Recommendations for best value active jazz bass under £1000?

SimonSays

SimonSays

Guest
Nov 3, 2016
22
6
4,551
#1
Hi,

I've been playing a Spector Rebop for about 6 months and at 5"7 I'm struggling to cope with the 35" scale and was looking to downsize the neck a little without losing too much growl to my tone. I've settled on a jazz bass and was wondering if any of you could help me out with some recommendations for what you think is the best value active jazz bass under £1000($)?

I've been looking at the Fender Deluxe Active Jazz Bass which seems to tick all the boxes. Does anyone have any hands on experience with this bass? And does anyone think the American Pro passive pick-ups are hot enough to (nearly) match the active tones of the MIM deluxe?

Best,

Simon
 
#4
I'd play one first. Not easy with that bass.
My friend bought one, waited a month for it, finally got it, and hated the neck.
I've been wanting to get my hands on one for quite some time...never had the opportunity to try his because he wasted no time sending it back.
Regardless, you might take a look at the Sterling Ray 34...this isn't the bargain bass SUB 4, this one's in a league of its own.
Don't let the single pickup fool you into thinking it's a one-trick pony...three band preamp is very versatile.
New color for 2017.
2cxdjtl.jpg
 
#5
jd56hawk said:
I'd play one first. Not easy with that bass.
My friend bought one, waited a month for it, finally got it, and hated the neck.
I've been wanting to get my hands on one for quite some time...never had the opportunity to try his because he wasted no time sending it back.
Regardless, you might take a look at the Sterling Ray 34...this isn't the bargain bass SUB 4, this one's in a league of its own.
Don't let the single pickup fool you into thinking it's a one-trick pony...three band preamp is very versatile.
New color for 2017.
2cxdjtl.jpg
Click to expand...

Oh, that's very interesting. Do you recall what exactly about the neck your friend did not like? I've always been sceptical of MIM fenders to be honest.

And that Sterling is sooo nice! What's the price range for this beast? Always loved the sound of musicman

Thanks
 
#6
He thought it was too wide or thick.
I can go with a P bass neck, myself, but not the baseball-bat necks.
The Sterling Ray 34 in Koa is $849 over here...15% off at Guitar Center so about $725.
Saw one of these used for $550 a few months ago.
Same model in Pearl White with black hardware.
154y0yo.jpg
 
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#8
As you're UK based are you near any Guitarguitar centres? They stock the Sterling Ray 34s for about £900 they also have a pretty good range so you would be able to compare it with Fenders, Ibáñez, Laklands etc. They don't stock the Sire v7 & V 9s though. Andertons do if you're anywhere near Guildford? The v9s look like they'd be a lot of bass for the money as Sire are trying to break into the uk market in a big way just now. I'm on the lookout for the same as you - an active jazz. I'm thinking either a deluxe or a second hand Marcus Miller as it has the passive option. I haven't tried the Stirling yet though and they do sound pretty good from what I've heard.
 
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