Chadderz Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'm looking to upgrade from my Fender Jazz into "super jazz" territory. However, my knowledge of the upper end of bass manufacturers is somewhat limited, so I need your help. At this early stage all I'm looking for is as many brands as possible that I can then research and narrow down into a shortlist of basses to try. My budget is up to £3000, although I would be prepared to go slightly over for something special. I'm also very much open to buying used. Thanks guys. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'd look at Sadowsky, Avella Copollo, Sandberg, Shuker, Modulus, GB and Dingwall for starters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Also have a look at the Iceni/Zoot bass 'Funkmeister' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeg Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 And Sei Or you could Mod your fender to make it into a super jazz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Fender Custom Shop perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'm by no means an expert but the nicest bass I've ever had the pleasure of trying was a Sadowsky Jazz. Absolutely brilliant. Lightweight, comfortable to play, sounded amazing. If I had the cash I'd have one in a heartbeat. Of course, there are a *lot* of nice Jazzes out there! Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 For those beans you should be looking at getting one built entirely to your own specifications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 il add overwater to the list. The sadowsky Will Lee jazzes are supposed to be exceptional. Also this looks like a killer bass; [url="http://home.btconnect.com/bassworld/photos/Custom%20Jazz%204%20Spalted%20Maple.jpg"]http://home.btconnect.com/bassworld/photos...ted%20Maple.jpg[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Celinder is another option. Although yes, if it was my money I'd be looking for something custom built to a vast specification. For 3k, the world is your lobster. I'm really quite jealous actually EDIT: OK, very jealous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazy_olie Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Once played a Celinder jazz at a guitar expo thing and it was divine, almost as brilliant was an Overwater Jazz, which was considerably cheaper IIRC. As mentioned you could get one built easily, although my own personal preference would be to actually play something before buying parting with that much cash. Most of the custom makers will have a few stock ones at any given time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chadderz Posted August 1, 2011 Author Share Posted August 1, 2011 Interesting idea. I hadn't considered a fully custom job before. If I was to persue that avenue, which luthiers should I be looking at? And thanks for the replies guys, plenty of stuff already that I've never heard of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lobematt Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'm pretty new to the Jazz bass world too but if I was you I'd be speaking to Sei. Good basses, custom and English built! www.seibass.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 [quote name='Chadderz' post='1323301' date='Aug 1 2011, 05:26 PM']Interesting idea. I hadn't considered a fully custom job before. If I was to persue that avenue, which luthiers should I be looking at? And thanks for the replies guys, plenty of stuff already that I've never heard of![/quote] Deff check out Sadowsky. Just a thought but have you considered second hand? A lot more bang for your buck that way, but then harder to find what you're looking for if it's quite specific obviously! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Overwater or Sei Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Luthiers? Oh we're spoiled for choice in the UK... Shuker, Sei, Overwater, RIM, ACG, Manson are the first ones that spring to mind. Then there are other smaller makers like Tom Waghorn. Whereabouts in the UK are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjamm Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 (edited) Mike Lull basses are pretty awesome too, up there with the Sadowsky's and what not. But your budget would definitely find your a mean Celinder, i've played a few now and they've all just ooozed rude boy jazzness...pure filth. Loved everyone of them. Nordstrand make the Nordy's which are Jazz basses. There's one for sale on here at the moment I think. The Marleaux Jazz basses got great reviews, never played one myself, but I used to own one of their Constat basses. The Workmanship was stunning, and the sound was incredible. There is also the Fodera NYC basses in the Jazz range. I've played an Atelier Jazz bass before, Ari's old one. Lovely bass, sounded awesome, weighed a ton though. Made by a Japanese Luthier who used to craft the Sadowsky Tokyo models, the two basses, the Sadowsky Tokyo, and Atelier Z's are very similar if not the same in many many ways. Great Super Jazzes. And if you're ok with a quirky take on the Jazz bass, the F Basses are pretty awesome. Although they're not strictly Jazzesque by any stretch of the imagination. Having owned one of their Studio 5 models, I can confirm that they're awesome. Mine lacked the bark of a 70's Jazz, but I played another that had enough of it to put a smile on anyones face. Hope that's of some help to you. Edited August 1, 2011 by bassjamm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chadderz Posted August 1, 2011 Author Share Posted August 1, 2011 [quote name='Rich' post='1323317' date='Aug 1 2011, 05:40 PM']Luthiers? Oh we're spoiled for choice in the UK... Shuker, Sei, Overwater, RIM, ACG, Manson are the first ones that spring to mind. Then there are other smaller makers like Tom Waghorn. Whereabouts in the UK are you?