Narrowed it down to three....

[dhagler]

G & L Tribute L-2500 in Natural
Ibanez SR505 in Mahogany
Fender MIM Jazz 5 (color TBA)

The first two are active (although I think both have an active/passive switch).  The last comes in either passive (Standard) or active (Deluxe).  All can be had for $500 - $600, which is in my price range.

I am playing through a GK Backline 600 and and Aguilar S410.

Thoughts, opinions, advice are all welcome.

[ddwilkins]

If you don't mind used, you can scoop up a MIM Jazz 5 for that price range as well. I paid $425 for my 4 string. I know that I said I was thinking about swapped the preamp, if you don't want to, the installed preamp does have some meat in it.

[dhagler]

If you don't mind used, you can scoop up a MIM Jazz 5 for that price range as well. I paid $425 for my 4 string. I know that I said I was thinking about swapped the preamp, if you don't want to, the installed preamp does have some meat in it.

Much obliged.  I definitely don't mind used.

[DWBass]

I'd go for the Fender Jazz. More upgrade options to be had.

[dhagler]

I'd go for the Fender Jazz. More upgrade options to be had.

OK.  Let's suppose--and this is likely the case--that I will not upgrade the bass at all.  Is your answer still the Fender Jazz?

[Mysteryman]

Let the bass speak for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJGObY4_N7A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0oVeVePHuE

[bassksun]

I'd go for the J. It is the most versatile with the GL coming in a close second. Ib's always sound weak 2 me.

Peace

[ddwilkins]

OK.  Let's suppose--and this is likely the case--that I will not upgrade the bass at all.  Is your answer still the Fender Jazz?

Yes, my MIM Active 4 string ain't no joke. I'll put that up against anything else. You can't go wrong with it.

[dhagler]

Let the bass speak for itself.

Very nice, I especially liked the second video.  I would never put a pickguard on that bass but to each his own.

[Gðñg§†a_Ñè®Ð™]

Let the bass speak for itself.

There both Sr505 right? I know that the bass in the second vid is definitely a SR505, whats the first one?

[DWBass]

OK.  Let's suppose--and this is likely the case--that I will not upgrade the bass at all.  Is your answer still the Fender Jazz?

Yes. But I'm biased. I'm a certified Jazz bass lover!

[dhagler]

Yes. But I'm biased. I'm a certified Jazz bass lover!

I am, too.  But I played the G&L a few months back and liked it.  There's an Ibanez in my local shop and it has always caught my eye.

Of course the other side of the discussion is that I could mod my SX Jazz 5:  new bridge and tuners, possibly new pickups and/or an Audere preamp.

[mjl422]

I am, too.  But I played the G&L a few months back and liked it.  There's an Ibanez in my local shop and it has always caught my eye.

Of course the other side of the discussion is that I could mod my SX Jazz 5:  new bridge and tuners, possibly new pickups and/or an Audere preamp.

Have you tried playing the Ibanez?  The feel of the instrument may help you decide.  The Ibanez SR series always had a tight string spacing to me. Since you have access to it, you should try it and see how you like it.  It may jump to the top (or fall to the bottom) of your list.

[carlmack7183]

Like said previously, I'd go for the MIM Jazz V.More versatile, and easily upgradable!!! I would be searching on EBAY too, because a friend of mine just bought a MIM Fender Jazz V (passive) for $275 and the guy said that he's a dealer so he sells his used  MIM Fenders for that price. IM me if you want more info. But for $600 you could get a MIM Jazz V and an Ibanez SR506/Sr505 used on EBAY

[MrSteve]

I got a MIM Fender J/P hybrid off of Ebay for less than 300 bucks and I absolutely love it. It's comfortable, reliable and attractive. I bought an SR505 as a backup, mostly on the strength of its tighter string spacing and the Bartolini pickups and preamp. But since I brought the Ibanez home, it's quickly become my primary bass. The construction is very solid and the tones are very flexible.

I think the big thing with these basses is that there's no one answer that's going to work for everyone. The things I like about a bass may be the very same things that another player hates about it. Even if you buy online, you should try to play the basses you're considering by checking them out in a store.

[Torch7]

I am, too.  But I played the G&L a few months back and liked it.  There's an Ibanez in my local shop and it has always caught my eye.

Of course the other side of the discussion is that I could mod my SX Jazz 5:  new bridge and tuners, possibly new pickups and/or an Audere preamp.

If you like passive tone, the Audere pre-amp may sound too electronic for you.

[DWBass]

If you want that passive tone but don't want a pre-amp to color your sound but want that extra bit of overhead, I suggest checking out some Seymour Duncan Pro-Active pickups.

[dhagler]

If you like passive tone, the Audere pre-amp may sound too electronic for you.

The hard part about modifications is that you can't always hear them beforehand on YOUR bass.  What if you make a change and don't like it?

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I must suggest that you at least try the Yamaha TRB1005 bass.  The neck is divine, it comes with 24 frets, and no upgrades are needed. I plan to buy at least 3-4 more basses when my money is right, but thios bass will never leave my lineup.   At least try it one time if you haven't already.  It runs about $799 brand new. 

http://www.yamaha.com/guitars/products/productdetail/0,,CNTID%25253D60173%252526CTID%25253D600008%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00.html

[dhagler]

I think the big thing with these basses is that there's no one answer that's going to work for everyone. The things I like about a bass may be the very same things that another player hates about it. Even if you buy online, you should try to play the basses you're considering by checking them out in a store.

Thanks for your response.  I have played all three, at different places and times, over the last year or so.  What I like about the varied responses is that I will have something to think about when I play them again.