan (I probably have around 30+ bootlegs) and got really into LZ when I was around 15 or so. So after listening to all of that for years and years, I seemed to gravitate towards a Jazz tone even though I didn't get my first fretted Jazz until earlier this year. Looks wise, I also greatly prefer a Jazz vs. Precision. Sound wise I go back and forth between favouring the J vs. P but personally I think both are absolutely essential.

Player-wise:
JPJ (with the previously mentioned Led Zeppelin)
Geddy Lee (Moving Pictures, everything else he's done with a Jazz, etc.)
Herbie Flowers (IMO the wear pattern on his 1960 LPB over Fiesta Red is enough to make anyone a Jazz guy)
Justin Meldal-Johnsen (the Geddy Lee Jazz with Dimarzio Model J's that he used with NIN)
Mark Hoppus (been a big fan of blink-182 since 1999 even though he just uses a Jazz body)
Paul Barker (his silver Geddy Lee Jazz that I modelled mine after, can be seen up close in the Malekko Diabolik video on the Malekko channel on YouTube)
 
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#43
I became a Jazz Bass guy in 1981 when I found a used 78 at Caruso Music in New London, Connecticut. Sienna sunburst with maple fret board and block inlays. I loved the tone and the way it played and never seen anyone like it.
With Sanctuary 1984 (3).jpg
Unfortunately, it was stolen in 1984 along with a 1970 SVT head and cab.
 
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#45
My third bass was an MIM Jazz, what I consider my first decent bass. I'm not sure why I bought it, I just did. There was probably some JPJ influence, there. For whatever reason, it just seemed like the thing to do. It was playing one over the years in comparison to other things I was playing at the time that made me love Jazz basses. Although I play other basses as well, I could get rid of all of them, but if I lost the Jazz it would be like missing a leg or an eye until I got one back.
 
#47
Kmonk said:
I became a Jazz Bass guy in 1981 when I found a used 78 at Caruso Music in New London, Connecticut. Sienna sunburst with maple fret board and block inlays. I loved the tone and the way it played and never seen anyone like it. View attachment 967612 Unfortunately, it was stolen in 1984 along with a 1970 SVT head and cab.
Click to expand...

At least a thief cannot steal your memories.
 
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#50
I started on a MIJ jazz. Im still in love with that single coil snap, because it's stuck in my head. I switched to P, then humbucker and soapbars, then more J. GD, I guess I just love all basses. There isn't a pickup style I don't like for something. Basses are awesome!
 
#52
My playing came out of the twin-guitar trash era. An active P/J with jazz-width neck is my bass of choice for that genre. But, then something weird happened in middle age. I took up learning more instruments and recording my own music. When not trying to be heard doubling distorted guitar riffs, the jazz sounded best. On it's own soloing, or when playing alternative lines, I think the jazz single coils are my favorite tone.
 
#55
I was a Gibson guy - first a (new) '71 EB-3, then a used '63 T-bird, which was stolen in '78. Still have & play my '64 T-bird (till death do us part) which I bought shortly after. Played a late 60's CAR J in my high-school band (in 69?) as a loaner from the shop where they were doing work on my EB-O. I only remember taking the covers off because I felt they were in the way - no other lasting impression. Fully discovered J's much later and now own a few. I'm not a purist about models or brands, but play my Fender J's more than my other basses in general. I most like a dot & bound early '66 so assembled my own for much less than the $10K they usually go for.

IMG_8612_zpsra8uisns.jpg
 
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#57
Way back in the day I was playing a violin style (ala Hofner) when I came across a real one. The Hofner had great tone, very thin neck and strong pickups(with dead flats) but not good balance(neck dive). I sold it and picked up a new Gibson EB3 with rounds on it. Did not like it at all. Returned it and got most of my money back (I was a good customer).

Played my buddy's P but didn't care for the wider neck as I was used to the Hofner and learning guitar originally. After a bit I found out my English professor was a bass player. After speaking with him a few times and going to hear him play, he let me know he had a '63 White/Tort Jazz for sale. I told him it was sold and played it for many decades after that. Unfortunately I sold it and try not to think about it anymore. :crying:
 
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#60
1974

I picked up a used black Jazz Bass in a local shop; and it was an immediate reaction that I never forgot. I was foolishly chasing basses played by my heroes at the time; and didn't want to flip my Ric to buy it (those were the days when a player used one and only one bass). But, I never forgot that moment, and I eventually did get back to Jazz Basses. The Ric, which was a very fine instrument, is long gone.
 
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