Sadowsky -- End of story. I have a NYC and I love it. I play everything from country to bluegrass to jazz on it.
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Who makes a great J right now?
- Thread starter 600 Ohms
- Start date
Sadowsky -- End of story. I have a NYC and I love it. I play everything from country to bluegrass to jazz on it.
Since you mention Fender... why not check out their new American Professional Series Jazz Bass. It won’t break the bank either.
Sire v7 Vintage... All i can say is WOW. It's got everything you say you want. I was skeptical at first, because of the price or whatever, but since I have gotten that bass I haven't touched my other Jazz basses. It's legit, Marcus doesn't put his name on it if it's not the real deal.
Back in the 90s I repeatedly checked out a used Pensa-Suhr passive/active J bass, no frills finish so it was almost affordable. Wish I'd pulled the trigger. By extension I would suspect Suhr makes sick Jazz basses.
That said, I think my Wilkins J, though passive only, is every bit the equal of (and possibly better playing than) that Pensa-Suhr.
That said, I think my Wilkins J, though passive only, is every bit the equal of (and possibly better playing than) that Pensa-Suhr.
You could always go for a Sadowsky. Tal Wilkenfeld can't be all wrong, eh? ha...! They're kind of spendy, but are supposed to be really good.
If resale value is a major consideration, your best choice is probably Fender -- either a high-end American or something CIJ (Crafted In Japan). The biggest selling point would be that it's "genuine Fender"; people have a good idea, before they ever see it, how it's going to look, play and sound.
You'd get more choices on options (and probably even better fit-and-finish) with a Fender Custom Shop J, but might not get as much of the original purchase price back. Same could be true for any of the excellent "boutique" J-clone builders.
For absolute value, I'd consider buying a lower-end used MIA Fender, then having a good tech install your preferred electronics. Maybe replace the bridge with a Babicz too, if that's what you prefer. In my experience, gently-used Fenders show up in guitar stores fairly often, purchased by more-money-than-brains beginners who eventually lose interest or discover they like a different style of bass.
Even a nice MIM Fender J could be a good base for customizing to your taste, but it will always be seen buy potential buyers as a "Mexican Fender" despite any upgrades. While it could be a great player, and look like any other Fender to your audience, some prospective buyers will see the Mexico decal and downgrade it before ever touching it. (Those same people probably won't value a Sadowsky, Lakland or other boutique name as highly as they should, unless that particular company is especially "hot" at the moment.)
But if sheer joy of owning and playing your Dream Bass is what matters most, try all the brands others here have mentioned in this thread, then get the bass that you like best. Play what you like, like what you play -- at least until Gear Acquisition Syndrome strikes again and you want something different.
You'd get more choices on options (and probably even better fit-and-finish) with a Fender Custom Shop J, but might not get as much of the original purchase price back. Same could be true for any of the excellent "boutique" J-clone builders.
For absolute value, I'd consider buying a lower-end used MIA Fender, then having a good tech install your preferred electronics. Maybe replace the bridge with a Babicz too, if that's what you prefer. In my experience, gently-used Fenders show up in guitar stores fairly often, purchased by more-money-than-brains beginners who eventually lose interest or discover they like a different style of bass.
Even a nice MIM Fender J could be a good base for customizing to your taste, but it will always be seen buy potential buyers as a "Mexican Fender" despite any upgrades. While it could be a great player, and look like any other Fender to your audience, some prospective buyers will see the Mexico decal and downgrade it before ever touching it. (Those same people probably won't value a Sadowsky, Lakland or other boutique name as highly as they should, unless that particular company is especially "hot" at the moment.)
But if sheer joy of owning and playing your Dream Bass is what matters most, try all the brands others here have mentioned in this thread, then get the bass that you like best. Play what you like, like what you play -- at least until Gear Acquisition Syndrome strikes again and you want something different.
If resale value is a major consideration, your best choice is probably Fender -- either a high-end American or something CIJ (Crafted In Japan). The biggest selling point would be that it's "genuine Fender"; people have a good idea, before they ever see it, how it's going to look, play and sound.
