Who makes a great J right now?

[mikezimmerman]

Since the poll said "your choice", I went with Sadowsky, because the Sadowsky's I've owned have all been wonderful instruments and they suit my preferences for a 5-sting Jazz. That said, there are a LOT of really nice Jazz-style basses being made these days at all price points, and it's very much down to what you prefer.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

My vote goes to the Dingwall Super J:

I understand it might have features that might not speak to you (mainly the fanned frets), but it is amazing.

My second would be Sadowsky.

And third choice would be Sandberg.

There are other builders that make excellent Jazz basses(Valenti, Alleva Coppolo, Mike Lull etc.) but unlike the ones mentioned above, I have not tried them out.

I think the warmoth route is also a good idea as long as:

you know exactly what you want in terms of sound, electronics, features and hardware and that you know a guy that will give it a setup to your liking.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

rickenbacker

 

[Mechanical]

Kiesel

 

[600 Ohms]

4 string - Suhr Invalid Link Removed
5 string - Devon Fine Handcrafted Devon Bass Guitars

Ooh, Suhr. I didn't know they made one.

 

[namuxtree]

G&L. If you really need an active pre-amp, drop an Audere, John East, or any pre amp you want in it.

 

[Passinwind]

Please, nobody should think I mean "the best," I simply mean, "whose J should I be trying out?".

Thanks for suggestions.

Regenerate

Devon

Marco Bass (disclaimer: Marco is a client of mine)

 

[Slevage]

Elrick NJS ( new jazz standard)

 

[600 Ohms]

Was never drawn to G&L, but will have to try one. A friend of mine also swears by them. Some great suggestions here—thank you. Lots to try if I can get my hands on them.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

The Lakland DJ-4s have that nice neck. My personal fave--I'd have it now except I've gone to shortscale land--was the 2012 American Standard Jazz. It made me believe in vintages. All of them from 2008 on are good, but the 2012 takes the prize, I think, for build quality and ease of playing. YMMV, as always.

 

[Lefty McGee]

These all sound like great basses, please let me know where I can go to find a lefty that I can play before I purchase. In the last 10 years I have found exactly 1 (used) lefty Fender Jazz in one of the several music shops in my city. Thanks

 

[tb4sbp]

I think that is the hardest part of the high end basses is getting your hands on one to try.
Just a thought if you like the Sire V7 with the 60's pickup spacing you could try one of the 70's pickup spacing vintage models

 

[generalduncan]

I've heard good things about Maruszczyk Elwood. But it's not possible to try them I guess. They make to order.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[600 Ohms]

I think that is the hardest part of the high end basses is getting your hands on one to try.
Just a thought if you like the Sire V7 with the 60's pickup spacing you could try one of the 70's pickup spacing vintage models

Indeed. Hey—It's a write-off!
I have access to a couple decent bass shops in my town, but I'll never find all of them. Liking the idea of that blonde Sadowsky a page back, but need to get my hands on one to try.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Between Sadowsky and Fodera, a stop in Brooklyn is the only stop you'll have to make!

 

[BobKos]

Mayones.

 

[Dave W]

How about a used Lakland JO4? I've got an older 4 string that is the best 4 string J bass I've played.
Lull and Sadowsky both make killer J's as well.

I've had them all and I'd be happy with any of them.

 

[somebrains]

Cook it yourself, mine ended up weighing 9lbs.
Give this recipe a try:

Usacg flame neck
Warmoth roasted swamp ash body
Fralin 10% overwound singles
Stellartone tele plate.
Hipshot hardware
Lots of copper tape.

 

[warwicktor]

Get a Lakland Skyline. Great bank for the buck and not too heavy. Like others have said earlier they have a great neck and are PLEK'd at the factory. Play like a dream any I have tried -- whether J or P style...

 

[Kukulkan61]

Forget a Jazz get a P...
Kidding!!