Help with buying a new bass...

I do enjoy both the sound and the feel of a Fender jazz bass.  Just make sure it's set up right with new strings.  Can't go wrong with it, in my opinion.

I like the Jazz Bass, but f**k paying for a new one. For 2009 Fender increased the prices across the entire range of products by 10 per cent, including stuff that was left the same as of 2008 specs.
Seriously, by the time you have 1.2 grand you may as well look for a few more weeks work and get a custom made bass. Customs are far less expensive than you think if you go to the right luthier.
That said, if you can't be assed looking for more work and waiting months for a custom build, check out Spector and Ibanez basses for good value for money.
I highly recommend the Ibanez BTB series. They have a 35 inch scale and have an extremely articulate sound but bear in mind you need good chops to make a bass like this sound good, otherwise take a look at Ibanez's 34 inch scale basses like the SR or SRX series.
What is also amazing about the BTB series is the active EQ circuit, which allows you to shape the tone from extreme mid scoop (for a percussive slapping sound for example) to a rumbly, mid range heavy sound.


Edited by Petrovsk Mizinski - June 14 2009 at 21:51

Really, ten percent? That's crazy...especially in an economy like this.

If I had more money I would definitely buy a Chapman stick. Ever since I've seen Tony Levin play one a few years ago I've been obsessed with that instrument. I should definitely try to get my hands on one of those.

Buy used. You get a lot more for your money when buying used equipment. 

Can't go wrong with a Fender jazz bass. The Highway 1 line of basses should be in your price range. They have vintage style pick ups which have a bit of a growling sound to them. Those are some great basses.

Just ask in the music store if you can try try the instrument at home for a week. If they don't allow, don't buy.

My recommendation is a guitarbuilder called P.Visser in Egmond aan Zee (Holland). But I guess that's kind of hard to reach for you.

The Jazz Bass is iconic in prog icons and all, but I think Wizbat's avatar says it all, R-I-C-K-E-N-BA-C-K-E-R. If you've got some extra bucks  (including the 1200) to spend, spend them on a Ricky, you won't be dissappointed.

well , it depends what you're looking for my friend , i hear the jacksons have some nice basses , David Ellefson always used some nice jackson J basses , as for the fender jazz i haven't had much experience with these but they will be well made and reliable , but with some insight into the p basses theyre not great but im not really into the classic fender feel on both guitars , or basses. I would recommend a richenbacher , theyre the rolls royce's of basses , they feel great , are of course well made , and look great..