Some Jazz Bass advice please?

[T28]

Based on age, my first bass was cheap. I paid $287 for a Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass back in 1970.
I do agree that he probably should have a cheap bass but if he parents are concerned with future resale should he decide to no longer play it......

In a self serving vein, I just posted up a 50th anniversary Jazz bass for sale.
Here is the link: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/50th ... ss-933273/

For a friend of a friend of a friend of someone who is on this board but I have never probably met, I would knock it down to $1500.

[ajish4]

Thanks guys,

All great advice.

Dane hit the nail right on the head. She's not too happy about the keyboard episode. The kids parents are a bit head shy but don't want to get anything where they invest too much money, but don't want to get something that won't stay in tune or give him other problems down the road.

I too suggested the MIM road, but when the kid said he wanted a USA Fender I too chimed in that "he has good taste"!

Ah kids today. I had to mow lawns for a whole summer to pay for my first bass. After proving how badly I wanted it, and was willing to work for it, my mother bought me a used Kustom 200Watt 2x15 amp for $100.00.

Keep 'em coming guys, I'm thinking I should point the kids mom to this thread for some good reading!

John B, you always manage to hit it out of the park. I should ask my sister-in-law to get me one too while she is at it!!!

[jps]

Too bad the kid is spoiled, already.

[ajish4]

Based on age, my first bass was cheap. I paid $287 for a Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass back in 1970.
I do agree that he probably should have a cheap bass but if he parents are concerned with future resale should he decide to no longer play it......

In a self serving vein, I just posted up a 50th anniversary Jazz bass for sale.
Here is the link: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/50th ... ss-933273/

For a friend of a friend of a friend of someone who is on this board but I have never probably met, I would knock it down to $1500.

Appreciate the post Stephen, but it's on the high side for what we're looking for. Thanks too for the discount!
LOL, I'd love to get it myself! That sure is a beautiful bass!

I too thought about the Squier VM Jazz basses. I had one, and it was a great bass. LOL, I have a spare FENDER JAZZ water slide decal here, hmmmm.

[cheyenne]

I have 3 Carvin basses. For what you get for your money you just cant beat them. All of mine, Icon 4-P, BB70, and B4, all feel, play and sound wonderful.

You could check their "Guitars in stock" page here:

http://www.carvinguitars.com/guitars-in ... d=BS&dir=R

Does he want the "Jazz bass sound"? or is he hooked on the "I just gotta have a Fender Jazz bass" stigma?

[ajish4]

Does he want the "Jazz bass sound"? or is he hooked on the "I just gotta have a Fender Jazz bass" stigma?

Scott, that's it EXACTLY!

I didn't think of Carvin, I'll give it them a good look. Thanks!

His "buddies" tell him he should have a USA JAZZ! He currently owns some $99.00 bass someone gave him about 2 months ago.

[aceonbass]

His "buddies" tell him he should have a USA JAZZ!

Maybe his buddies should pay for it.

[ken_j]

His "buddies" tell him he should have a USA JAZZ!

Maybe his buddies should pay for it.

[nattiep]

I got both of my MIM Jazzes in the $300 - $350 range and they're both excellent basses. A new MIM is going to be a great instrument and spending upwards of $800+ on a new player is going to be a waste, especially if it's unknown if he's going to stick with it.

[cheyenne]

If I were going to go out today and buy a new Fender bass, I'd pick up one of these.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fen ... ***-guitar

Looks to be a very versatile Fender for the price point.

[fatcat]

He currently owns some $99.00 bass someone gave him about 2 months ago.

Is he playing that to death, or is IT sitting idle too?

[cheyenne]

If I were you Tony, I'd pick something that catches your eye. That way if he does waffle in a few months maybe you can pick it up for yourself.

[Ivan3000]

The classic vibes are great in my opinion. It took me a bit to get over the 'eww its a Squier' syndrome, but they make some great instruments!
You could always buy a Squier and put a Fender decal on it! That Bait and Switch!

[scotty]

If I were you Tony, I'd pick something that catches your eye. That way if he does waffle in a few months maybe you can pick it up for yourself.

Tony will love that Scott. Great thinking.I have to agree with Johns comment the Fender american special would probably be the best bet.

[johnallg]

His "buddies" tell him he should have a USA JAZZ!

Maybe his buddies should pay for it.

What Dane said......