You'd get more choices on options (and probably even better fit-and-finish) with a Fender Custom Shop J, but might not get as much of the original purchase price back. Same could be true for any of the excellent "boutique" J-clone builders.
For absolute value, I'd consider buying a lower-end used MIA Fender, then having a good tech install your preferred electronics. Maybe replace the bridge with a Babicz too, if that's what you prefer. In my experience, gently-used Fenders show up in guitar stores fairly often, purchased by more-money-than-brains beginners who eventually lose interest or discover they like a different style of bass.
Even a nice MIM Fender J could be a good base for customizing to your taste, but it will always be seen buy potential buyers as a "Mexican Fender" despite any upgrades. While it could be a great player, and look like any other Fender to your audience, some prospective buyers will see the Mexico decal and downgrade it before ever touching it. (Those same people probably won't value a Sadowsky, Lakland or other boutique name as highly as they should, unless that particular company is especially "hot" at the moment.)
But if sheer joy of owning and playing your Dream Bass is what matters most, try all the brands others here have mentioned in this thread, then get the bass that you like best. Play what you like, like what you play -- at least until Gear Acquisition Syndrome strikes again and you want something different.
You'd get more choices on options (and probably even better fit-and-finish) with a Fender Custom Shop J, but might not get as much of the original purchase price back. Same could be true for any of the excellent "boutique" J-clone builders.
For absolute value, I'd consider buying a lower-end used MIA Fender, then having a good tech install your preferred electronics. Maybe replace the bridge with a Babicz too, if that's what you prefer. In my experience, gently-used Fenders show up in guitar stores fairly often, purchased by more-money-than-brains beginners who eventually lose interest or discover they like a different style of bass.
Even a nice MIM Fender J could be a good base for customizing to your taste, but it will always be seen buy potential buyers as a "Mexican Fender" despite any upgrades. While it could be a great player, and look like any other Fender to your audience, some prospective buyers will see the Mexico decal and downgrade it before ever touching it. (Those same people probably won't value a Sadowsky, Lakland or other boutique name as highly as they should, unless that particular company is especially "hot" at the moment.)
But if sheer joy of owning and playing your Dream Bass is what matters most, try all the brands others here have mentioned in this thread, then get the bass that you like best. Play what you like, like what you play -- at least until Gear Acquisition Syndrome strikes again and you want something different.
If you can get your hands on a Moon (Japan), you won’t be disappointed. Used ones from the 90s can be had for about a grand and are the most playable instruments I know of. Larry Graham is a longtime user. (I have three.) Lots of other great Japanese makes, as well. Try Bass Japan Direct (dannymstewart.com).
I own a Fender American Jazz & G&L (among other basses) but play my Squier VM Jazz much more often. Just feels so much more comfortable among my jazz style basses. A kid I give guitar lessons to bought the same model Squier (used for a mere $175!) and plays just as well.
People shouldn't get so caught up with brand names, prices & tags. Unless the instrument is just to hang on the wall as a status symbol, it should be chosen by personal preference and playing style. Or you risk spending a lot of money on a wall decoration ☺
People shouldn't get so caught up with brand names, prices & tags. Unless the instrument is just to hang on the wall as a status symbol, it should be chosen by personal preference and playing style. Or you risk spending a lot of money on a wall decoration ☺
Oh man where to start! People have covered most ‘basses’ and used it as an opportunity to show off their own! Budget is key, if your top end is high then of course, Sadowsky, Fender and all manner of custom builds.
If the budget is low, the new squiers are super nice! I’m pushing you to try a model that I owned 20 odd years ago, they’ve just reissued and I got one, gotta say, every bit good as my fender, a third of the cost..... Tokai.. it has a fat neck for a jazz and the stock pick ups sound fantastic!
If the budget is low, the new squiers are super nice! I’m pushing you to try a model that I owned 20 odd years ago, they’ve just reissued and I got one, gotta say, every bit good as my fender, a third of the cost..... Tokai.. it has a fat neck for a jazz and the stock pick ups sound fantastic!
