1976fenderhead Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 (edited) Starting to consider an additional bass... Currently have a MIA Fender Jazz Bass Deluxe (4 strings). What is out there that you can recommend that is passive or is switchable between passive and active, has 24 frets (minimum 22), and is high quality such as Fender, Music Man, Warwick and above? Might be 4 or 5 strings,haven't decided yet... I play with both fingers and pick, but mostly with pick and with lots of chords played on the D and G strings. A LOT, really! With the pick. Almost like a second guitar sometimes, with fuzz, etc, but frequencies have to be separated from the other distorted (real) guitar, so it can't get too trebly and it has to keep filling the low end. Not much slapping at all. Often tuned down a semitone on all strings or in drop-D. My type of sound is probably around Fender passive basses and Music Man. I like Warwick basses a lot sometimes when I hear others playing them but personally haven't played one myself that really impressed me... haven't done it in years either so I might change my mind if I do now... And the build is fantastic! Music Man Sterling seems interesting, so do many Warwick basses, but are they switchable to passive? What can you suggest? Thanks Edited February 26, 2009 by 1976fenderhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayFW Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 My MTD for sale would fit the bill. 35" scale so good for down tuning, 24 frets, 5 string, active/passive switch. Quite a warm sounding bass with the Bartolini eq and switchable mid frequencies. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=42039"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=42039[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 [quote name='1976fenderhead' post='420195' date='Feb 26 2009, 04:43 PM']Starting to consider an additional bass... Currently have a MIA Fender Jazz Bass Deluxe (4 strings). What is out there that you can recommend that is passive or is switchable between passive and active, has 24 frets (minimum 22), and is high quality such as Fender, Music Man, Warwick and above? Might be 4 or 5 strings,haven't decided yet... I play with both fingers and pick, but mostly with pick and with lots of chords played on the D and G strings. A LOT, really! With the pick. Almost like a second guitar sometimes, with fuzz, etc, but frequencies have to be separated from the other distorted (real) guitar, so it can't get too trebly and it has to keep filling the low end. Not much slapping at all. Often tuned down a semitone on all strings or in drop-D. My type of sound is probably around Fender passive basses and Music Man. I like Warwick basses a lot sometimes when I hear others playing them but personally haven't played one myself that really impressed me... haven't done it in years either so I might change my mind if I do now... And the build is fantastic! Music Man Sterling seems interesting, so do many Warwick basses, but are they switchable to passive? What can you suggest? Thanks[/quote] Warwick Corvette $$ is certainly switchable between passive and active, and would be well worth checking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peted Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 You could do a lot worse than checking out the Warwick Rockbass range. They have maple necks rather than the usual Ovangkol wood used in normal Warwicks. The maple will probably lend a sound more towards a Fender or Music Man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 don't think sterling goes to passive, but could be wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorick Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Don't Fender do a 24 fret jazz now???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 There's a very nice 91 NT Thumb on here that switches to passive. Pre 93 Warwicks are quite something and it would fit your bill and be much higher quality than your Fender in my biased opiniopn [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40060"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40060[/url] Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976fenderhead Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) Do most Warwicks switch between P/A? I had no idea the Thumb could ever do that at all... Where's the switch? What exactly are the differences between Warwick's Rock Bass range and their normal expensive range? I think there is an Artist model 24 fret Fender Jazz Deluxe, all other models are either 22 (like mine) or 20 (standard). But I don't trust Fender much and would like something different. I love the sound but the build quality is hit and miss. I returned my bass twice when I bought it years ago, the first I got had the bridge so misplaced to one side that the G string was nearly off the fretboard on the high frets, the second had weird lumps and deep "cavities" on the fretboard and its hard-case was cracked!!! I settled for the third which has always had an odd fret-buzzing problem I could never get rid off no matter how good the setup. Also, its "noiseless" pick-ups were anything but, EXTREMELY noisy until I had them shielded... All build problems my cold-sounding cheap Ibanez never had! So I'd like something with really reliable quality control this time!!! Edited February 27, 2009 by 1976fenderhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='1976fenderhead' post='421023' date='Feb 27 2009, 03:40 PM']Do most Warwicks switch between P/A? I had no idea the Thumb could ever do that at all... Where's the switch?