Would you do this trade?

[Komadinic]

Wondering about your input- i have an Elrick evolution gold and someone offered me a 78 jazz bass in pretty great shape. What would you do? I love jazz basses and foolishly sold a 72 which was the only 70s JB i ever had.

I don’t think this one would be on the same level (the 72 was light, resonant and just a great instrument) but I am strongly considering it. What would you do?

Also worth mentioning I have a 98 American standard with flats and rosewood board that is wonderful but definitely more of a 60s style jazz.

Haven’t seen it in person but here are some pictures of it:

 

[ModuMan]

Man, it even looks heavy.

If you want a '72 Jazz, how about a new (or used) USA Geddy Lee? They act the part and are going to be much more consistent than a vintage one as far as weight and sound.

You don't say how you feel about the Elrick but if I were you I wouldn't cash that in unless you *know* you love what you are getting in return.

 

[ravelax]

Definitely try it out before doing the trade. These late 70's Fenders can be all over the place, but a good one can be a joy to play. It's probably fairly heavy though.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Wondering about your input- i have an Elrick evolution gold and someone offered me a 78 jazz bass in pretty great shape. What would you do? I love jazz basses and foolishly sold a 72 which was the only 70s JB i ever had.

I don’t think this one would be on the same level (the 72 was light, resonant and just a great instrument) but I am strongly considering it. What would you do?

Also worth mentioning I have a 98 American standard with flats and rosewood board that is wonderful but definitely more of a 60s style jazz.

Haven’t seen it in person but here are some pictures of it:
View attachment 5287384 View attachment 5287385 View attachment 5287386

Not even on a dare...keep the Elrick.

Riis

 

[Gigas444]

You have to try it first of course, but IMHO '70 jazz basses are the best

 

[MotorCityMinion]

Nice looking J there but no. Nothing Special about 78.

 

[MattZilla]

Even after trying it and finding the Fender to be a regular 70s Fender worth their low reputation, if having been bored with the Elrick for a few months and craving something bell-bottoms & bandanas cool, Unmedicated-Me almost definitely would do it.

Try the Fender if you’re prepared to buy it. Don’t trade the Elrick for it.

 

[Micha84]

From my perspective: Not in a million years. An Elrick is great instrument, a Fender J can be found on every corner, probably of better quality, too.

But I am not a collector, I wouldn't be looking to turn a profit and I have no special connection whatsoever to late 70s Jazz basses.

 

[DrBnz]

Oh no.... I'm a sucker for a nice wood grain too. But I'd keep the Elrick regardless.

 

[lomo]

Play them both with your eyes CLOSED. I'd keep the Elrick unless the J was truly special, light, sounds great AND can take a low setup.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

The general rule would be; if you want a bass to play, keep what you have. If you want a bass as an investment in future value, trade.

I owned a ‘78 Jazz a few years ago, and except for the weight, it was a good bass. It had the very best neck of any bass I ever owned, but the body weighed a ton and had one of the ugliest 3 color sunburst finishes I’ve ever seen. It had faded to the point all the dark color appeared greenish.

If the neck on this one is as good as what I had, you would love it, but it might need to be on a different body…

 

[MDStingray]

It indeed looks like it weights at least 11 pounds.
If weight does not bother you, and the Fender is all original I think it is a fair trade.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

If you're going to upgrade/mod the fender, keep your bass. If the fender is perfect as is, and you like it better, then get it.

 

[Al T.]

Keep the Elrick and buy the Jazz.

 

[jd56hawk]

Is it one of the good 70s Fenders or one of the bad ones?

 

[XLunacy]

The neck looks like it is not straight relative to the body (lots of space above the E string, very little below the G, also see the neck pickup). Some adjustments at the neck joint could solve it, but it could be worse than that.
The first picture looks like it was purposely taken at an angle to minimize the issue.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Komadinic

I don’t think this one would be on the same level (the 72 was light, resonant and just a great instrument) but I am strongly considering it. What would you do?

I would not expect the '78 to be as nice as a earlier 70s model.

The 78 is certainly a boat anker! They can be good sound wise, just as good as a 70 style remake

with the same Pup positions, but certainly not better!

Some folks buy old basses for the mojo vintage hype, others because they have a special conection

to a certain year or aera (birthyear, first bass, first band, etc, etc...)

Haven’t seen it in person

But you have to! If you are serious about buying a vintage car you wouldn't do it without a test drive

and without knowing whats under the hood!

If you like what you see, hear and feel

Haggle! (don't trade your Elrick)


good luck!

Wise(b)ass

 

[Alivefor5]

Heh, having lived and played through the 70's I would never even consider this.

 

[40Hz]

IMO the late 70s through early 80s weren’t good years for Fender basses in general. I’d keep what you’ve got and look for an earlier or later model if you have your heart set on getting another JB.

 

[noahw1]

Don’t make that trade.