Which J Bass should I consider???

[BobbyMacII]

While the fret board is not maple or rosewood, the Pau Ferro on the Fender Vintera 60s Jazz Bass looks awfully good with the Firemist Gold finish, and the vintage tinted neck.

Sweetwater and others are offering this bass for under $1000.

This would be my recommendation!

 

[Swizzledoop]

Suhr era Jazz Deluxe would fit the bill. Excellent playability and tone.

 

[semiprohooker]

In that price range Sandberg, G&L, and Lakland punch higher than their price

 

[Killing Floor]

The one that feels best in your fretting hand.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

Go into some stores, try as many as you can, and pick the one you like the best.

 

[selowitch]

For $1,000 to $1,500, you can find a used Fender American Jazz. I personally like ones born in the years 2008–2016.

 

[semiprohooker]

First generation Peavey Foundation. A killer sounding US-made bass that will only require half of your budget.

US Peaveys are HIGHLY underrated.

 

[sawzalot]

A Lakland Darryl Jones is what I’d go for. Or a Pedulla Rapture JJ if you can find one.

 

[Dalewyatt]

I have 2 that I really like, a Fender Japan 62 reissue and a Sire V5R. Both I would highly recommend.

 

[MisticoRitualista]

I suggest assembling one for yourself from selected parts. I used a no name body that had a terrible paint job, I sanded it down & drilled out a truss rod access cavity below the neck pocket then stained & finished it with tung oil. Got a new control plate & wired in Bartolini pickups, bolted in a maple Warmoth neck & added Schaller tuners & a Schaller bridge. I've never felt more connected to an instrument.

 

[GroovyBaby]

Nicest Jazz style I’ve ever played was a Sandberg tt4. They are in that price used. I love mine. I then bought a Sandberg p style and sold my G&Ls.

 

[PapaBearBass]

Sounds like you have formulated your list of considerations.

Still completely open to any and all good recommendations

 

[PapaBearBass]

View attachment 5150948

I suggest assembling one for yourself from selected parts. I used a no name body that had a terrible paint job, I sanded it down & drilled out a truss rod access cavity below the neck pocket then stained & finished it with tung oil. Got a new control plate & wired in Bartolini pickups, bolted in a maple Warmoth neck & added Schaller tuners & a Schaller bridge. I've never felt more connected to an instrument.

Ok damn! That looks really cool!!! Hell yeah - good work

 

[PapaBearBass]

Nicest Jazz style I’ve ever played was a Sandberg tt4. They are in that price used. I love mine. I then bought a Sandberg p style and sold my G&Ls.

Yeah people are mentioning Sandberg. I’ll definitely take a look - thank you

 

[PapaBearBass]

The USA Geddy is my favorite pure Jazz Bass, but I actually like my Jaguar Bass (JJ configuration) more. You can’t blend the pickups like you can on a regular Jazz, but the series/parallel switch and switchable preamp are great.

Definitely a good option!

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Nah… it’s not that. I think it just sounded thin and dull.

Strings first, pickups second would have corrected that but too late for that one, let’s proceed to the next…

 

[JohnnyPustular]

I'd take a squint at the new Cort/Elrick NJS4. It's got me lusting...

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Just sold a Fender MIM Jazz to clear a space in the axe rack, and will ultimately replace it with another bass with the Jazz PU configuration. Open to either Maple or Rosewood fretboard. Open to either Vintage or Modern vibe. Open to either Active or Passive. My budget would be around $1000 - $1500. So… TB Hive Mind… Which model should I check out? I’m all ears.. thanks

Mine cost about a grand.

Standard body, Precision neck, nordy blades, q parts knobs, bibicz bridge, hipshot tuners, tusq nut, Dunlop strap locks.

 

[FearNoEvil65]

My USA, G&L JB is nice, it's empress body and 7.2lbs. I never liked Jazz style basses nor Blue basses, but this bass ruined that for me.
I won't say it's better than any of the other great suggestions here though.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

Even though many are below your price range, looking at some of the Sires probably wouldn’t hurt.