[/quote] Its a push pull volume knob. Pull it up and its passive - same on the $$ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976fenderhead Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='simon1964' post='421062' date='Feb 27 2009, 04:17 PM']Its a push pull volume knob. Pull it up and its passive - same on the $$[/quote] Shame they don't list that on their website, hard to know which ones do it... EDIT: Managed to find through the manual for all basses on their website that nearly all of them are switchable in that way... The manual lists which are and which are not... Edited February 27, 2009 by 1976fenderhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='1976fenderhead' post='421088' date='Feb 27 2009, 04:37 PM']Shame they don't list that on their website, hard to know which ones do it... EDIT: Managed to find through the manual for all basses on their website that nearly all of them are switchable in that way... The manual lists which are and which are not...[/quote] Yes - be careful though, as I don't think the tone controls work in passive mode on all models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='1976fenderhead' post='421088' date='Feb 27 2009, 04:37 PM']Shame they don't list that on their website, hard to know which ones do it... EDIT: Managed to find through the manual for all basses on their website that nearly all of them are switchable in that way... The manual lists which are and which are not...[/quote] Indeed. Most do run in passive by pulling up the volume pot. I don't think any Musicmen run in passive (except the OLPs, some of which are ONLY passive...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='simon1964' post='421125' date='Feb 27 2009, 05:09 PM']Yes - be careful though, as I don't think the tone controls work in passive mode on all models.[/quote] PS - also, the Thumb is a fantastic bass, but is very un-Fender. If you're after a Musicman / Fender vibe, I personally would go for the $$. Mine was great, and could do a very nice traditional P sound, along with more aggressive growly stuff. Very versatile bass (I miss it!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Look no further in my opinion, Fender Jazz 24 I had one and it was a very very good bass, very growly, with a bridge pick up honk better than my 75RI..Light as a feather, quilt top, hipshot tuners, SD jazz pups, slap switch..passive active switching.. Im thinking of getting another and putting some Nordy's and an OBP3 in it.. Awsome bass for the money!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='bubinga5' post='421142' date='Feb 27 2009, 05:24 PM']Look no further in my opinion, Fender Jazz 24[/quote] Agreed - but the OP was looking for something which will run passive. Is there a passive option on the Jazz 24? I thought it was active only? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='simon1964' post='421151' date='Feb 27 2009, 05:29 PM']Agreed - but the OP was looking for something which will run passive. Is there a passive option on the Jazz 24? I thought it was active only?[/quote] no it has a passive active switching.. Edited February 27, 2009 by bubinga5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Balsamic Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 A Dingwall AB1? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulfinger Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='simon1964' post='421151' date='Feb 27 2009, 06:29 PM']Is there a passive option on the Jazz 24? I thought it was active only?[/quote] Correct - the Jazz 24 is active only. The toggle switch is for a mid scoop/"slap" preset. Speaking of Music Man, there were passive basses in the SUB range as well but they are quite rare. Sandberg makes very nice basses, all of them can be switched to passive and most have 24 frets (except for the Fender-style California Series, obviously). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Soulfinger' post='421193' date='Feb 27 2009, 06:13 PM']Correct - the Jazz 24 is active only. The toggle switch is for a mid scoop/"slap" preset. Speaking of Music Man, there were passive basses in the SUB range as well but they are quite rare. Sandberg makes very nice basses, all of them can be switched to passive and most have 24 frets (except for the Fender-style California Series, obviously).