NBD - Recreating my first Bass, but Better - Fender Mod Shop Jazz Bass

[tbonesullivan]

So, I've been a sucker for Fender Jazz basses since I first saw one in 1994 in the hands of the bassist for the high school jazz band. I was able to pick up my own MIM Fender Standard Jazz bass in Lake Placid Blue probably around 1995, and that was my bass that I learned to play bass on (Thanks mel bay!). I played for two years in the high school jazz band on that bass, played in my first band on it, went to college with it, and really enjoyed it.  However It did start to have things that made it not as fun to play, and I think it was never quire set up correctly. They also used non RWRP pickups, and both the bridge and neck pickups are the same size, or at least they were in those days, so finding aftermarket pickups that fit right was problematic. I eventually sold it off after a semi-successful attempt to modify it for standard size noiseless pickups.

After the Fender mod shop opened, I came up with the idea of making / recreating that bass, except it would be a USA model with a more modern neck and radius, as well as better pickups and just better build quality. They recently had been throwing 10% off everything coupons at everything, and then they brought out some new options, which were going to be free for a while. Well, one of those was a neck with a rosewood fretboard and block inlays. No binding, but i LOVE block inlays on a jazz bass. Pulled the trigger a few weeks back, and went for the "Corona Classic" pickups, which are supposed to be like the pickups from the American Standard years - well balanced and no harsh highs like many say the V-MOD pickups have. Neck is a "Slim C", which is a bit thinner than the "modern C".

Well, now it's here! Checked it over thoroughly, and the only "problem" is that the setup is not to my liking, but that will be rectified shortly. I'm also considering putting flats on it, or maybe ground rounds, mainly to contrast from the more aggressive sound of the Geddy Lee bass I also have. For now I'm gonna stick with the stock Fender roundwounds. If I change the strings I'll probably keep it as a through body bass. It came with some adjustment wrenches, and the new Fender cases, which I really like. I think now I'm pretty much set for Basses except for getting a Rick 4003S. Now I've gotta decide if one of my Stingray 5's should move on, though they are actually VERY different sounding, so there's really not a reason to.

[mrjamiam]

Congrats and enjoy!  My high school owned its own bass, so while that meant I didn't have to buy one, it also meant that I didn't have one of my own, and I can tell you that I have not given a single thought to recreating that old Peavey.  I'm glad things worked out for you.

[tbonesullivan]

15 minutes ago, mrjamiam said:

Congrats and enjoy!  My high school owned its own bass, so while that meant I didn't have to buy one, it also meant that I didn't have one of my own, and I can tell you that I have not given a single thought to recreating that old Peavey.  I'm glad things worked out for you.

I mowed lawns to save up for the bass, so it kinda meant a bunch to me in that way. Unfortunately even though it's a "classic" color, Fender only seems to want to put it on either the squier and mexican basses, or on the super high end "vintage reissue" models with relic'd finishes. I just wanted a new bass in LPB, and now I have one.

[crunchee]

Nice bass, congrats!  Aren't Jazz Basses supposed to have a slim neck anyway?  At least my MIM JB mutt (stock 'Road Worn' nitro-finish body with a Standard fretless JB neck) seems to be.  And what are 'modern neck' features for a Jazz Bass to begin with?

Edited November 8, 2024 by crunchee

[tbonesullivan]

4 minutes ago, crunchee said:

Nice bass, congrats!  Aren't Jazz Basses supposed to have a slim neck anyway?  At least my MIM JB mutt (stock 'Road Worn' nitro-finish body with a Standard fretless JB neck) seems to be.  And what are 'modern neck' features for a Jazz Bass to begin with?

I know that the Geddy Lee jazz bass I have has a "thicker than normal" neck, and that for years during the "American Standard" era they used a "modern C", but this is a "Slim C". However I have no idea how either of those compares to the vintage spec, and of course Fenders diagrams are less them helpful. I know that neck thicknesses will always vary a bit, but they could at least have put some way for people to really tell what it's going to feel like. It does however feel REALLY comfortable.

[DaveL]

Love jazz basses.   For some reason I like large necks on guitars but slimmer necks on basses.   
 

  Ditto on mismatched sizes on jazz bass pickups.  Aaargghh.