BrunoBass Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 (edited) There's a lot of love on Basschat for Harley Benton basses, particularly their cheapo PB51, but what of J&D basses? Do they stack up against HB? Has anyone done a direct comparison? http://www.dv247.com/guitars/jandd-yc-pb-4-string-bass-guitar-white--210979 Even the if the hardware is dodgy, £79 for a solid alder body makes this a great project bass. Edited February 28, 2017 by PaulGibsonBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basscabman Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 I'd like to know the nut width on their PJ bass If anyone has one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SH73 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 Not bad.Couldn't find a p bass with a maple neck. Chord does cheap basses too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted March 1, 2017 Author Share Posted March 1, 2017 [quote name='SH73' timestamp='1488360303' post='3248149'] Couldn't find a p bass with a maple neck. [/quote] That's what I'm looking for too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SH73 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 [quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1488368020' post='3248264'] That's what I'm looking for too. [/quote] Chord does them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 My J&D is my main bass and has been since i got it. I made a few mods (nothing major) but I gigged it the day it arrived. OK, there are a few minor niggles, but at this price point it would be churlish to mention them! Great bass, not just "for the money" but I play mine in preference to my MIM Geddy Lee Jazz! I have no experience with the HB basses though, so sorry - I can't comment on those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Adams Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 Be very interested to know how they weigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom1946 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 The Harley Jazz bass was/is !20 quid and weighs more than me. Likewise the J&D I had. Probably pushing 11 lbs. Gear for music's P bass weighs about 7.5 lbs, I bought one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harryburke14 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 [quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1488385160' post='3248498'] The Harley Jazz bass was/is !20 quid and weighs more than me. Likewise the J&D I had. Probably pushing 11 lbs. Gear for music's P bass weighs about 7.5 lbs, I bought one. [/quote] That Jazz Bass now weighs a whole lot less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 Mate of mine has the J&D jazz bass. Said it had cheap hardware and a lousy fretjob. Once he'd sorted that out it was a nice bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 (edited) [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1488390032' post='3248567'] Mate of mine has the J&D jazz bass. Said it had cheap hardware and a lousy fretjob. Once he'd sorted that out it was a nice bass. [/quote] There are a few slightly sharp fret ends, but I think it's a bit harsh to criticise the quality of the electronics and hardware in a bass costing just over a hundred quid. What exactly was he expecting? Edited March 2, 2017 by Conan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1488461106' post='3249141'] There are a few slightly sharp fret ends, but I think it's a bit harsh to criticise the quality of the electronics and hardware in a bass costing just over a hundred quid. What exactly was he expecting? [/quote] His stable consists of Harley Bentons,Dean Evo , the J&D ,wee Ibanez Mikro, a Squier and an old Westone Thunder so I'd say he knows his affordable basses. He posted on another site about each bass,any mods and the work done to get it to his taste.The Squier came out worse. Personally I'd buy a J&D anytime,based solely on the colours. Like you said Conan it's £100,be hard-pressed getting a refin for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winny Pooh Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 The J&D I had was perfect. Quite impressive although I assume basses will vary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1488390032' post='3248567'] Mate of mine has the J&D jazz bass. Said it had cheap hardware and a lousy fretjob. Once he'd sorted that out it was a nice bass. [/quote] mine also needed the fret ends filed a bit, no biggie... hardware was absolutely fine and I was ready to change the pickups when I bought it but I actually liked the stock ones so they stayed, despite being slightly microphonic. I played a few gigs with it and had a lovely sound. I loved the neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsmedunc Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Had a J&D Jazz for a short space of time. Was very well made, played well and sounded more than good enough to gig with. No fret issues but I it bought second hand and the work could have already been done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbytodd Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 