Gear lust – Fender Jazz bass

Marcus Miller Jazz Bass

I’ve owned quite a few musical instruments, many of which I don’t own today (guitars, amps, basses, etc.). As much as I would have liked to keep them, it was near impossible to buy a new one without trading another to get the cash. Right now at the top my wishlist is a 4-string Fender Jazz bass (US or Japan, I’m not choosy). If you’ve ever held one of these babies you’ll understand my desire for this fine piece of craftsmanship.

Before I’d tried out the Fender I was adamant that I wanted a Lakland (apparently this is pronounced “Lakeland”) after trying it out at Andy McGibbon’s Guitar World. Me’Shell Ndegéocello, Concord Nkabinde and Pino Palladino play these so yeah, artist endorsements work wonders The price tag quickly put me off the Laklands but they sure do make mighty fine instruments. Actually, the Fenders aren’t that much cheaper but I think that they have a good range from the Squires to artist signature models.

I did a quick search for Fender basses at the newly talked about ebay.co.za. It’s been useless to me in that none of the listed items are available locally nor do the sellers ship to SA. Even the local Craigslist is pretty bare right now. I guess Bidorbuy and Gumtree need not worry about competition for a while.

Anyway, in the attached picture is the marvel that is the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass. Ain’t it pretty?