jazzes - again (groan)

[john_the_bass]

Following on from my last idea to buy a Jazz, I went to the shops earlier and played a Highway 1 jazz and and S1 USA Jazz. I think I would like a passive one - I think I do anyway!

Now, I really like the 70s RI CIJ Jazzes to look at. I've not yet played one (or indeed any other Jap jazz, so any input from owners, particularly those who've played different models appreciated) so I don't know what I'm in for - in theory, they [i]should[/i] all play the same (if they all have the same dimensions), but I imagine pickup choice and the bit of wood they are made from is going to affect the tone, although in theory, they [i]should[/i] all make the same sort of noises. I had a mexican one, personally I didn't like it and I wouldn't have another for that reason - the USA ones, both standard and highway 1, were much better basses to play although I have not had an opportunity to put one into a band situation yet.

The way I see it is this

[b]Jap 70s RI Jazz[/b] - PROS: Looks cool CONS: No idea, not actually got to look at one closely, such is the availability in the UK; possibly price (i'll come onto that)
[b]Highway 1[/b] - PROS: seem to be well made; secondhand price is good; not too many out; nitro looks cool; badass CONS: No S1 (i'll come onto that as well), rosewood boards only (I think); Nitro - could possibly start to look battered quickly.
[b]Amercian Series S1[/b] PROS: S1 switch which actually makes a difference to the tone (compared to a precision) and I WOULD use it if I had it; comes with a hard case; second hand prices actually not bad; should be plenty to choose from; maple boards available. CONS: Can't really think of any right now - new ones are expensive (comparitvely) I suppose

Looking at CIJ 70s RI basses, I am probably going to have to import one and it's going to be somewhere in the region of £450 all in. Then I've got to go and get a Hiscox to keep it in (cos they are the best, let's face it!! ) so that's just over £500 - for £500 I could probably just about get a American series jazz in a hard moulded fender case - they're not great, but they do the job.

I'd really welcome your opinions on this - especially those of you who have had one of the above for some time - if you've also had a deluxe one, I would welcome your opinion on how it fared against your passive one.
I swapped my strat for a Les Paul - I already have a Les Paul and don't need (or want) two of them. So I thought maybe I would part with it and get me a nice jazz, but then I think, "hold on, Christmas is round the corner, sell it and do your Christmas shopping on Orville Gibson!".

I really like the below, but I have 3 black basses and one more is just two too many!




HELP!

[Machines]

Well I have a 2000 MIM Jazz, which as far as Fenders go, is near the bottom of the rungs. I find it has a few flaws, but they can all be fixed fairly cheaply when I pull my finger out (new pots, possibly new pickups).

Out of what you've suggested i'd go for the CIJ 70's reissue.

[john_the_bass]

Why Matt? just interested to know your reasons behind that? I've not played one so I'd welcome any input on them.
I know there's one or two owned on here.

Edited November 16, 2007 by john_the_bass

[vegas_hooker]

Those Orville Customs are sweet looking though.

[Machines]

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='89539' date='Nov 16 2007, 06:01 PM']Why Matt? just interested to know your reasons behind that? I've not played one so I'd welcome any input on them.
I know there's one or two owned on here.[/quote]

I think CIJ are the best [i]value[/i] of all the Fender range. They're pretty much American quality at just over Mexican prices.

[Chopthebass]

I've just acquired a MIM Jazz, and I must have got a good 'un, coz it really plays nice. Pickups are a bit weak, but I'm going to try some Wizards in it, stick a decent scratchplate on and I reckon it'll be on par with the MIAs. Plus it should sound better with those p/ups.

I'm not sure the american ones justify the extra cost. I've had a Jazz V QMT - probably the worst bass I've owned!

[umcoo]

i'm getting a cij 75 reissue on monday hopefully. Paid the customs today...comes to around £550. I'll let you know how it is

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

Jap 70s RI Jazz - PROS: Looks cool CONS: No idea, not actually got to look at one closely, such is the availability in the UK; possibly price (i'll come onto that)
Highway 1 - PROS: seem to be well made; secondhand price is good; not too many out; nitro looks cool; badass CONS: No S1 (i'll come onto that as well), rosewood boards only (I think); Nitro - could possibly start to look battered quickly.
Amercian Series S1 PROS: S1 switch which actually makes a difference to the tone (compared to a precision) and I WOULD use it if I had it; comes with a hard case; second hand prices actually not bad; should be plenty to choose from; maple boards available. CONS: Can't really think of any right now - new ones are expensive (comparitvely) I suppose

Well,It looks like you're set on geting a new one - If so the Japanese ones are very well made and you can get an upgraded model with usa pickups.

