To Jazz or not to jazz?

[Richard Jinman]

I’ve got an opportunity to buy a US standard Jazz 1997 for £650 - £700. Sunburst, RW neck, Fender case and looks good barring a few dings in the body. Seems like a deal for a great workhorse. Any thoughts on the price or things to look out for when I get to inspect it? Thanks 

Edited April 22, 2021 by Richard Jinman

[Lord Sausage]

With it being a jazz you'd better check it knows all it's scales. Nothing worse than a bass that can't remember it's scales. All mine are like that!

[Reggaebass]

 I’m not 100% sure but didn’t the 1997 only have string through body , otherwise they are a great bass and that’s a good price 

 

[Richard Jinman]

2 minutes ago, Reggaebass said:

 I’m not 100% sure but didn’t the 1997 only have string through body , otherwise they are a great bass and that’s a good price 

 

Yeah think it is only string through but that doesn’t worry me overmuch. It’s also got a white scratch plate which looks pants with the sunburst IMO but easily swapped out

[OliverBlackman]

Not sure that’s a good price. They were about that new and the newer ones are much improved. In fact, I’d say the Sire I had was better all round than that era of US Fender standards

[uk_lefty]

I like J basses but wary of 90s Fenders. I'd say play it and see if you think it's worth that. On the surface I thought anything under 8 or 900 was good but depends on the condition and feel of the actual bass and I know nowt about right hander prices. I don't think you're getting a rare collectible so just compare it to other reference points you have to see if it plays like a 700 quid bass (does it play a bit better than your 500 quid bass, or if you're a fancy pants is it about half as good as your 1500 quid bass?) 

Edited April 22, 2021 by uk_lefty

[Reggaebass]

I can’t remember what they were new , but you won’t see many us jazzes around less than £650🙂

[thedontcarebear]

Yeah, that is a good price, even if you don't get on with it after a year, you can sell it on again easily.

[jezzaboy]

The price seems ok for a US Jazz if it`s a nice one. Re the price when new. I remember 11 years ago or so a Mex Standard P bass was £320 with a gig bag and if you sold it on now, it would be in the £350 range so it`s all relative.

[Lozz196]

The later 90s Fenders were pretty decent as from recall they’d just had another change of ownership so upped their game a bit. I had a 97 Precision and it was an excellent instrument.

[Richard Jinman]

Thanks for the replies. Under no illusion I’m buying a collectible bass just want a solid jazz with ‘that’ tone. As someone said if I’m not getting on with it in 6 months I’ll sell it on. 

[uk_lefty]

4 hours ago, Richard Jinman said:

Thanks for the replies. Under no illusion I’m buying a collectible bass just want a solid jazz with ‘that’ tone. As someone said if I’m not getting on with it in 6 months I’ll sell it on. 

Scratch the itch! 

[Dan Dare]

Have you played it? If you like it, it sounds a fair price. Is it in a shop or for sale privately? I ask as it's unlikely to be a bargain if it's being sold by a shop (it's their job to know the value of things). You could probably sell it on at little to no loss if it doesn't suit you. Your call, really.

Edited April 22, 2021 by Dan Dare

[BlueMoon]

16 hours ago, Richard Jinman said:

Under no illusion I’m buying a collectible bass just want a solid jazz with ‘that’ tone.

If I recall correctly this was when John Suhr was still with Fender. I have a couple of Deluxe (active) jazz basses from that era and they are really nice instruments. Of course make your decision after you have played the particular instrument (if you can, that is). The "chain saw" hard case has a habit of snapping off hinges, but these are now more difficult to find in good condition. Overall, it sounds like a fair deal.