Looking For Recommendations on a Quality Jazz 5 String

Federighi

Federighi

Jun 19, 2011
606
309
4,641
Monterey, CA
#1
Hey TB'ers!

Primarily looking for a passive 5 string J bass (or active w bypass). New or used ok. Dark fingerboards (ebony, rosewood, pau ferro, etc) preferred but not a deal breaker.

I'd like to spend somewhere around $1.5 but could stretch my budget to $2.5k give or take for something really special.

I think I might like a nice MIA/MIJ Fender reissue. I've also seen some very fine boutique clones out there that look awesome too but not seeing many 5 options available imo.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
#4
Federighi said:
Hey TB'ers!

Primarily looking for a passive 5 string J bass (or active w bypass). New or used ok. Dark fingerboards (ebony, rosewood, pau ferro, etc) preferred but not a deal breaker.

I'd like to spend somewhere around $1.5 but could stretch my budget to $2.5k give or take for something really special.

I think I might like a nice MIA/MIJ Fender reissue. I've also seen some very fine boutique clones out there that look awesome too but not seeing many 5 options available imo.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Keep an eye out for something from Bacchus that's made in Japan. Many of those are borderline sublime!!

Bacchus also has more affordable imports built in the Philippines and perhaps Indonesia, etc., but every one of their instruments I've ever seen up close that came from Japan was spectacular.

The other label that can potentially blow away most of what's produced by Fender is Maruszczyk. They're based in Poland. As far as I can tell, these guys are probably making some of the very best FSO's (Fender Shaped Objects) available to mere mortals such as ourselves. You can even have a look at their custom build options and see if you can have them build the bass you want within your budget. (no, I'm not affiliated with them) In either case, get ready to :drool::drool::drool: :

www.public-peace.de
 
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#8
Federighi said:
I've been looking for Roscoe V on and off for years. Love to have one.
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Just saw one on SF Craigslist yesterday (no connection to sale): 1997 Fender USA 5 string Roscoe Beck Bass V, passive - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

I will also pile on the Bacchus handmade recommendation - I have a Momose '70s style J bass made in the same "Deviser Aska" factory, it's probably my favorite overall in almost 40 years of playing.

If you don't mind 35" scale and can find a reasonably light one, a Lakland Skyline DJ-5 is worthy of consideration.
 
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#9
#14
Federighi said:
Hey TB'ers!

Primarily looking for a passive 5 string J bass (or active w bypass). New or used ok. Dark fingerboards (ebony, rosewood, pau ferro, etc) preferred but not a deal breaker.

I'd like to spend somewhere around $1.5 but could stretch my budget to $2.5k give or take for something really special.

I think I might like a nice MIA/MIJ Fender reissue. I've also seen some very fine boutique clones out there that look awesome too but not seeing many 5 options available imo.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Just posted this afternoon:
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-american-standard-jazz-v-suhr-era-1195.1630061/

May be local as well.
 
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#15
In your situation I’d have a hard time not getting the sire v10. Looks great and their preamp design is better than many in my opinion.
Also in passive or active mode, the tone control works.
I have several sires and the QC has been much better than otter brands at much higher prices that I won’t mention.
 
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#18
What kind of neck profile are you looking for?

Sadowsky Metro
Lakland DJ5
Sandberg
G&L
I mean there are so many good options in that price range. Are you looking for used or new?
 
#20
Maruszcyk Elwoods are fantastic if you have 2.5k

upload_2023-11-20_18-45-10.png
 
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