Pirellithecat Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 After playing basses with a P pickup for years, I fancy a try out on a Jazz. It's not only a nice narrow neck that I fancy, but also to see the difference in the sound. What might be a good model to go for for this budget (ish)? Are the Sire's really that good? Better than a second hand Fender Mexican Jazz? Are the Sandberg Electra's close to a trad jazz bass? Or might a second hand MIJ 62 reissue be worth a punt? I'm miles away from stockists and would either risk a second hand example or go new from the likes of Thomann. Any guidance appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 I think I’d look at a used Mexican Jazz, the Player range is very good but the quality of Mex basses really upped from 2012 onwards imo. You should be able to source one for around budget. I’m a bit traditional, figuring if looking at a Jazz or Precision go Fender first then if you feel anything lacking try other brands that address those points if possible. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 Sadowsky Metroexpress from the stock sale on Thomann…absolutely brilliant! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAdder60 Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 9 hours ago, Pirellithecat said: After playing basses with a P pickup for years, I fancy a try out on a Jazz. It's not only a nice narrow neck that I fancy, but also to see the difference in the sound. What might be a good model to go for for this budget (ish)? Are the Sire's really that good? Better than a second hand Fender Mexican Jazz? Are the Sandberg Electra's close to a trad jazz bass? Or might a second hand MIJ 62 reissue be worth a punt? I'm miles away from stockists and would either risk a second hand example or go new from the likes of Thomann. Any guidance appreciated. I did this last year and didn’t like the slightly scooped sound so I sold mine and went back to a PBass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 1 hour ago, Raslee said: Sadowsky Metroexpress from the stock sale on Thomann…absolutely brilliant! This is the one. The basic Fender Mexican "player" basses aren't particularly inspiring but if you can get the more premium Mexican offerings ("classic" or vintera etc...) then they're not bad. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 I'd go for a second hand Fender, or even a higher end Squier. Stick with the tried and tested J design as the place to start. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan47 Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 The current MIM player Jazz Basses are pretty good. The Alnico V pickups are pretty good for classic JB sounds. The only drawback is the fret ends were a little sharp but smoothed out a bit after being played in. I own one plus a USA AM Pro JB. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonesy Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 (edited) I'm not sure you'll get a MIJ 62 reissue within budget, if you see one at that price then snap it up. They're a fantastic bit of kit and my favourite Fenders. If you haven't played on before just be aware that they have a gloss neck, narrow frets and a more curved fingerboard radius. Some people don't like a gloss neck, but that and the frets are what I really love about that range. Sire do make great J's and they're worth a look. If it were me though I'd be picking up a G&L Tribute JB. The neck is glossed and it's also a tad wider/rounder in the hand (back to front, the nut width is the same) than the current Fender MiM line up. They're nice basses for not a lot of money. There's one in the classifieds now (that has nowt to do with me) Edited May 11 by Jonesy 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirellithecat Posted May 11 Author Share Posted May 11 Thanks for the info. I do like the idea of a Sadowsky - I've played a MIJ one and the neck is perfect for me ......... but, as the MetroExpress is made in China, and I'm trying to reduce my reliance on all things Chinese , it's not for me. I find the Fender Players a bit heavy, borrowed one and it didn't really "inspire" me. My Squier Standard P Bass Special Standard has a nicer neck profile (not a mile away from the Sadowsky) so maybe i should get a second hand Squire Standard Jazz and mod it ???? Anyone have experience of the neck "feel"/profile of a MIJ Fender Jazz vs Sadowsky (or indeed Squire Standard) neck profile? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 18 hours ago, Pirellithecat said: Are the Sire's really that good? Better than a second hand Fender Mexican Jazz? Yes, although heavier than my Fender 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 Jet JB300.. They are fantastic.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfinger Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 Sire Marcus Miller V5. Nice Woods, as well finished as a Player series, lovely sound, great necks with rolled fretboard edges. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirellithecat Posted May 12 Author Share Posted May 12 4 hours ago, bubinga5 said: Jet JB300.. They are fantastic.. Are these made in China? ...... seems probable but i really can't find a country of manufacture (which might suggest they are .... ) If not they seem ideal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfinger Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 As of 2022 they were claimed to be made in China. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProjeKtWEREWOLF Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 3 hours ago, Bassfinger said: Sire Marcus Miller V5. Nice Woods, as well finished as a Player series, lovely sound, great necks with rolled fretboard edges. I've just received one, and I love it. It's my first J bass, and it does everything I need it to do. It's really well made, sounds great and was well priced. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miles'tone Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 (edited) https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_62_sb.htm Save yourself a ton of cash and be amazed... Edit: roasted neck, decent pickups and many tasty colours to choose from too! Edited May 12 by miles'tone 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asingardenof Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 Yes, the Sires are that good 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dclaassen Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 I would choose the MIM Jazz as a starting point. If you don’t like it, it would be easy to unload and you will get a good feel for life playing a Jazz. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andruca Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 (edited) I recently got a MarkBass Gloxy. You can get one used for that kinda' money. I recently got one, coming from a Sire V3. Plays softer (skinnier neck than Sires, which I prefer), I prefer the tone to the Sire Vs, it's more responsive, has a better preamp (even tho' mids aren't parametric). Sire killer IME, would choose the Gloxy over a V7 too. Edited May 12 by andruca 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 Given the limited time clearance price of the old Rockbass factory Sadowskys it would probably be a good idea to check one of those out first. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 On 12/05/2024 at 12:21, Pirellithecat said: Are these made in China? ...... seems probable but i really can't find a country of manufacture (which might suggest they are .... ) If not they seem ideal. Designed by a guy in Lithuania and made in China. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirellithecat Posted May 13 Author Share Posted May 13 (edited) Hey Ho .......... If I stick too my budget I guess that leaves me on the second hand Fender Player, or if I'm really lucky a 90's MIJ, a Sire (of some description, new or used), a Squire or a G&L? If not for the weight the Sire would probably be the likely winner methinks ...... Anyone able to comment on how one of the Bass Centre Jive Basses (or Betsy) stack up in this context?? Thanks for all the ideas. Edited May 13 by Pirellithecat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisK1975 Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 I had a Bass Centre Betsy and it's a great Jazz bass for sure. You do see them Secondhand occasionally for less than your £500 so definitely worth a look. EMG's too, if you like that. I'm a precision player at heart but always liked having a Jazz bass around, but in the end PJ turned out to be enough for me. Got 2015 Elite Precision (PJ) and never looked back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
signals55 Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 Good luck decisions decisions 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyJohnson Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 To be honest, I'd track down a second-hand Fender. Mexico/Japan. If I were you (not that I want to spend anyone's £££s for them), I'd stretch by budget and hit up Dave's Jazz, below. I've no idea what the current price is...it's been yo-yoing up and down. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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