Looking for a short scale jazz-style bass. For people who have tried both, which would you get -- a Fender Jazz Junior (made in Japan), or a Sire U5? I know the Fender costs about twice as much. Is it worth it?
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Which? Fender Jazz Junior or Sire U5?
- Thread starter BigBluez
- Start date
Are you after Jazz shape or sound? U5 is a PJ, which to me is never quite JJ (good or bad depending on what you are after). In terms of other brands to consider, Atelier Z gets good reviews on the Baby Z.
between 21 and 25 min.
I own the Sire and love it.
... plus @LowEndLobster likes the SIre U5, which makes me feel good. Don't know that she's ever demo'd the Fender Jazz Junior, though.
If you want the Jazz bass sound, the Fender Junior is the way to go (understanding that it is a short scale). If you're ok with a PJ, then the Sire fits the bill.
Of course, you're going to pay nearly double the U5's sticker price getting to a Fender Jazz Junior. Then again, the Fender will more than likely hold its value years down the road.
Not slamming the Sire at all, I think the U5 is a nice bass for the money.
Of course, you're going to pay nearly double the U5's sticker price getting to a Fender Jazz Junior. Then again, the Fender will more than likely hold its value years down the road.
Not slamming the Sire at all, I think the U5 is a nice bass for the money.
The Fender Japan 3/4s and scaled down J and P basses are legit.
The answer to this question is- what is it for? If I had to gig one? Yeah the Fender Japan all day. If I had to give one to a kid to learn on?
Not sure I'd spend that money.
The answer to this question is- what is it for? If I had to gig one? Yeah the Fender Japan all day. If I had to give one to a kid to learn on?
Not sure I'd spend that money.
I sold my Sire U5 for the same reason Jonathan Wong (in the video posted above) sold his. The binding around the upper bout of the body was too "sharp" and dug into my arm too much when playing. I could have adjusted my playing around this, but chose to move it on. It was a DARN nice bass though, especially for the $400 I paid for it.
I currently have a SBMM Short Scale Ray 34 in light blue with maple neck (meh, I like that its a tiny bass for space taken up, but it doesn't excite me) and the Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass, which I left with my dad shortly after getting and haven't spent much time with. It is a beautiful, cool sounding instrument, but very large!
I currently have a SBMM Short Scale Ray 34 in light blue with maple neck (meh, I like that its a tiny bass for space taken up, but it doesn't excite me) and the Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass, which I left with my dad shortly after getting and haven't spent much time with. It is a beautiful, cool sounding instrument, but very large!
I don’t know what the two suggested offerings cost, however if it was me, I’d buy a short scale jazz body & neck from Warmoth. You can get practically any colour and the quality is much much better than Fender or Sire.
I have the fender junior jazz. Something to consider...if anyone wants to put a P pickup in their JJ it will screw straight in. It's already routed out. Obviously you'll need to get a new pickguard. I love my bass lots but have dimarzio passive jazz pickups in it. It sounds fat with flatwounds too.
I had both. On the U5, I didn’t like the corner edge of the body my forearm would be pressing against when playing sitting down. I also never liked the sound from the pickups.
If you’re wanting a short scale jazz, the Junior Jazz is better but is also much more expensive. The other option to consider is MIJ Mustang with jazz pickups.
If you’re wanting a short scale jazz, the Junior Jazz is better but is also much more expensive. The other option to consider is MIJ Mustang with jazz pickups.
It appears that the Warmoth gear is very good. When I have time I'm going to put together a warmoth P chambered body with PJ pickups and 32" neck.
