In search of a bass

[Dave_M]

Go for the Jazz bass with active electronics for the widest tonal variation. For the bucks, its a really versatile axe.

 

[fivesixonesk8er]

Did you know that the Squire Jazz Basses are EXACTLY the same as the Fender Jazz basses. If you dont belive me go to Squire's Website and Fender's Site and look at the specs. Body, Neck, Pickups are EXACT!!!

 

[Sloan]

Did you know that the Squire Jazz Basses are EXACTLY the same as the Fender Jazz basses. If you dont belive me go to Squire's Website and Fender's Site and look at the specs. Body, Neck, Pickups are EXACT!!!

The cheap Fenders are made in Mexico; the Squiers are made in Korea/China.

I'm still salivating for an Aerodyne Jazz Bass.

 

[gvarko]

Sorry...

Did you know that the Squire Jazz Basses are EXACTLY the same as the Fender Jazz basses. If you dont belive me go to Squire's Website and Fender's Site and look at the specs. Body, Neck, Pickups are EXACT!!!

I refuse to own anything that says "Squire" on it..

 

[tacurtis]

As far as them being the same except for manufacturing location. . . you sure? I know this is a repeat of a repeat of a rumor so take it for what it's worth, but I heard that Squier bodies were made of plywood.

Not that it's really relevant; I learned a long time ago that sound is what matters. I couldn't care less if a bass is made of plywood if it sounds good. But the only Squier (that's the correct spelling, BTW) I ever played sounded thuddy compared to every other Jazz I played.

 

[Cuzme]

www.basspalace.com

 

[fivesixonesk8er]

Here ....... Look at the comparison....... I took info off Squire's Website about the Jazz Bass, and I took info off Fenders Website about THERE Jazz Bass...... See for yourself!!

MODEL NAME Squier Jazz Bass
MODEL NUMBER 031-0760-(Color #)
SERIES Squier Affinity Series
BODY Alder
NECK Maple, C-Shape, (Polyurethane Finish)
FINGERBOARD Rosewood, 9.5” Radius (241 mm)
NO. OF FRETS 20 Medium Jumbo
SCALE LENGTH 34” (864 mm)
WIDTH AT NUT 1.50” (38 mm)
HARDWARE Chrome
MACHINE HEADS Standard Open-Gear Tuners
BRIDGE Standard 4-Saddle
PICKGUARD 1-Ply White
PICKUPS 2 Single-Coil Jazz Bass Pickups (Mid & Bridge)
PICKUP SWITCHING None
CONTROLS Volume 1. (Neck Pickup), Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup), Master Tone
COLORS (506) Black, (525) Metallic Red, (595) Metallic Blue, (Polyurethane Finish)
STRINGS Fender Super 7250ML, p/n 073-7250-005, (.045, .065, .080, .100)
UNIQUE FEATURES Dot Position Inlays, Knurled Chrome Dome Control Knobs
ACCESSORIES None
INTRODUCED 1/2004

MODEL NAME Standard Jazz Bass
MODEL NUMBER 013-6200-(Color #)
SERIES Standard Series
BODY Alder
NECK Maple, Modern “C” Shape, (Satin Polyurethane Finish)
FINGERBOARD Rosewood (9.5” Radius/241 mm)
NO. OF FRETS 20 Medium Jumbo Frets
SCALE LENGTH 34” (864 mm)
WIDTH AT NUT 1.50” (38mm)
HARDWARE Chrome
MACHINE HEADS Standard
BRIDGE Standard Vintage Style
PICKGUARD 3-Ply White
PICKUPS 2 Jazz Bass Single-Coil Pickups (Mid & Bridge)
PICKUP SWITCHING N/A
CONTROLS Volume 1. (Neck Pickup), Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup), Master Tone
COLORS (506) Black, (519) Sage Green Metallic, (529) Blue Agave, (532)* Brown Sunburst
add $50.00, (575) Midnight Wine, (580) Arctic White, (Polyester Finish)
STRINGS Fender Super Bass 7250ML, NPS,
UNIQUE FEATURES New Vintage Style Jazz Bass Control Knobs
ACCESSORIES None
INTRODUCED 7/2001

 

[Bassman Brad]

I've played and owned many Fenders over the years, from a 1959 Precision to a new Jazz Bass that I bought a couple of years ago. I've also played some Squires. Let me just say that there is more to the bass than the parts that are used to build it. There is also the difference in the quality of the construction, itself. I certainly do not mean to slam the Squire's, by any means. When I was starting out on basses, you could buy a new bass under $200, but those cheap basses were such crap that they were hardly playable. Not so with the Squires. Perfectly acceptable basses in their price range. Still, a Squire Jazz Bass is NOT the same as a Fender Jazz Bass. Period. They have the "Fender sound" but they most certainly don't play the same. Whether or not this makes a difference to you or not is strictly up to the player. If a Squire plays well enough to suit you, then you're good to go. But it's still not a Fender.

From what I read in the original post, it sounds like a Fender is definitely the sound you are looking for. And it sounds like you already think that you want one. Besides, every serious bass player NEEDS to own at least one Fender bass. If you later choose to add other basses for more tonal flavors, then you'll still keep a Fender. When you want the "Fender sound" then no other bass will do the job. So, a Fender it is. At your stated price range, either a Fender Jazz or a Precision is within your budget. Which one will be the right one for you will depend upon your personal tastes in terms of the feel and sound of the instrument. A Precision and a Jazz are two different basses. They sound differently and play differently. So, my advice is to go to a music store, play some Precisions and some Jazz's, and then just pick whichever one feels and sounds "right" to you.

Brad

 

[notCardio]

Funky/jazzy/mellow?

See, I wouldn't put funky and mellow in the same catagories. Maybe I'm missing something. Anyway, my personal preference is my Fender Mustang. No, really. I'm no expert, I'm not even moderately good, but I have been playing bass on and off for a long time, a really long time, and I know what I like. I don't like it best because it's what I have, I have it because it's what I like best. YMMV.

Happy hunting.

 

[notCardio]

listen to Bassman Brad

I totally agree. And if you're looking at a Jazz and you've got the cash, check out a Marcus Miller. Only bass that ever made me second guess my Mustang.

Of course I also still want a Ric, and a Les Paul Recording, and a Jaco Tribute, and an NS upright, and...