Narrowed it down to three....

[dhagler]

OK, Fam, I went to my local store and they had a Fender MIM Standard Jazz 5 and an Ibanez SR905 (same electronics as the SR505 but a one piece (is the word for that "neck through"?) body.  I played both for about 20 minutes each, same amp, all settings flat.

Conclusions? I like the Jazz Bass sound.  No question about it.  I don't know if I can adjust my EQ to get that sound out of the Ibanez, but even if I could why not just play a bass that has the sound I am looking for?  The Ibanez controls are volume, pickup balance, bass, mid, and treble.  I know the G & L has more tonal options (including a passive/active) switch, but there's not one locally I can play.

All said? It looks like I will be shopping eBay, craigslist, and talkbass for a Fender MIM Standard Jazz 5.

[jdholliday]

why not just get a lackland

[dhagler]

why not just get a lackland

Not in my price range unless I can find one used.

[ddwilkins]

Not in my price range unless I can find one used.

You can find a Jazz bass on ebay fairly cheap. My MIM Active 4 is the one I played in the latest video I posted.

[dhagler]

You can find a Jazz bass on ebay fairly cheap. My MIM Active 4 is the one I played in the latest video I posted.

I've been watching Fender MIM Jazz V's on eBay for a few days.  The selling prices are all around $300. I am confident that when I am ready I will be able to get one for around that price.

Laklands, however, are a different matter.

[fluteminstrel]

pardon me please but can you explain a fender mim jazz bass what does the mim mean thanks

[jeremyr]

pardon me please but can you explain a fender mim jazz bass what does the mim mean thanks

MIM = Made In Mexico

[dhagler]

MIM = Made In Mexico

Jeremy, let me elaborate a little:  Fender basses made in the US are superior to their Mexican-made siblings in terms of electronics and hardware.  There was a thread going about this a while back:

http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,55850.0.html

New American-made Fenders cost about three times as much.  Not in my budget, I'm afraid.

[fluteminstrel]

thanks

[ddwilkins]

Jeremy, let me elaborate a little:  Fender basses made in the US are superior to their Mexican-made siblings in terms of electronics and hardware.  There was a thread going about this a while back:

http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,55850.0.html

New American-made Fenders cost about three times as much.  Not in my budget, I'm afraid.

That's relatively speaking though. That's suppose to be the case, but some MIM sound just as good and if not better than the MIA. I've played both, that's why I settled for the MIM because it was cheaper. The new Squires are banging as well.

[dhagler]

That's relatively speaking though. That's suppose to be the case, but some MIM sound just as good and if not better than the MIA. I've played both, that's why I settled for the MIM because it was cheaper. The new Squires are banging as well.

Valid point, dd.