[/quote] I live up near Leeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjamm Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 [quote name='Chadderz' post='1323301' date='Aug 1 2011, 05:26 PM']Interesting idea. I hadn't considered a fully custom job before. If I was to persue that avenue, which luthiers should I be looking at? And thanks for the replies guys, plenty of stuff already that I've never heard of![/quote] Just spotted this post of yours pal... Custom basses are a minefield if you don't know exactly what you want and why you want it. You can go to any luthier as say you want a Super Jazz that has that 70's honk and that kicks but...and with £3k to play with you'll find pretty much every luthier will entertain you there...but you really need to know your stuff to make it worth while in my opinion. You could easily spend £3k on getting a custom built bass, going along with the luthier's suggestions, end up with a great bass. But you could just as easily walk into a boutique bass dealer, pick up a second Sadowsky or Nordy that's £1200 that does exactly what you want. Getting a bass built, especially at that level of outlay, requires an extreme amount of testing out and trialing different basses across a massive spectrum of different configurations. You may like the feel of a single cut Sei, but the tone of a Marleaux Constat. The ease of an F Bass' fingerboard with the mandolin frets, or the playability and comfort of an Overwater Progress... It's a minefield! This is all just my opinion of course. I just remember being where you are now and almost made a massive mistake because I didn't really know what I wanted, what woods I really wanted, neck profile, string spacing, neck type etc. My apologies for the rant... Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leroydiamond Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 [quote name='bassjamm' post='1323334' date='Aug 1 2011, 05:59 PM']Just spotted this post of yours pal... Custom basses are a minefield if you don't know exactly what you want and why you want it. You can go to any luthier as say you want a Super Jazz that has that 70's honk and that kicks but...and with £3k to play with you'll find pretty much every luthier will entertain you there...but you really need to know your stuff to make it worth while in my opinion. You could easily spend £3k on getting a custom built bass, going along with the luthier's suggestions, end up with a great bass. But you could just as easily walk into a boutique bass dealer, pick up a second Sadowsky or Nordy that's £1200 that does exactly what you want. Getting a bass built, especially at that level of outlay, requires an extreme amount of testing out and trialing different basses across a massive spectrum of different configurations. You may like the feel of a single cut Sei, but the tone of a Marleaux Constat. The ease of an F Bass' fingerboard with the mandolin frets, or the playability and comfort of an Overwater Progress... It's a minefield! This is all just my opinion of course. I just remember being where you are now and almost made a massive mistake because I didn't really know what I wanted, what woods I really wanted, neck profile, string spacing, neck type etc. My apologies for the rant... Jamie[/quote]I agree 100% I purchased a NYC Sadowsky Jazz via the web and had to return the neck for a reshape. Thankfully Sadowsky done a great job at a reasonable cost so all was fine in the end. personally I think if a super jazz is on the menu I would seriously consider a vintage jazz which can be available at a reasonable price given the current economic situation I. I purchased a 1964 refinished Jazz at a reasonable price and it is super in every sense of the word. Its a nice weight, looks great and soundwise is superior to the Sadowsky IMO. I will never part with it . Most importantly try the bass out prior to purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 [quote name='bassjamm' post='1323334' date='Aug 1 2011, 05:59 PM']Just spotted this post of yours pal... Custom basses are a minefield if you don't know exactly what you want and why you want it. You can go to any luthier as say you want a Super Jazz that has that 70's honk and that kicks but...and with £3k to play with you'll find pretty much every luthier will entertain you there...but you really need to know your stuff to make it worth while in my opinion. You could easily spend £3k on getting a custom built bass, going along with the luthier's suggestions, end up with a great bass. But you could just as easily walk into a boutique bass dealer, pick up a second Sadowsky or Nordy that's £1200 that does exactly what you want. Getting a bass built, especially at that level of outlay, requires an extreme amount of testing out and trialing different basses across a massive spectrum of different configurations. You may like the feel of a single cut Sei, but the tone of a Marleaux Constat. The ease of an F Bass' fingerboard with the mandolin frets, or the playability and comfort of an Overwater Progress... It's a minefield! This is all just my opinion of course. I just remember being where you are now and almost made a massive mistake because I didn't really know what I wanted, what woods I really wanted, neck profile, string spacing, neck type etc. My