Jazz-type basses - edumacate me!

[timmyo]

Hi there,

my early bass fumblings have led me to think I'd like a J-type - flexibility of sound and playability of the couple I've tried (a Classic Vibe Aquier in a shop, and my friend's Sandberg Electra TT - the latter being wonderfully light too)

Now I don't know what's what really - as i where the value lies. I'll fund it from selling-on the USA SUB Sterling I blind-bought as a first bass (I now also have a Classic Vibe Precision so it won't leave me bassless to do so) and may find some other funds to chip in too. And if this thread leads me to think there's a reason to do so I may save a bit more for something 'nicer' than ££ the SUB will fetch.

So my only thoughts thus far:[list]
[*]Aware the Squier CV Jazz seems to be good
[*]Aware the USA Fender Jazz is the 'real thing'
[*]The Sandberg Electra seemed good (although I'm no expert)
[/list]

What other mid-range things might I look out for?

thanks
Tim

[bh2]

Hi Tim...

The CV Jazz is indeed a fine instrument... I recently A/B'd one with a Custom Shop Jazz and a RoadWorn Jazz, both much more expensive and the CV came a close second.

[Chiliwailer]

Play as many as you can mate, we all have such wildly differing opinions on taste, expectations and choices, and these can sound quite foreign to others opinions.

Obviously the more you spend, the better the wood and components. Some people notice the difference, some don't. But the 'level' you need to reach for is down to you and your bass needs. Play a load and you'll see where you fit into the market.

Good luck finding that Jazz, they are sweet basses!

[paul_5]

Get thee a Blade. My favourite Jazzes ever.

[discreet]

I'm a relatively recent Jazz convert after many years of staunch P-Bass playing... and I'd agree with the above - if you're not precious about having an F-Decal on your headstock then a CV Jazz sounds good, is very playable and will be as good as you are for a long time to come. But I also agree that you should play as many different J Basses as you can, and hope that when you find 'the one' it's not priced at £5000...

[FinnDave]

I have P and J basses and the difference between them to me has much more to do with the difference between the necks than the sound when played with a band. Currently, my P is my main bass and the J just comes to gigs as a backup.

[HowieBass]

My very first bass, bought back in the late 70s, was a Jazz bass copy (Columbus) and I didn't know much about instruments when I bought it; it probably wasn't a great bass... and back then Squiers didn't exist. My next bass was a Westone Spectrum LX, quite an exotic beast acquired in the late 80s, a P/J with humbuckers built by Matsumoku in Japan and beautifully put together - happily I still have it. It wasn't until relatively recently that I got my hands on another Jazz bass, I went for the Squier Deluxe Jazz Active IV (first appeared in active form as a 5-string) and it's a great instrument, nicely finished, pickups are silent when soloed, the 3-band EQ and 'slap switch' offers good tone shaping possibilities but it still has that characteristic single coil Jazz sound if you want it. I don't think you can beat the higher specced Squiers for value for money and a decent sound.

[discreet]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1406496581' post='2511982']
My very first bass, bought back in the late 70s, was a Jazz bass copy (Columbus)
[/quote]

There was one of those knocking around when I started playing bass, and it's what made me lean towards P basses. My first P Bass was a Fender USA 1976 in, er... 1976 so probably not a very fair comparison on which to base my (almost) lifelong aversion to Jazz basses. I am now making up for lost time, however.

Edited July 27, 2014 by discreet

[Hutton]

If you can stretch to it I would go for one of the newer USA Standard Jazzes (2008 on). Great basses and will always hold their value.

[Prime_BASS]

Personal openion would dictacte going for the Sandberg Electra, quality instrument for not much money, does the jazz thing and if you get a light one, what more do you want?

[discreet]

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1406640840' post='2513307']
...the Sandberg Electra, quality instrument for not much money, does the jazz thing and if you get a light one, what more do you want?
[/quote]

Jam on it..? Mmm, jam.

[timmyo]

Cheers for the comments folks - very useful

Tim

[White Cloud]

3 words......Lakland Darryl Jones.

[Mr.T]

My opinion on Jazz basses.....

The Squiers (CV and VM range) are decent tools and get the job done.
The Fenders are decent tools, get the job done..... and are like having cash in the bank!

[Grissle]

I'd vote for a Fender Roadworn. So far... everyone I've played was light, resonant, and sounded like a Jazz should. And they hold their value well.

[Marc S]

I've got a couple of Jazz basses,
I'm a recent convert, and I now love them
Don't know why I didn't swap over to the Jazz sooner

I've played several, and the best IMHO is the roadworn series
There's a lot of people who don't like the "roadworn" concept
and part of me appreciates this

However, my roadworn is THE best I've played
It's a real keeper

I've also got a USA Jazz, which I might now sell
But I'll not part with my roadworn

I've played a couple of Squiers, CV and VM and they've all been good
Great instruments. Just try as many as you can,
and don't worry about the decal on the headstock
If it's right for you, go for it

Good luck with your search, and enjoy it

Marc

EDIT: I've also got an indonesian made PJ bass, and a new Classic Vibe P, built in China
And the quality of both these basses is amazing!

Edited September 2, 2014 by Marc S

[bubinga5]

buy a Japanese Fender. you will never look back.

[RhysP]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1409674420' post='2542115']
buy a Japanese Fender. you will never look back.
[/quote]

This, even though I personally don't like Jazz basses.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1406657883' post='2513511']
3 words......Lakland Darryl Jones.
[/quote]

Three other words.... Ugly As f***.

[TheSiberian]

If you don't want a Fender but still like the F letter, buy then a F-Bass VF and you'll never look back.
Best

[GrammeFriday]

MTD Kingston Saratoga. Hotter output pups than Fenders/Squiers, and a super-comfy asymmetrical neck profile. Brilliant basses - especially the 5-string - and cheap too. Only two colour choices, mind, and minimalist styling (i.e. no control plate or pickguard) may not be your thing if you want it to look exactly like a Fender Jazz.

[GrammeFriday]

Never tried an Electra but Sandbergs are ace so I'm sure this will be a good choice too.

[Roland Rock]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1409674987' post='2542128']


Three other words.... Ugly As f***.
[/quote]


:-D
I don't agree, but great post anyway :-D

[GrammeFriday]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1409674420' post='2542115']
buy a Japanese Fender. you will never look back.
[/quote]
Also good advice. My Japanese Fender Jazz was (and still is) a fantastic bass - only sold it cos I now only play 5/6 stringers.

[Geek99]

Yep - regret selling mine