HeadlessBassist

I've just picked up a lovely 2004 small-body Fender American Deluxe Jazz in transparent Butterscotch Blonde. Can't recommend it enough. I'd forgotten how good these were 20 years ago.These would now be at the lower end of your budget.

Very nice. I've never played a German made Sadowsky Metroline, only the American and Japanese ones. But that looks lovely. Congrats!

You've got the right idea there. Having played quite a few CS basses, I've never seen the extra value in Fender Custom Shop products. Yes, we all know that you're best trying any given standard production Fender in person, as QC can be a lottery, but find a good one that you love the feel and sound of, and it'll be a diamond. A lot of it is down to the terrible Fender standard strings, and the wildly different setups (or lack thereof!) from the factory. I played a few CS Jazzes a couple of years ago, and none played as well, or sounded as full, sonorous, or rich as my American Original Jazz. My usual Jazz Bass guide is how it initially feels in your hands, light-ish weight, nitro cellulose finish is a must (nitro finish basses always seem to naturally sing better), and get some 40-95 Elixirs on asap. (Just my personal preference.) So no, I don't think the CS models are worth the extra coin. I'd much rather have something that sounds fantastic to my ears that makes me want to actually play it.

You've got the right idea there. Having played quite a few CS basses, I've never seen the extra value in Fender Custom Shop products. Yes, we all know that you're best trying any given standard production Fender in person, as QC can be a lottery, but find a good one that you love the feel and sound of, and it'll be a diamond. A lot of it is down to the terrible Fender standard strings, and the wildly different setups (or lack thereof!) from the factory. I played a few CS Jazzes a couple of years ago, and none played as well, or sounded as full, sonorous, or rich as my American Original Jazz. My usual Jazz Bass guide is how it initially feels in your hands, light-ish weight, nitro cellulose finish is a must (nitro finish basses always seem to naturally sing better), and get some 40-95 Elixirs on asap. (Just my personal preference.) So no, I don't think the CS models are worth the extra coin. I'd much rather have something that sounds fantastic to my ears that makes me want to actually play it.

So is this helping you lot feel better? I spent ALL the money, so you guys don't have to. 🫣

No that I know of, unless the Chameleon Circuit on my Warwick Alien/Tardis case is working very well indeed.

Not yet - haven't had time to take any pictures of it yet. I'm waiting for new strap buttons to come from Status, as the locking ones are a bit tarnished and grotty. The picture is from when it was on stock at BassBros in Warwickshire.

Absolutely - It's the 'Happy Shopper' variety of one-off KingBass MkII from 2019.

Oh, just this...

He could always use one of these as a spade...

I'm almost glad I only just spotted this thread - excellent legal rules based concept, Richard. Unfortunately, before the end of February, I've already failed. Traded in two basses against something I've been after for 17 years last weekend, which cost ALL the money. Okay, so I'm patient (or is that persistent?!) Oh, and one further instrument is up for sale. I do like this thread, though...

I like it. it is, of course VERY pink!

Thanks BA, yes I noticed they had some in stock. What do they actually sound like? I can't remember any other bass with a P/H pickup configuration.

That transparent red is very nice. Might have to have a look around t'internet to find some in stock.

There was a very good interview on Scott's Bass Lessons with Blu DeTiger about a year ago. As I said, I quite like her music, even if I am 55. Did anyone see her Fender promotional video with the Signature Bass? It's worth a watch in order to get an idea of what it sounds like. The guy at Empire Music did a pretty good review of the bass too.

I tried a couple of high end Fenders, brand new and just delivered to Andertons a while back (I think one was the launch model of the original American Ultra Jazz, and the other was the active Flea Bass), and both were utterly unplayable from the factory.