apologies for the rant... Jamie[/quote] Which is why you need to go to a good luthier that understands what you want. Also why Martin Petersen of Sei is so good because when you're not exactly sure what you prefer there's a whole shop of basses upstairs (The Bass Gallery) for you to try out and get some instant feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisthebass Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'd go for an Overwater, but I'm biased Seriously though, have a look around the custom builders & see what floats your boat. Once you've done your homework, make a beeline for what you want. Let us know what you (eventually) go for. Cheers, louisthebass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 If I had your money I'd commission a Roger Sadowsky to make me a 5'er, but I'd consider Alleva Coppolo, Celinder and Pensa as well. I've never been a fan of the look of the Seis, however a friend of mine owns on of the Jazz 5 and it does sound quite brilliant. There are quite simply a staggering amount of options here! I'm a sucker for U.S stuff but there's plenty of homegrown luthiers that could make you a great instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 (edited) My favourites are Celinder, Alleva Coppolo & Fodera NYC with Sadowsky & Sei following just behind. They all sound & feel quite different (certainly the ones I've played anyway). My very top-line summary would be: Celinder - just a great all round J bass, love the Greengrove pre-amps (although I'm playing my passive one more than the active at the moment). Able to nail a surprising array of sounds. Alleva Coppolo - perfect vintage vibe but with some nice more modern touches via the pre-amp. My absolute favourite onboard pre as it happens, near impossible to get a bad sound from one of Jimmy's pre's. Known mostly for replicating '60's basses but he has ranges that span '70's as well which are just as good. Fodera NYC - epitome of a 'modern' super J. Some stunning tops make them look gorgeous too. Decent onboard tonal options depending on which pre is installed and a great 'snap' & sizzle' to them. Duncan dual coils deliver a very different sound to the single coil J's and are very flexible indeed. Sadowsky - another very modern sounding bass with a unique tone from the boost only active pre. A really good one sounds great but there are some out there that can be a little 'antiseptic'. Sei - impossibly to generalise because they are all made to order and Martin will build whatever is ordered. His necks are pretty much always fabulous and a dream to play. Obviously this is a purely personal view based on basses I've actually owned (or had in my possession for a decent amount of time) and, let's face it, everyone's view is going to differ from everyone else's! Also - shameless plug but I'm probably going to sell one of my Celinders if something like that takes your fancy Edited August 1, 2011 by molan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Most of the suggestions I'd have made for custom builders and J specialists have been covered above. My list of favourites mirrors Molan's very closely. Celinders are absolutely staggering - fit, finish and playability is usually out of this world (though some are a bit on the heavy side). The two Sei Js I've had have been extremely refined instruments - lightweight with beautiful necks - a pleasure to hold and very modern tones (though versatile too). Alleva Coppolo are beautiful hand-built Js with a specific vintage aesthetic - as Molan suggests, one of the best pres in the business, especially when coupled with Coppolo pickups (incidentally, the pre is available in a stomp box version). I've no experience with with Sadowsky but they're the choice of some of the world's top players and there's a beautiful example (5 string) for sale on Basschat at the moment. There's also a 70s Alleva Coppolo available on Basschat. Overwater is another good option - Overwaters don't really appear to hold value particularly well (though they're extremely well-built, well-designed and beautiful instruments) - some real bargains can be had. I'd strongly advise a trip to the Gallery in Camden - a great selection of super Js (and basses that are pretty super and pretty close to the J shape). I'd also strongly advise - when you've derived some clear ideas re: the characteristics you're looking for - consideration of a used bass. The two mentioned above are advertised at extremely good prices - you'd have plenty of change from your £3k and wouldn't be likely to lose much (or anything) if you decided to move the bass on at a later date. Enjoy looking and testing - it's all part of the fun. Also, don't assume that a £3k J is better/more super than a £2k or £1k super J. In my experience, there's a bit of magic fairy dust around in super J land - it's a competitive space and any high-end luthier should be able to make a very impressive stab at one of the world's most iconic instruments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bh2 Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 (edited) All these are just overpriced, over made, over engineered fender jazz copies. Buy the real thing and save yourself some pennies. Here's a nice custom shop jazzer... Guitar Village have one sans pickguard and covers for £2379 [url="http://www.guitarvillage.co.uk/productdetail.aspx?pid=10740&c=173"]http://www.guitarvillage.co.uk/productdeta...10740&c=173[/url] Edited August 2, 2011 by bh2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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