Greg.Bassman Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 (edited) I love Jazz basses. Wouldn't be without one! Until now, I've tried to get away with a standard MIM jazz, but its struggling to hold up against the strains of regular gigging; it's already on its 2nd neck replacement (and even that's not serving me well). It's fact, I'm going to have to fork out for something with a little more build quality. Ok so, I'm a fan of the USA standards, not a fan of the price though! At close to 1200, it feels like a bit of a sting; great basses, not 1200 worth though! Sadly, you're largely paying for the name with Fender. Can anybody recommend any Fender JAZZ alternatives? My budget is £800 (£1000 max) (Brand new). SPEC ESSENTIALS: Body Material: Alder Neck Material: Maple Neck Shape: Modern 'C' Neck Finish: Preferably satin urethane back (basically anything but gloss!) Fingerboard: Maple Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241mm) Scale Length: 34" (864mm) *So basically, a JAZZ bass with Fender fell and sound (passive electronics), but NOT ender is what I need* Edited November 5, 2015 by Greg.Bassman Quote
40hz Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 (edited) If you're going through necks at that rate then I'd suggest a Status graphite neck replacement!! My Standard Mexi Jazz has had 5 years of hard abuse and the necks still immaculate! Edited November 5, 2015 by 40hz Quote
gary mac Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 G&L SB2 would be my choice. There is a pic of mine in the gear porn forum, G&L thread, if you want to see how a sunburst one looks. Quote
discreet Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1446762093' post='2902238'] G&L SB2 would be my choice. [/quote] I came here to say the same thing, so there you go. Quote
ead Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 (edited) I have an ACG Jazz and a Warwick Streamer CV Jazz bass. Neither have an Alder body but both are great sounding basses and would be within your budget used. Just tried to post some pics/links but not managed for some reason. If you're near you are welcome to come and try them. Edited November 5, 2015 by ead Quote
geoham Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 (edited) I've had a Mex Jazz since 2002 and the neck is holding up great. You could get a Lakland Skyline Jazz for the top end of your budget - very well built basses. My 5501 (not a jazz!) has graphite support rods in the neck... Helps to keep it straight. (Disclaimer - don't know if thier Jazzes have this!) Something like this? http://m.guitarguitar.co.uk/Product/10040811371129 Realise it misses a few of your requirments, but Lakland in general do a good Fender clone! Edited November 5, 2015 by geoham Quote
mr zed Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 Can I be the first to ask why not a second hand USA standard Jazz? The 2008 - 2012 models are great instruments and from 2012 on they were even better IMHO of course due to the CS pups. Graphite rods in the necks as well. Go for Oly White with the maple board. You know it makes sense. Meets all your requirements and is within budget. Anything else is just a copy lol Quote
geofio Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 I currently have a Fender AVRI 64 JAZZ for sale it is brand new and built like a tank, really thin neck it is within your budget also. cheers Quote
Conan Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 Mayones Jabba? Not just because I happen to be selling one (http://basschat.co.uk/topic/272367-mayones-jabba-four-string-super-jazz-bass/page__p__2901928__hl__jabba__fromsearch__1#entry2901928) but because they are seriously good. Neck might be a bit flat for you though, as the radius is 20" or so... Quote
bassix Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 (edited) Gotta be second-hand, you'll get a stonking bass with your budget. That fender avri 64 seems ridiculously good value. Edited November 6, 2015 by bassix Quote
Pinball Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 These two quotes would be my suggestions: [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1446762093' post='2902238'] G&L SB2 would be my choice. There is a pic of mine in the gear porn forum, G&L thread, if you want to see how a sunburst one looks. [/quote] [quote name='mr zed' timestamp='1446767173' post='2902283'] Can I be the first to ask why not a second hand USA standard Jazz? The 2008 - 2012 models are great instruments and from 2012 on they were even better IMHO of course due to the CS pups. Graphite rods in the necks as well. Go for Oly White with the maple board. You know it makes sense. Meets all your requirements and is within budget. Anything else is just a copy lol [/quote] Quote
Machines Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 If you just want the sound, a G&L JB2 is a good move. If you want the same look, my vote is Lakland 44-60 or DJ4.. Quote
Lw. Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 What's happening to the necks? And what are you storing/transporting the bass in? Build quality & fit/finish obviously varies between brands and build locations but I can't really see a chunk of maple being bolted on to a Mexican Fender being any weaker than a chunk of maple bolted on to an American one. Saying that, I'd vote buying a used American Standard; they're just classics & if you want a Fender nothing else will really scratch that itch. Quote
Number6 Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 Wow what are you doing to the necks? Seems to me no matter what build quality you get that if you punish the neck that much the same will happen with any build quality. Quote
thebassist Posted November 6, 2015 Posted November 6, 2015 Yes, as a few have said I wonder what is happening to the necks. Is it temperature/storage related perhaps? Quote
Greg.Bassman Posted November 8, 2015 Author Posted November 8, 2015 (edited) Hi all. Wow, that you for all your feedback. Appreciate it! Truss rod snapped in the original. The neck had a nasty habit of bowing frequently due to stage lighting; subsequently, I found myself continually adjusting the truss. After one too many times it decided to give up the ghost- I guess I got unlucky. The replacement isn't that bad; initially, I was quite impressed with the new spec on it, however, the truss slipped the other month, creating an awful buzz higher up the neck. My local Luthier fixed it for me now though. Anyways, as explained in my post, I was looking at the USA standards, in the hope that the 'graphite reinforced' necks will play their part. However, the price feels a little much, hence why I asked for alternatives (bringing us back to square one) Edited November 8, 2015 by Greg.Bassman Quote
Woodinblack Posted November 8, 2015 Posted November 8, 2015 How hot are your stage lights? never had a neck bow due to that. In fact, can't remember having one bow at all, although I only have the one fender. Quote
spyder Posted November 8, 2015 Posted November 8, 2015 [quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1446765051' post='2902270'] Maruszcyk, all day long. [/quote] +1 Wonderful basses, great quality and price. Quote
fretmeister Posted November 8, 2015 Posted November 8, 2015 Sandberg California TT4 passive. Awesome bass. Quote
Greg.Bassman Posted November 8, 2015 Author Posted November 8, 2015 Lol Woodinblack. A lot of theatre shows; there's always somebody that wants to go mental with the spots- can become a rather humid, sticky experience lol. I don't go to the gym so often nour days, I just sweat it out on stage LOL Tbf, the original neck [i]did [/i]last me 5/6 odd years; so I definitely got my wear Quote
Woodinblack Posted November 8, 2015 Posted November 8, 2015 Maybe then you just need to get loads of cheap necks and replace them when they go! Quote
Greg.Bassman Posted November 8, 2015 Author Posted November 8, 2015 Lol Woodinblack, that was my initial thought, but that all seems a bit of a ball ache. Plus, the money spent, I might as well go for an all USA (or something similar). 'Buy cheap. buy twice' I s'pose Don't get me wrong, it been a great bass; it's been my 'go to' and the only axe that I've used consistently of the last few years, so is definitely been through the mill- who could blame it for breaking s'pose lol Again, thanks to all for your suggestions! Quote
Woodinblack Posted November 9, 2015 Posted November 9, 2015 [quote name='Greg.Bassman' timestamp='1447027112' post='2904305'] 'Buy cheap. buy twice' I s'pose [/quote] thats fine, as long as the cheap is under half the price Quote
chris_b Posted November 9, 2015 Posted November 9, 2015 My suggestion for a 2 pickup Jazz bass replacement would be a Lakland 44-01. These are a lot of bass for not much money. There are a couple in the classifieds which I don't think have sold yet. Quote
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