Fender JB75/ Moon JJ4 opinions.?

[bubinga5]

I'm looking to buy a great Jazz Bass because Im about to sell my house and be mortgage free . Yay.!!.. I was looking for any opinions on these two. Ive owned a 1996 MIJ non export 75 and it was fantastic so I dig that maple/maple jazz bass sound. But I've never played a Moon JJ4 so I'm curious as to

 

1. what are the necks like on a Moon,.,I prefer a shallow C shape.

 

2. does a Moon JJ4 sound like a 70s jazz bass.

 

I'm aware Moon slanted the neck pickup to give a fuller sound on the E string and the early JJ4s have a bartolini pre amp and pickups.. Any experience and thoughts from someone who has owned both or just the Moon is much appreciated. I would be looking for a 90s JJ4. 

[Doctor J]

I would normally say go with the Moon, for sure, but that one appears to have a neck pocket gap you could fit a cheese sandwich into.

[jay-syncro]

I've owned several Moon jazz basses and they are my favourite FSO. My current one is a 70's style JB4 with an ebony fretboard and a dark burgandy nitro finish. It's immense and really nails that 70's Jazz tone. It does differ from a 70's Fender in a coupe of ways, it's lightweight and well built! 😁

 

It's looking a bit more Road worn these days, but it looked like this when new. 

 

[BlueMoon]

I’m biased and would recommend a Moon 😊. Early 90’s will likely have the Fender-style headstock and may be on the heavy side if ash bodied. The Moon Blackbird pre is simple and hi-fi quality, if that is your thing. It does 70s jazz sound in spades!

 

Either way, an enviable situation and choice.

[bubinga5]

On 23/05/2025 at 22:38, jay-syncro said:

I've owned several Moon jazz basses and they are my favourite FSO. My current one is a 70's style JB4 with an ebony fretboard and a dark burgandy nitro finish. It's immense and really nails that 70's Jazz tone. It does differ from a 70's Fender in a coupe of ways, it's lightweight and well built! 😁

 

It's looking a bit more Road worn these days, but it looked like this when new. 

 

Jay you notice any difference between the slanted neck pickup to the JJ. ?

[Jaybeevee]

I just landed a 1998 JB4A, which may not be what you are asking about, but I can add that, blimey it's killer.

@BlueMoon is indeed correct about the weight. mine is ash bodied and weights a tonne.. well 5.2kg but it´s weighty. Fortunately for me, I don´t mind a heavy bass. 

Mine has the Bartolini 9s pups and the NTCT Bart pre amp. It's made for slap (with its mid cut), but mids can be boosted from the board, and finger style, it's warm and fat. Quality in every aspect.
But the neck is also fat. It has a full C (jazz width) profile and feels like a slender bass ball bat. Very similar the BB in the picture in fact. Here again, lucky for me I like em fat, thin, wide or narrow..  
Maybe newer Moons have a sallower profile?