I have a highway 1 jazz (original 2003 version) to which i've added a badass, kent armstrong lipstick pickups etc. The thin finish is cool and the accelerated wear pattern is personal to how you play it, but it doesn't wear overnight - I've used mine as my main gigging bass for four years and apart from a few dents its picked up through carelessness (I do try to be careful though) the only playing wear its picked up is a small patch of finish worn off over the bridge pickup where I sometimes anchor my thumb.

The S1 switch is just a series/parallel switch it is probably a £20/£30 job to get a mini toggle that does exactly the same thing fitted by a luthier/tech or you could fit one yourself if you feel up to it for a few quid and under an hour.

[OutToPlayJazz]

From what I've seen & played (and own), I'd go Japanese every time. I've owned an MIM which was thankfully a nice one, but then sold that to a pupil.

I've played quite a few MIA models & I don't know whether it's the factory setup or the basses themselves, but they just don't feel fast or nice to play. The most recent MIA's I've played also feel half finished with rough necks & varying quality control.

I've currently got (well documented on this server) a Japanese Geddy Lee signature. It's gorgeous! It has the best finish of any bass I've played this side of a Status! Pickups are the US vintage models which hum a bit, but the sound is exquisute! I'd love to boost the output, but don't want the full J-retro treatment (it'd spoil the perfect looks!) Just turning up the gain on my MarkBass rig seems to be enough to get it to equal my active instruments.

Japanese = Quality!

Nuff said

[john_the_bass]

Too many quotes!!!


[quote name='Machines' post='89576' date='Nov 16 2007, 07:19 PM']I think CIJ are the best [i]value[/i] of all the Fender range. They're pretty much American quality at just over Mexican prices.[/quote]

cool yeah deffo agree there if you're buying a new one, but I'm looking at used USA stuff and availability (good) compared to availability of Jap stuff used (baaad!) and if it was a new un i'm buying, I'd almost definitely go for jap

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='89577' date='Nov 16 2007, 07:21 PM']I've just acquired a MIM Jazz, and I must have got a good 'un, coz it really plays nice. Pickups are a bit weak, but I'm going to try some Wizards in it, stick a decent scratchplate on and I reckon it'll be on par with the MIAs. Plus it should sound better with those p/ups.

I'm not sure the american ones justify the extra cost. I've had a Jazz V QMT - probably the worst bass I've owned![/quote]

my MiM was full of dead spots - was that the bass or the pickups? It didn't have the honk of a jazz either.

[quote name='umcoo' post='89578' date='Nov 16 2007, 07:21 PM']i'm getting a cij 75 reissue on monday hopefully. Paid the customs today...comes to around £550. I'll let you know how it is[/quote]

where's that from? That seems about £100 more expensive than what I'd priced up all in.

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='89640' date='Nov 16 2007, 09:05 PM']Jap 70s RI Jazz - PROS: Looks cool CONS: No idea, not actually got to look at one closely, such is the availability in the UK; possibly price (i'll come onto that)
Highway 1 - PROS: seem to be well made; secondhand price is good; not too many out; nitro looks cool; badass CONS: No S1 (i'll come onto that as well), rosewood boards only (I think); Nitro - could possibly start to look battered quickly.
Amercian Series S1 PROS: S1 switch which actually makes a difference to the tone (compared to a precision) and I WOULD use it if I had it; comes with a hard case; second hand prices actually not bad; should be plenty to choose from; maple boards available. CONS: Can't really think of any right now - new ones are expensive (comparitvely) I suppose

Well,It looks like you're set on geting a new one - If so the Japanese ones are very well made and you can get an upgraded model with usa pickups.

[b]JTB - no, not at all - I hate buying new stuff, i'd rather get better value for money with a used bass. I'll buy a new one if i [i]really[/i] have to, but I would prefer to buy s/h if i could[/b]

I have a highway 1 jazz (original 2003 version) to which i've added a badass, kent armstrong lipstick pickups etc. The thin finish is cool and the accelerated wear pattern is personal to how you play it, but it doesn't wear overnight - I've used mine as my main gigging bass for four years and apart from a few dents its picked up through carelessness (I do try to be careful though) the only playing wear its picked up is a small patch of finish worn off over the bridge pickup where I sometimes anchor my thumb.

The S1 switch is just a series/parallel switch it is probably a £20/£30 job to get a mini toggle that does exactly the same thing fitted by a luthier/tech or you could fit one yourself if you feel up to it for a few quid and under an hour.[/quote]

definitely worth looking at the highway 1s again for me then. The big downer I have on them is they seem to be rosewood fretboards only and i like the look and feel of a maple board. yes the s1 series/parallel thing. The series position of the switch gives the bass a real punch and i'd be tempted to buy the pot and fit it to the control plate, rather than retro fit a switch, to keep it looking clean.

time to do more thinking.

