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Fender Jazz Bass ALTERNATIVES?


Greg.Bassman
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I love Jazz basses. Wouldn't be without one!

Until now, I've tried to get away with a standard MIM jazz, but its struggling to hold up against the strains of regular gigging; it's already on its 2nd neck replacement (and even that's not serving me well). It's fact, I'm going to have to fork out for something with a little more build quality.

Ok so, I'm a fan of the USA standards, not a fan of the price though! At close to 1200, it feels like a bit of a sting; great basses, not 1200 worth though! Sadly, you're largely paying for the name with Fender.

Can anybody recommend any Fender JAZZ alternatives?

My budget is £800 (£1000 max) (Brand new).

SPEC ESSENTIALS:
Body Material: Alder
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: Modern 'C'
Neck Finish: Preferably satin urethane back (basically anything but gloss!)
Fingerboard: Maple
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241mm)
Scale Length: 34" (864mm)

*So basically, a JAZZ bass with Fender fell and sound (passive electronics), but NOT ender is what I need*

Edited by Greg.Bassman
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If you're going through necks at that rate then I'd suggest a Status graphite neck replacement!! My Standard Mexi Jazz has had 5 years of hard abuse and the necks still immaculate!

Edited by 40hz
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I have an ACG Jazz and a Warwick Streamer CV Jazz bass. Neither have an Alder body but both are great sounding basses and would be within your budget used.

Just tried to post some pics/links but not managed for some reason.

If you're near you are welcome to come and try them.

Edited by ead
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I've had a Mex Jazz since 2002 and the neck is holding up great. You could get a Lakland Skyline Jazz for the top end of your budget - very well built basses. My 5501 (not a jazz!) has graphite support rods in the neck... Helps to keep it straight. (Disclaimer - don't know if thier Jazzes have this!)

Something like this?
http://m.guitarguitar.co.uk/Product/10040811371129


Realise it misses a few of your requirments, but Lakland in general do a good Fender clone!

Edited by geoham
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Can I be the first to ask why not a second hand USA standard Jazz? The 2008 - 2012 models are great instruments and from 2012 on they were even better IMHO of course due to the CS pups. Graphite rods in the necks as well. Go for Oly White with the maple board. You know it makes sense. Meets all your requirements and is within budget. Anything else is just a copy lol

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Mayones Jabba? Not just because I happen to be selling one (http://basschat.co.uk/topic/272367-mayones-jabba-four-string-super-jazz-bass/page__p__2901928__hl__jabba__fromsearch__1#entry2901928) but because they are seriously good. Neck might be a bit flat for you though, as the radius is 20" or so...

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These two quotes would be my suggestions:
[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1446762093' post='2902238']
G&L SB2 would be my choice.
There is a pic of mine in the gear porn forum, G&L thread, if you want to see how a sunburst one looks.
[/quote]

[quote name='mr zed' timestamp='1446767173' post='2902283']
Can I be the first to ask why not a second hand USA standard Jazz? The 2008 - 2012 models are great instruments and from 2012 on they were even better IMHO of course due to the CS pups. Graphite rods in the necks as well. Go for Oly White with the maple board. You know it makes sense. Meets all your requirements and is within budget. Anything else is just a copy lol
[/quote]

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What's happening to the necks? And what are you storing/transporting the bass in? Build quality & fit/finish obviously varies between brands and build locations but I can't really see a chunk of maple being bolted on to a Mexican Fender being any weaker than a chunk of maple bolted on to an American one.

Saying that, I'd vote buying a used American Standard; they're just classics & if you want a Fender nothing else will really scratch that itch.

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Hi all. Wow, that you for all your feedback. Appreciate it!

Truss rod snapped in the original. The neck had a nasty habit of bowing frequently due to stage lighting; subsequently, I found myself continually adjusting the truss. After one too many times it decided to give up the ghost- I guess I got unlucky.

The replacement isn't that bad; initially, I was quite impressed with the new spec on it, however, the truss slipped the other month, creating an awful buzz higher up the neck. My local Luthier fixed it for me now though.

Anyways, as explained in my post, I was looking at the USA standards, in the hope that the 'graphite reinforced' necks will play their part. However, the price feels a little much, hence why I asked for alternatives (bringing us back to square one) :)

Edited by Greg.Bassman
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Lol Woodinblack. A lot of theatre shows; there's always somebody that wants to go mental with the spots- can become a rather humid, sticky experience lol. I don't go to the gym so often nour days, I just sweat it out on stage LOL ;)

Tbf, the original neck [i]did [/i]last me 5/6 odd years; so I definitely got my wear :)

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Lol Woodinblack, that was my initial thought, but that all seems a bit of a ball ache. Plus, the money spent, I might as well go for an all USA (or something similar). 'Buy cheap. buy twice' I s'pose ;) Don't get me wrong, it been a great bass; it's been my 'go to' and the only axe that I've used consistently of the last few years, so is definitely been through the mill- who could blame it for breaking s'pose lol :)

Again, thanks to all for your suggestions! :)

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