Which one to buy?

[BarkSlayer]

Here's the deal...just sold my MIM P-bass and there's two contenders to replace it - a perfect '96 American Jazz and an equally perfect Music Man Stingray 5-string. I really wasn't thinking 5-string because honestly, I still pretty much stink at this point as a bass player (coming over from 6-string) and I'm thinking four is quite enough. The Stingray has been upgraded with a Bartollini pick-up and a nice tortoise shell pickguard - it's beautiful, not a mark on it. The Jazz is less than half the price of the MM. Quality-wise, will I regret passing up this Stingray if I go for the Jazz, or will the 5th string pose more problems for a beginning bass player than benefits?

 

[John Wentzien]

Get the Jazz!

 

[stflbn]

Play them both. Buy whichever you feel plays and sounds best.

THAT is really the only best way.

 

[kimokeo]

What kind of music are you going to play? The MM will give more flexibility. The Jazz is a great bass, no doubt about that. You can't go worng with either. Play both and see which one best suits you.

 

[RobertPaulson]

Play them both. Buy whichever you feel plays and sounds best.

THAT is really the only best way.

+1

Both are good choices, just play them and go with whichever feels better to you.

 

[DeluxeRed]

The Fender can open doors that the MM can't, just by sheer recognition factor of looks and sound, if nothing else. And you say it's a "perfect" Jazz? Then you won't have any regrets. I can have any bass I want, and I love my Jazzes.