Just been to see the bees, he has a v nice black on 3ts with maple&blocks 70s jazz


oh - and do the geddy lee versions come in any other colours?

[OutToPlayJazz]

Unfortunately, the Geddy only comes in black at the moment, same as the original colour of Geddy's '72. They are looking into an updated version with new tuners and bringing in the wine red colour of Geddy's custom shop jazz.

They definitely have the thinnest neck I've ever seen & the pups/badass II make it sound like nothing else, with a sort of three dimensional growl. Highly recommended!

I've had other Fenders over the years & have always traded them on (I've always been a big Status nut) but this one is so good that I'll be keeping it for a long time!

[Muppet]

Hi John

I have just imported an American series Jazz for £550 including shipping and taxes, from the States. I wanted specifically Chrome Red and it's been discontinued so thanks to OldHorseMurphy I tracked one down from across the pond. I'd not have paid UK retail for one and I agree that value for money my japanese 75 reissue was the best jazz I ever had, although this American one that I have is wonderful to play and the S1 is very useful. I went for the red as I also had too many black basses!

Steve

[slaphappygarry]

dont like the black geddy:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=17"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=17[/url]

my lovely geddy

G

[Kiwi]

is this thread just for Fenders or other kinds of jazz basses?

[matt_citizenbass]

aren't the highways just MIMs made in america? ( probably by mexicans)

[stingrayfan]

What about an Aerodyne? I had one and it was nicely made and looked the dog's. Sounded great with a pick, I just couldn't get on with the vintage feel.

Edited November 17, 2007 by stingrayfan

[E_MaN]

I you want a passive jazz go for the sandberg passive california. cheap and nice. I want one

[john_the_bass]

[quote name='Muppet' post='89793' date='Nov 17 2007, 10:47 AM']Hi John

I have just imported an American series Jazz for £550 including shipping and taxes, from the States. I wanted specifically Chrome Red and it's been discontinued so thanks to OldHorseMurphy I tracked one down from across the pond. I'd not have paid UK retail for one and I agree that value for money my japanese 75 reissue was the best jazz I ever had, although this American one that I have is wonderful to play and the S1 is very useful. I went for the red as I also had too many black basses!

Steve

[/quote]

I saw that in your porn thread and liked very much!

[quote name='slaphappygarry' post='89802' date='Nov 17 2007, 10:57 AM']dont like the black geddy:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=17"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=17[/url]

my lovely geddy

G[/quote]

I also saw that when you re-finished it and liked that too

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='89806' date='Nov 17 2007, 11:07 AM']is this thread just for Fenders or other kinds of jazz basses? [/quote]

no, not exclusively, but Fenders are more in my price range I would imagine


[quote name='stingrayfan' post='89831' date='Nov 17 2007, 12:06 PM']What about an Aerodyne? I had one and it was nicely made and looked the dog's. Sounded great with a pick, I just couldn't get on with the vintage feel.[/quote]

did think about them, but i'm not quite sold on the looks

[quote name='E_MaN' post='90030' date='Nov 17 2007, 08:44 PM']I you want a passive jazz go for the sandberg passive california. cheap and nice. I want one [/quote]

probably not going to happen unless I can get a secondhand one in my price range, although a good shout and i'd probably have an active one if they are active/passive like the basics.

My ideal price range is about £450 - £500 - it's either going to be a save up job for next year, or I sell the white LP for one.
I've figured that £450 will get me a CIJ 70s RI (new) as there are hardly any used ones around and they hold their value - or I could get a used highway 1 (maybe - again, not many) or a used American Series of which there seem to be plenty, and certainly in my price range used (fleabay prices). Colour wise, I've got 3 black basses and want something a bit different - probably 3ts. I'm not in a rush to buy one, but I am interested to hear opinions of owners of the 3 types that I'm looking at and especially from those who have been able to compare directly between 2 or more. If that makes sense

[skywalker]

Hi John

I have a USA jazz coming on Friday, I will post all the gory details when I have a couple of days to find out all the ins and outs.


Steve

[E_MaN]

I would go or a CIJ. Don't worry about re-sale value because when you have one I wouldn't sell it. Because you WILL regret it.

[umcoo]

When I ordered it was 108,000 yen which came to around £450. Then the customs on it were £106 so yeh. Ishibashi still havent taken the money from my card though. So it may be more than that, or less.

[Jamesemt]

I'm looking at a similar thing - which Jazz did you go for John?

[john_the_bass]

i didn't! hahahahaha!

Actually, I bought the bitsa jazz off the sales thread on here and it sounds and plays lovely. I am going to put a push/pull switch on it to switch the pickups into series as per the S1 on the USA standard precisions. I think if I was going to buy a jazz, I would probably by a USA Standard used so I could go for a maple board and get the hardcase included.