Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm no enemy of Squier (or Fender) but I found this bass highly disappointing every time I checked one out. Naturally, it sounds a lot more viable plugged in, whereas I often audition stuff unplugged at first. Still, I think it has a thin and nasal sound that I attribute to the ebonol board--I don't like that stuff, at least not yet. Another likely issue is that I just don't dig rounds on a fretless no matter the case, as I didn't like the way they sounded on my 4003FL either. I think this bass comes with Rotos to emulate Jaco.

I've read rave reviews about this bass many times, much to my surprise, but I have also seen a couple of other reviews like my own. I wonder what people here think about it? Until I played one I assumed they'd be a great addition to any studio arsenal.

I own a Vintage Modified Jazz Fretted....and I've wanted to check out the fretless.

The fretted is a very good bass for the coin. Pickups are pretty hot to boot! I've heard that these things are very hit and miss. Some are great out of the box, others may need some updating or tweaks.

The biggest flaw my VMJ has is the bridge. The darn saddles slide all over the base plate, really messing up my intonation. I plan on swapping out the bridge but not too sure what I want yet. LOL, I want something good, but don't want the bridge to cost more than the bass!

Joshua, was this a Jazz Bass? I don't get on well with Jazz Basses, so I wouldn't even bother to try out a fretless one. Jazz Basses do not feel comfortable in my hands and I just can't get a tone out them that I like. However, I do enjoy hearing them when they are played fine bassists who love them.

cassius987 wrote: I think this bass comes with Rotos to emulate Jaco.

No, they just don't ship cheaper basses with expensive flats. Even the Hofner Contemporary ships with rounds.

Joey, that would be this Jaco-esque bass.

sloop_john_b wrote:

cassius987 wrote: I think this bass comes with Rotos to emulate Jaco.

No, they just don't ship cheaper basses with expensive flats. Even the Hofner Contemporary ships with rounds.

Joey, that would be this Jaco-esque bass.

Damn thing SURE looks good!

I wouldn't mind owning one, even if it needed a few mods...

rickenbrother wrote:Jazz Basses do not feel comfortable in my hands and I just can't get a tone out them that I like. However, I do enjoy hearing them when they are played fine bassists who love them.

+1

I was just really surprised to be disappointed by this particular Jazz. For a while it seemed like it was getting a "two thumbs up" from practically every reviewer. Maybe it was just related to the novelty of the finish, which harkens back to the Bass of Doom. I don't know. The main thing that bothered me was I couldn't get a sound out of this bass that I enjoyed.

The best Jazz I have played to date for tone is the Road Worn Jazz. It really surprised me as I didn't expect to like it! It also shipped with rounds, but it was fretted of course.

sloop_john_b wrote: Joey, that would be this Jaco-esque bass.

At that price, makes me wish I was comfortable with J-basses.

At that price, you could even afford to sand the lines off.

FretlessOnly wrote:At that price, you could even afford to sand the lines off.

That's just what I'd want to do!

After sanding those lines off you'd pretty much be left with just a neck! Talk about avant garde design.

Okay, then I'd paint it!

Color???

Pink! What did ya think?!

Hmm, not a color that I'd normally think of, but you know? It just might be crazy enough to work...