For jazz basses, do you prefer a full or undersized body? I typically prefer undersized jazz basses, especially if it's a 5 string. For comparison, I will use these 2 gorgeous Sadowsky basses as examples. Full sized {} Undersized {}
I like the undersized. I remember I used to think the regular Jazz body looked good. Then I saw a Mike Lull modern vintage back in the late 90's. After that, the traditional Jazz body just looked "flabby" to me. Warmoth has a nice one called the Dinky J that I like, too.
despite being in the process of getting a Peavey T-40 I'll contend my preference for small / light basses even tho I'm not in the lightweight division either, ultra comfort is the order of the day now and the classic '50s Fenders could always stand a little streamlining.
I think that's why I like the modern/undersized/dinky J style-- it maintains the overall look and shape of the originals, just with less "fat" around the edges. I thought Fender did a good job "trimming down" the P-bass shape with the old (90's-00's) Deluxe P. Unfortunately, not enough other people shared my opinion.
sleeker Fenders may not have gone over too well in the stodgy '50s, by the raging space age it was different and you'd think Leo would have jumped at creating a more modern look but maybe his pragmatism overruled the cost to retool. yet, we've done ok with it!
I have one - the body is pretty much the same size as a standard J, just a different shape to allow a full 22 fret fb/neck (no ramp). The only 'fade' it came in was a standard 3TSB. Same era Jazz Plus came in the "smoke" reversed burst. {}