Who makes a great J right now?

[JaseyT]

"best" is at best subjective - I own a few J's and each offers something unique. Reiterating @mongo2 - all are custom or altered.

Well, as stated in the OP's first sentence: "Please, nobody should think I mean "the best," I simply mean, "whose J should I be trying out?". "

 

[whirledpeas]

Another vote for Dingwall.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

+ 1 on the Sire V7. Love mine. Upgraded bridge and tuners.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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

Looking for a (potentially new) Jazz (could be Fender, could be someone else) in the following configuration:

Ash body
Maple neck
wider 70's pickup spacing
Not necessary, but active EQ could be nice.

My son owns the Sire Marcus Miller J (60's style) and I'm pretty amazed how great that bass plays and sounds, particularly for the $$. I'd be happy with one of those, but I'm looking for something with a higher level of craftsmanship that will age well.

How are Laklands in the post-Dan Lakin era? I have an older Skyline Glaub that's just the best.

Thanks for suggestions.

I don't think of Lākland as pre- and post-Lakin era. It's not anything like pre and/or post CBS era Fenders, not by a long shot. I've owned Lāklands from 1999 to recent and THEY'RE ALL AMAZING INSTRUMENTS!!! I actually think that John P is doing a better job at running the company.

I currently own three Lāklands, yes they're my favorite bass. My main player is a 2007 US Osborn (4460) with the factory pickups and to me it's the best sounding bass I own. I even like it better than my vintage 1962 Jazz. If I were you I'd spend the extra cash on a custom Lakland with 70s spacing. You will love it!

 

[jackn1202]

True!
I tried out a few dozen Jazz basses leading up to the purchase of mine, Fender and Squier.
Nothing made me reach into my pocket and hurry to buy it until this one.
View attachment 3125926

What's that gadget in your output jack?

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Kiesel JBM5

 

[Daniel Piper]

Who doesn't?

 

[SMG]

MPG (Matt Pulcinella Guitars) or Rob Elrick, even his Expat series! Best playing basses I have played, and sound as good as they play. MPG's are hard to find as Matt is not currently making any, but there has been a MPG Level 4 JJ on the GC used sit for a while. Laklands are always good, but everyone I have played has been significant heavier then a MPG or an Elrick.

 

[600 Ohms]

Well, as stated in the OP's first sentence: "Please, nobody should think I mean "the best," I simply mean, "whose J should I be trying out?". "

To be fair to JaseyT, I edited to reflect the comments coming in stating the obvious—anyone who says, "best," doesn't really mean that.

 

[jd56hawk]

What's that gadget in your output jack?

X-vive U2 wireless system.

 

[klejst]

To me it's always Fender when it comes to Jazz basses.

 

[Chrisk-K]

Fender. Why buy an imitation?

 

[Whippet]

Just get a Bacchus.

Bang for the buck, I can't think of anything that beats it in the 1000-2000 range. It's so good, it's almost boring.

 

[JaseyT]

To be fair to JaseyT, I edited to reflect the comments coming in stating the obvious—anyone who says, "best," doesn't really mean that.

Ah, gotcha.

 

[Need Gigs]

I do a great J. just ask my friends

Beat me to it

 

[Luigir]

Who doesn't?

I second the question. Is it that hard to make a good\great j bass? Actually, we are talking about a 50 years old project which now comes in every possible micro variation to appeal to multiple customers at every price point from 100$ to the sky.

I guess it's more a matter of taste than everything.

 

[Daniel Piper]

I can't think of a company that makes a bad Jazz.

 

[Wisebass]

I am the "Other" guy! ::

Wise(b)ass

 

[chris_b]

A good player will make any Jazz bass sound good.

That's the wisdom bit out of the way.

I only play 5's and I had my own Jazz bass shoot out for several years. The Fender, Lull and US Lakland got sold and I kept the Sadowsky. They were all amazing instruments but in the end that tone swung it in the direction of the Sadowsky.

 

[mickebas]

Sooo many great jazzbass styled instruments out there today that the biggest issue is getting a chance to play some of them and then make a decision... huuu!