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Gigging Jazz type bass - where do I start?


tonewheels
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Rationalising all my gear to concentrate on the best gigging setup I can.

I've already retired the '70s SVT stack in favour of GK MB Fusion 500 and a Barefaced Super Twin with which I'm absolutely delighted. I've used a Stingray for 20 years but have come to realise that it's too big a sound for my style these days. A jazz is far more suited.

Heroes are Jaco, Norman and Bernard.

So I'll have up to around two and a half grand to get a reasonable quality instrument. That's enough to get a SuperJazz like a Sadowsky, a nice custom shop job or a '70s vintage. I did wonder about the Bass Collection Blockhead - if it's good enough for Norman...

Obviously I'll get out and try a few but opinions are welcome on where I'd start.

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that wasn't me being facetious by the way - it was a "go and play stuff and see"
Do you want it to be traditional looking or with a few modern turns?
passive sound or active super jazz?
4 or 5 strings?
60's or 70's jazz sound?


- Not strictly a Jazz but I would recommend trying out the Yamaha BB series.
this might just be in budget if you ask nice http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/sadowsky-nyc-5-2/

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[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1432764134' post='2784847']
in bass direct or bass gear or the gallery trying everything they have in stock. See what speaks to you.
[/quote]

I was in bass gear a couple of weeks ago. Nice custom shop guitar in there.

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[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1432764607' post='2784853']
passive sound or active super jazz?
4 or 5 strings?
60's or 70's jazz sound?
[/quote]

I'm easy on active or passive but I suspect that I have active tendencies for the added punch.

4 strings definitely

Probably more of a 70s sound

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[quote name='tonewheels' timestamp='1432764816' post='2784859']
I'm easy on active or passive but I suspect that I have active tendencies for the added punch.

4 strings definitely

Probably more of a 70s sound
[/quote] the older '75ri is one of the nicest Fender jazzes I've ever played. Bass direct have two secondhand at the mo. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Fender_Jazz_75_RI_NAT_Maple_03.html
Won't do added punch but you'll have change for a nice precision too!

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If you fancy an active jazz, you might want to try out an Xotic.

Bass Direct generally have them in stock. You can find loads of clips of them online. They are really well put together, very solid and sound great - my favourite of the 'super jazz' basses on the market...

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Thanks chaps.

I'm Jonesing a bit for an Overwater. Mainly because I can specify with 16.5mm string spacing.

I'm prone to muscle cramps because of a vitamin D problem and because of that I play with a very relaxed right hand which isn't anchored to the pickup covers and just hovers over the strings. To be honest, I also find that this gives me a lot more control and speed than my old, rather Neanderthal, technique which kept my hand in permanent tension. A close string spacing further economises on movement. Need to try one I guess.

Edited by tonewheels
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[quote name='tonewheels' timestamp='1432764816' post='2784859']
I'm easy on active or passive but I suspect that I have active tendencies for the added punch.

4 strings definitely

Probably more of a 70s sound
[/quote]

Try getting your hands on a CIJ Marcus Miller signature Jazz. Then add a John East Retro preamp. That would certainly tick all of your boxes! :)

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[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1433141825' post='2788102']
Try getting your hands on a CIJ Marcus Miller signature Jazz. Then add a John East Retro preamp. That would certainly tick all of your boxes! :)
[/quote]

Odlly enough, I've just taken delivery of one of the Sire Marcus Millers. Fantastic finish for an El Cheapo, not so good setup but easily fixed. May be all the bass I need but I'll have to play it in over a few weeks. Controls are a bit busy for my tastes but sounding pretty good.

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As i was reading down this thread i was going to suggest a V7, but wasnt sure of the string spacing or availability.

My 5 string version is one of the nicest, most comfortable jazz basses ive ever played. Not too keen on active basses but luckily this sounds good with moderate use of the knobs, and just as good in passive mode.

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I've used my Sire V7 for all my recent gigs, while my MusicMan Bongo, Stingray and my German Warwick have all stayed in their cases or been taken along as a spare. If it were me I'd maybe set the Sire up to your tastes and give it a few gigs to see how it performs, you may already have what you're looking for!

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[quote name='ern500evo' timestamp='1433347369' post='2790341']
you may already have what you're looking for!
[/quote]

Feels like cheating though! All that gain for no financial pain.
Got a black rosewood. May add a maple 'burst when they come in to stock.

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I know where you're coming from! I was loading the car for a gig Saturday night and first bass in was the Sire, knowing that's the one I'd actually use, then stood back looking at about £4k's worth of other basses for a spare to take with me, thinking 'I'm sure I've got this the wrong way around'!

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I've just picked up a Sandberg TT4 - basically their version of a passive jazz, which seems to have a lot more poke and volume than the USA jazz i traded in for it.

really lightweight on the shoulders too. gigging it tomorrow so i'll find out first hand how it performs...

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