Which Fender Jazz or not at all?

[clayworx]

I would look at either one of these:

Suhr Classic J Bass. Lightweight and sounds fantastic. It's got a mid range to it that I've never been able to really get out of a fender except for the Fender CS below.
Classic J Antique | Suhr.com

Also if you can find one used they were Sweetwater spec'd Fender CS 18volt 21 block inlay fret monsters made in 2010. It will cover just about anything you want to play. They made them in a few different colors.
Fender Custom Shop Custom Classic Jazz Bass IV Special - Bing Cherry Transparent

 

[dave64o]

Of those Jazzes, I'd get the Ultra and voted for that one. Personally, I prefer an an active preamp in a two pickup bass, especially when they have an active/passive option, and even more when they have a mid boost/cut as well.

But, overall, I absolutely love Stingrays and, if I were buying a bass, a Stingray would be at the top of my list. But since you asked about Jazzes, I voted for one of the Jazzes.

 

[BaltBass5]

FWIW, I own 16 Fender Jazzes and 2 Lakland Jazzes. I have owned or currently do own the following:

ADE
American Professional
American Professional II
Ultra
Elite
Custom Shop
60’s Original

BY FAR the new Am Pro II is the best!

 

[BaltBass5]

I would look at either one of these:

Suhr Classic J Bass. Lightweight and sounds fantastic. It's got a mid range to it that I've never been able to really get out of a fender except for the Fender CS below.
Classic J Antique | Suhr.com

Also if you can find one used they were Sweetwater spec'd Fender CS 18volt 21 block inlay fret monsters made in 2010. It will cover just about anything you want to play. They made them in a few different colors.
Fender Custom Shop Custom Classic Jazz Bass IV Special - Bing Cherry Transparent

Although nice choices, the Suhr is a $3K bass. IMO there is no Jazz Bass worth $3K

 

[jd56hawk]

I have never owned a bass that cost more than $1000 and i'm thinking its time at 51 years old to do something crazy and spend some money on a once in a life time bass.
1. Fender American Jazz Ultra
2. Fender American Original 60's Jazz
3. Fender American Original 70's Jazz
4. Fender American Professional II Jazz
5. EBMM Stingray
6. Ibanez Premium SR 2400 W/Aguilar pups
7. Warwick Thumb
8. Spector Euro 4
Looking for positive and negative reviews if anyone has had the pleasure to own any of these.

I bought this for a little over $1,000.
Wouldn't trade it for any Fender.

 

[clayworx]

Although nice choices, the Suhr is a $3K bass. IMO there is no Jazz Bass worth $3K

Have you played one?? You can get them for less than 3k.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Whats the difference between the $924 and $1600 Geddy Lee Bass ?? besides about $600

 

[ComeHomeShane]

G&L

 

[707GK]

FGN makes Jazz basses, and I’ve yet to play a Fender under $3k that has a neck comparable to an FGN, or anywhere even close, for that matter. Even the American Original necks feel sloppy in comparison. You can find one for under a grand.

If you’re set on a Fender, the pro series has some very high quality products at decent prices.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Whats the difference between the $924 and $1600 Geddy Lee Bass ?? besides about $600

The oil finished sanded neck is a different spec neck , the blocks, the pickups , the case, the case candy, US excellent build quality. These basses seem to get extra attention and rival custom shop quality . There is a reason they seem to be special order . Mine is better built than my Elite Jazz V and that one is no slouch .

 

[g-dude]

I have never owned a bass that cost more than $1000 and i'm thinking its time at 51 years old to do something crazy and spend some money on a once in a life time bass.
1. Fender American Jazz Ultra
2. Fender American Original 60's Jazz
3. Fender American Original 70's Jazz
4. Fender American Professional II Jazz
5. EBMM Stingray
6. Ibanez Premium SR 2400 W/Aguilar pups
7. Warwick Thumb
8. Spector Euro 4
Looking for positive and negative reviews if anyone has had the pleasure to own any of these.

I have a Fender American Professional Jazz and a Spector Euro 4LT Limited.