[/quote] THIS IS NOT CORRECT! the Fender Jazz 24 has an active /passive pull switching...not the toggle..Believe me i have owned one.. Edited February 27, 2009 by bubinga5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Peavey, eg the DynaBass or Grind models- good value and good Bs on the 5ers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976fenderhead Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='bubinga5' post='421142' date='Feb 27 2009, 05:24 PM']Look no further in my opinion, Fender Jazz 24 I had one and it was a very very good bass, very growly, with a bridge pick up honk better than my 75RI..Light as a feather, quilt top, hipshot tuners, SD jazz pups, slap switch..passive active switching.. Im thinking of getting another and putting some Nordy's and an OBP3 in it.. Awsome bass for the money!!![/quote] Wow... I have to confess I never looked at the Deluxe series for if I'm not mistaken they're made in Mexico and all the standard MIM Fender's I've played felt and looked really cheap... That looks better done than my American Deluxe though, what the...? So those who have owned it recommend it both in tone and build quality? Is it made in Mexico or am I totally wrong? EDIT: Ok, that one apparently is made in Korea? One more surprise to me, I thought Fender were made in US, Japan and Mexico only... the ones from Japan were actually quite good so I'm guessing these won't disappoint... But after my experience with MIA Fender, my feeling being that all other countries with the cheaper basses have even less stringent quality control, I'm still a bit uneasy with getting another Fender... Edited February 27, 2009 by 1976fenderhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Peavey-International-5-string-bass_W0QQitemZ280316544873QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item280316544873&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318"]Something like this?[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulfinger Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='bubinga5' post='421216' date='Feb 27 2009, 07:42 PM']THIS IS NOT CORRECT! the Fender Jazz 24 has an active /passive pull switching...not the toggle..Believe me i have owned one.. [/quote] Oops... my mistake, sorry. Just looked at the current specs - Fender must have upgraded these basses recently. When the Jazz 24 first came out, it was active only - I know because I´ve tried a couple and would have bought one if there had been a passive option. There also was a review in Bass Guitar mag where they told a Fender rep how much they would like to have a passive switch on that bass. Who would have thought that Fender actually listened to them? Oh yeah, I forgot - to the OP: If you can find one (discontinued), a Yamaha BB404 is a very nice 24-fret passive J-style bass. A bit more "modern" sounding than your standard Fender but a quality bass. Very affordable too. Edited February 27, 2009 by Soulfinger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='bubinga5' post='421216' date='Feb 27 2009, 06:42 PM']THIS IS NOT CORRECT! the Fender Jazz 24 has an active /passive pull switching...not the toggle..Believe me i have owned one.. [/quote] Yes - you're right. I checked on the Fender site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 [quote name='1976fenderhead' post='421256' date='Feb 27 2009, 07:24 PM']Wow... I have to confess I never looked at the Deluxe series for if I'm not mistaken they're made in Mexico and all the standard MIM Fender's I've played felt and looked really cheap... That looks better done than my American Deluxe though, what the...? So those who have owned it recommend it both in tone and build quality? Is it made in Mexico or am I totally wrong? EDIT: Ok, that one apparently is made in Korea? One more surprise to me, I thought Fender were made in US, Japan and Mexico only... the ones from Japan were actually quite good so I'm guessing these won't disappoint... But after my experience with MIA Fender, my feeling being that all other countries with the cheaper basses have even less stringent quality control, I'm still a bit uneasy with getting another Fender...[/quote] ...Fender have had a varied rep across the board in time,i have played a early 75 jazz that was amazing, but an earlier 60's bass that that was not so good... some MIA are not so good, some are amazing.. some MIM are good and bad, from my experience CIJ/MIJ are usually very good, i generally think any bass (like my Sadowsky and Yamaha TRB6II) made in Japan, are supreme in craft..manship, they really put out quality....... Korean Jazz 24's have had quality issues..i,...by luck had a good one, and it was very good..i think for what you get, there is not a better bass but im sure there may be better(depending on mass production issues etc)..IMHO get the Jazz 24, its everything you want.. Good luck bro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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