the nut on my j&d wasn't cut right and the fret ends were sharp in a few places.other than that great bass.oh and the electronics arnt so good but for £112 cant complain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Adams Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 [quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1488385160' post='3248498'] The Harley Jazz bass was/is !20 quid and weighs more than me. Likewise the J&D I had. Probably pushing 11 lbs. Gear for music's P bass weighs about 7.5 lbs, I bought one. [/quote] Thanks Tom. I bought (sight unseen from eBay) an Encore P bass as a backup to my US Standard and the Encore is great, nice neck, good sound, but weighs a kilo or so more than the Fender. Be very interested in a Precision copy that's light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted May 2, 2017 Author Share Posted May 2, 2017 [quote name='Harryburke14' timestamp='1488387966' post='3248541'] That Jazz Bass now weighs a whole lot less [/quote] That's good to know. I keep hearing about the weight of the HB Jazz so if the J&D version is significantly lighter that could be the clincher for me. Can anyone who owns the J&D Jazz tell me if the headstock decal is under lacquer or screen printed (it's looks like it's under lacquer)? If I get one I'd like to remove the decal, as it looks pants in my opinion, and leave the headstock plain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted May 2, 2017 Share Posted May 2, 2017 Not owned either a HB or a J&D, but enough BC members seem to like both, and heck, they're very reasonably priced... I must say, I do really like the look of the J&D Jazz, in surf green, with maple & blocks - looks amazing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted May 2, 2017 Share Posted May 2, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1493729953' post='3290193'] I must say, I do really like the look of the J&D Jazz, in surf green, with maple & blocks - looks amazing [/quote] That's what mine is - and I had the headstock sprayed to match. Looks great and often gets admiring comments! As far as I am aware, the original decal was under lacquer - but after painting I applied a "Fecker Jizz Bass" Fender-alike one. I know, it's not big, clever, or even particularly amusing - but it appeals to my infantile mind! Edited May 2, 2017 by Conan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted May 2, 2017 Share Posted May 2, 2017 Fella in the States posted a photo of the Benton JB-75 he'd smashed up,has some mental issues and wasn't taking his meds. Photo shows what appear to be carbon rods either side of the TR. If they are carbon rods then my guess is they're insurance against wobbly necks. The factory will be producing 100's if not 1000's of necks so rods make sense if a batch of improperly seasoned timber gets used. What do you folks think ? One's obviously the skunk stripe but what could the other be if not a carbon rod. [attachment=244497:Benton graphite rods.JPG] I'd imagine if rods are in Bentons then they'll be in J&D as well,same serial number system have been spotted on both HB and J&D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted May 2, 2017 Author Share Posted May 2, 2017 I wondered if they were identical instruments from the same factory, just different colours and brand names for different outlets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted May 2, 2017 Share Posted May 2, 2017 Paul I've noticed changes to the HB Jazz bass shape,closer to the J&D, in the last year so there's a good chance both share the same factory. The differences will come down to the set build price of each brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted May 3, 2017 Share Posted May 3, 2017 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1493735544' post='3290268'] Fella in the States posted a photo of the Benton JB-75 he'd smashed up,has some mental issues and wasn't taking his meds. Photo shows what appear to be carbon rods either side of the TR. If they are carbon rods then my guess is they're insurance against wobbly necks. The factory will be producing 100's if not 1000's of necks so rods make sense if a batch of improperly seasoned timber gets used. What do you folks think ? One's obviously the skunk stripe but what could the other be if not a carbon rod. [attachment=244497:Benton graphite rods.JPG] I'd imagine if rods are in Bentons then they'll be in J&D as well,same serial number system have been spotted on both HB and J&D. [/quote] Interesting. I'm amazed they don't advertise the fact if it is true, as it would be a great sales point. There obviously is some sort of rod there. Might not be carbon though. Steel is the other obvious possibility. Is there a thread on TB about it then ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted May 3, 2017 Share Posted May 3, 2017 The surf green J&D Jazz Bass I once owned was really great, I still have a bass with a J&D neck and pickups. The neck is a little chunky for my liking but that's just a personal thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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