Depending on your arm length, and where you like to play/tone you like from your plucking hands, there are some differences.

See my thread here for specifics: Measurement case study: Jazz Bass vs Spector Euro 4LT Limited (and maybe more if others help)

Frankly, my Spector sounds a bit more special, and I love having an ebony fretboard. Cosmetics are also nicer on the Spector.

 

[Rib 13]

Depends on many things: What kind of music do you like to play? Do you play fingers, slap, or pick? Etc

If you play funk with fingers or slap, Id say get the Jazz of your choice
If you play Metal with a pick, Id recommend a Stingray HH or a G&L L-2000
If you play a little bit of everything with fingers, slap, and/or a pick, get a G&L L-2000 or ASAT
If you play here and there live and want a nice show-n-tell instrument, spring for an Alembic

see where Im going with this?

 

[57pbass]

The USA Geddy Lee Jazz Bass is a tremendous bass. I have never experienced the import version but they also get loads of praise here on Talkbass.
The Victor Bailey Jazz Bass is also an amazing instrument. Exotic woods and nicely designed.
There’s a great deal on a SUHR Jazz Bass in the classified section.

 

[Whale]

Early 80's Fullerton reissue Jazz

^^ This ^^

The 82 thru 84 Fullerton 1962 Reissue Jazz basses were the last instruments built with the actual tooling and techniques that were used to create the original pre-CBS basses. What's more, some of the original employees at Fender stepped up to help build the resissues.

During this period Fender sought to reclaim their position as a premiere instrument company so they went all out when building the first of the AVRI line. In fact, many consider these guitars and basses as the pre-cursor to the Custom Shop. The problem is finding a clean 1962 reissue Jazz Bass from 1982 to 1984. The prices are (and have been) high for the Fullerton reissue basses. I imagine the value will continue to climb as the collectors start to gobble them up.

I own a Sadowsky NYC and a pair of Custom Shop Jazz basses. All three are amazing instruments, but my '82 1962 reissue Jazz blows them away in terms of playability and sound. The difference is very very noticeable.

 

[bmusic]

I'm no expert on Jazz basses, but I love my Road Worn. Just love it. It has replaced all my P's in my heart, for the time being...

 

[JohnnyBottom]

The oil finished sanded neck is a different spec neck , the blocks, the pickups , the case, the case candy, US excellent build quality. These basses seem to get extra attention and rival custom shop quality . There is a reason they seem to be special order . Mine is better built than my Elite Jazz V and that one is no slouch .

ah, so it is US vs MIM. thx

 

[funkinbottom]

Personally if I was in the market for a new Jazz bass, I would go with a Maruszczyk Elwood L. Base stock model is about $1100 and depending on options (there's tons) can be between 1800 and up.

Check out their configurator, it's fun. Link Removed

 

[hennessybass]

I'd put that $1000 in my pocket, and go to a music store. Make a day or a day trip out of it. Take a little time to find the one.

I like a 60's jazz.

 

[baileyboy]

Whats the difference between the $924 and $1600 Geddy Lee Bass ?? besides about $600

I don't know about the Japanese or Mexican models (which cost less), but I love the USA model I bought- solid build, less than 9 lbs, thin neck. Best sounding Jazz I've ever owned. You may be right, maybe there's not much difference other than price, but if I decided to sell, I'm certain I would get back what I paid, maybe more.

Of note, I bought mine on a Black Friday through a rebate site. In total, I paid $1330 for a brand new USA Geddy.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

I don't know about the Japanese or Mexican models (which cost less), but I love the USA model I bought- solid build, less than 9 lbs, thin neck. Best sounding Jazz I've ever owned. You may be right, maybe there's not much difference other than price, but if I decided to sell, I'm certain I would get back what I paid, maybe more.

Of note, I bought mine on a Black Friday through a rebate site. In total, I paid $1330 for a brand new USA Geddy.

ha. no I actually didnt know one was MIM. Not sure many artist models have MIM and US models....and Im well versed on the diff, hard not to be living around TB.