Who makes a great J right now?

[Bassworship1]

I know I might get strung up and hung for this, but I’ve never played a Fender I like. I’ve wanted to buy the new Elites and Deluxe series several times but couldn’t come close to getting it for me. Would really like to own a nice J style bass though.

 

[ELS011]

I am very happy with my Sire. Only cost around $600 (a bit more for the natural finish) and is very comparable to a $2,000.00 Fender.

 

[Barticus]

I know I might get strung up and hung for this, but I’ve never played a Fender I like. I’ve wanted to buy the new Elites and Deluxe series several times but couldn’t come close to getting it for me. Would really like to own a nice J style bass though.

I like the J in your profile pic.
I've tried way more than I've liked, out of my 12 basses only one is a Fender (P) and my J is a Sire. I've played Elites that played well, but wasn't willing invest that kind of money into one - I'd rather put it into something more boutique. I get why folks like them, just not always for me.

 

[BasEd]

My go to bass is still my Sire V7 Vintage. I have a Xotic XJ and have owned a Sadowsky Metro which are both excellent basses but I just keep coming back to the Sire. I'm currently having my "perfect" J bass built by Jon Shuker but I'm worried that the Sire will still be my fav!

 

[Rockwriter]

I am very happy with my Sire. Only cost around $600 (a bit more for the natural finish) and is very comparable to a $2,000.00 Fender.View attachment 3218838

This looks amazing does it sound as good as it looks?

 

[600 Ohms]

Someone liked this just now, so it got me thinking of a recap: Since then I've been through:

FCS '64 Jazz (This particular one was a snoozefest)
Sadowsky Metro 5 (Didn't do it for me, not sure why)
Sadowsky Metro UV70 (Amazing bass, but not nailed tone wise. Wanted to go all passive. 70's spacing maybe not my jam in the end)
Moollon J-Classic 5 (Beautifully playing bass, great at vintage, fingerstyle, but too limited tonally for my tastes)
Moon JJ-4 bass (Vintage 80's bass with EMGs, desert island tone #1, a keeper)
Moon Larry Graham 5 string (Bartolinis + NTBT, desert island tone #2, another keeper)

 

[Paul MItchnick]

Nino Valenti builds beautiful basses. This is a detail from my Jazz. Plays like a dream with flatwounds. I have a 51 Precision which he made me which is pretty sexy as well. Meticulous.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

The Schecter Custom Shop

 

[600 Ohms]

View attachment 5353231 View attachment 5353231 Nino Valenti builds beautiful basses. This is a detail from my Jazz. Plays like a dream with flatwounds. I have a 51 Precision which he made me which is pretty sexy as well. Meticulous.

Beautiful binding work. Always wanted to try one of his.

 

[Sharko]

Squier.
















Really

 

[73_Blazer]

My G&L JB is a killer passive jazz. I put SD Apollo pickups in it and it's awesome. The stock pickups are great too