Choosing the right bass.

[Franner]

Hey all

I'm about to make a purchase. I've yet to decide on a bass but looking at the higher end of the market; Sadowsky, Fodera etc. My question is, what makes these instruments worth the money they are? What's the difference in build quality when you get this high up the market? What distinguishes these guys from everything that is perceived to be below? I have a modulus vj and I love it. My girlfriend has made me promise not to sell it cause she'll know I'll regret it. This new bass has to live up to the Modulus and hopefully surpass it. It has to be a 4 string and it has to be a jazz. What are your thoughts?

G

[visog]

A lot of these issues are discussed here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/161187-how-good-are-high-end-basses/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/161187-how-good-are-high-end-basses/page__fromsearch__1[/url]

[BigRedX]

In the end it's totally subjective. Just because a bass is generally highly regarded doesn't mean it's the right one for you.

Play everything you can and make up your own mind.

[rogerstodge]

Cant go wrong with a fender jazz mate.

[Franner]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1343417811' post='1750572']
In the end it's totally subjective. Just because a bass is generally highly regarded doesn't mean it's the right one for you.

Play everything you can and make up your own mind.
[/quote]

Getting my hands on them is the problem. No specialist shops here in Dublin. A lot of crap being sold here. The second hand market is where I'm gonna buy this bad boy so trusting the seller will be key.

[Lfalex v1.1]

Then look no further than the BC marketplace...
[i]Caveat Emptor[/i] still applies, but for variety and value for money, it's hard to beat.

[mckendrick]

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1343417960' post='1750578']
Cant go wrong with a fender jazz mate.
[/quote]
This.

[visog]

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1343417960' post='1750578']
Cant go wrong with a fender jazz mate.
[/quote]

As a make and model it's 'industry standard' but individual examples vary massively - even new. Fender's QC is very patchy with some new, non-entry level basses needing a set-up, new nut and strings before being playable.

[oldslapper]

I have no idea what the difference is between a £2k and a 5k bass, other than £3k, as I've never owned or played one

As Mr.X has said, play as many as you can.
If you don't have access to the guitars you're interested in, then "user" reviews may be the next best thing.
Quite a lot on Harmonycentral and here.

Any comment that isn't based on a "hands on" experience (and preferrably longer than 5 minutes in a shop at low volume) is pretty worthless in my experience, particularly if you're looking to spend the sort of money a Fodera costs.

I found the link relating to this subject a little depressing as it had the inevitable "amateurs play basses worth x and professionals play basses worth y" post.

[stingrayPete1977]

I know people complain about not having a specialist shop local but if it were me I'd still rather spend a few quid travelling to try stuff if we are talking £2k plus, most cases we are talking half a tank of fuel £40, in the op's case fair enough it's going to be more like £200 with a night in a travel lodge but is that such a big deal in the context of a £4k Fodera?

Most people in the market for the basses mentioned will spend a lot of time and money travelling to see how things are going, one BC member I know must of spent £1000's travelling to GB basses in Brighton and another I know has been to NY to choose his Sadowsky, living somewhere a hundred miles or so away from bass direct in the midlands really is no excuse IMO

Edited July 28, 2012 by stingrayPete1977

[BigRedX]

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1343417960' post='1750578']
Cant go wrong with a fender jazz mate.
[/quote]

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. A Jazz isn't for everyone. I couldn't get on with the one I had at all - the body shape was uncomfortable, on the strap I couldn't reach the G tuner, the neck joint got in the way when I played high up the neck and it never sounded as big and fat as my other basses.

[dincz]

It's the one that feels like it was made for you - no matter what the price. Then you can tailor the strings and pickups/preamp for the sound you want. In my case it's kept me in the sub £400 category so I don't have any experience with exotic stuff.

Keep your eyes closed and save a bundle

[steve-bbb]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1343490319' post='1751406']
That's a bit of a sweeping statement. A Jazz isn't for everyone. I couldn't get on with the one I had at all - the body shape was uncomfortable, on the strap I couldn't reach the G tuner, the neck joint got in the way when I played high up the neck and it never sounded as big and fat as my other basses.
[/quote]



send all your jazz basses to me please!

edit - on a serious note for Franner .... try a VM Squier Jazz - can guarantee that you will like one or the other enough to splash out on a higher spec J - Fenders are available but dont forget to check out [b]Sandberg[/b]

but most importantly .... the sound comes out of you amp and speakers ... but it starts in your fingertips

Edited July 28, 2012 by steve-bbb

[ead]

Alan at ACG is building a modified Jazz for me for less than £2k and it will hopefully be exactly what I want for only a few hundred £s more than a hit or miss Fender.

[oldslapper]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1343473630' post='1751205']
...... one BC member I know must of spent £1000's travelling to GB basses in Brighton and another I know has been to NY to choose his Sadowsky
[/quote]

Blood & sand Pete!
I don't have £1k to spend on a bass, let alone travelling expenses to see Bernie, no matter how good a biscuit he offers on your arrival.

[Mornats]

If you're thinking of Fenders, give the Squire Precision or Jazz basses a go. I played a Squire P not so long ago and loved it. They're a really cheap route into the Fender world and I've heard a few people say the quality control is much better than the Made in Mexico ones. But don't be afraid to try other basses! Overwater/Tanglewood do some fairly cheap Classic Jazz basses which are worth trying. My Overwater Contemporary Jazz cost around the same as a MIM Fender and beats it hands down for quality, playability and sound.

[bubinga5]

i know my jazz basses and i know you will be hard pressed to find a jazz bass that has the action of a VJ4.... presuming its a full graphite... no other wooden neck bass will come close...

[Franner]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1343496944' post='1751481']
i know my jazz basses and i know you will be hard pressed to find a jazz bass that has the action of a VJ4.... presuming its a full graphite... no other wooden neck bass will come close...
[/quote]

Graphite neck, alder body. It's incredible. I was just playing it this evening and nearly put this topic to bed. However, I really want a vintage looking jazz that will give me a classic 70'a sound but with the ability to be more modern. Called Status about a new T Bass and waiting on a call back. Love the hassle free side of graphite. Another thing, when you get to Rob Green and Roger Sadowsky's level of craftsmanship, there can't be much of a difference in build quality and innovation, can there? There is a big difference in price though.

Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming.

G

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='Franner' timestamp='1343504835' post='1751582']
Graphite neck, alder body. It's incredible. I was just playing it this evening and nearly put this topic to bed. However, I really want a vintage looking jazz that will give me a classic 70'a sound but with the ability to be more modern. Called Status about a new T Bass and waiting on a call back. Love the hassle free side of graphite. Another thing, when you get to Rob Green and Roger Sadowsky's level of craftsmanship, there can't be much of a difference in build quality and innovation, can there? There is a big difference in price though.

Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming.

G
[/quote] Well Rob Green designs and builds basses of his own design and one of the few that pioneered the use of graphite in bass construction using proprietary pickups and preamps. Roger bolts together copies of fenders.

[Franner]

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1343512709' post='1751679']
Well Rob Green designs and builds basses of his own design and one of the few that pioneered the use of graphite in bass construction using proprietary pickups and preamps. Roger bolts together copies of fenders.
[/quote]

Oooooooohhhhhhhh. Gloves are off.

Edited July 29, 2012 by Franner

[Franner]

[quote name='Franner' timestamp='1343504835' post='1751582']


Graphite neck, alder body. It's incredible. I was just playing it this evening and nearly put this topic to bed. However, I really want a vintage looking jazz that will give me a classic 70'a sound but with the ability to be more modern. Called Status about a new T Bass and waiting on a call back. Love the hassle free side of graphite. Another thing, when you get to Rob Green and Roger Sadowsky's level of craftsmanship, there can't be much of a difference in build quality and innovation, can there? There is a big difference in price though.

Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming.

G
[/quote]

Just gigged with the VJ. What a bass! Maybe another Modulus will do the trick.

[chrismuzz]

[quote name='Franner' timestamp='1343527254' post='1751775']


Just gigged with the VJ. What a bass! Maybe another Modulus will do the trick.
[/quote]

I'm a brand loyalty kind of guy, so if I was in your position I would get another Modulus if it really is that good!

[SpaceChick]

I had a bad day in work last week, so in my lunch break I went to the music shop, played a Fender Jazz bass (retailing at nearly £1500) linked up to a 500w amp and shook the building. Whilst it was just what I needed to bring a smile to my face, I can honestly say I prefer my under £300 Ibanez to play.

Horses for courses I suppose, but it confirmed to me I won't be getting Bass GAS for a very long time.