PFDarkside
Senior Member
- Messages
- 572
I’ve got a MIM Jazz V that has been my main bass for 25 years. I added a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz and Precision over the years to get access to the P sound and a more easily to play Jazz sound. My struggle with my Jazz V is that it just doesn’t have the authority on the low B. No matter what pickups and preamp, it’s weak. I’ve tuned it with high C several times. I’m looking for a 5 with the “modern” session/hifi/R&B type tone. Either Jazzes or soapbars with a preamp.
I’ve had the itch to build a Gecko for over a decade now but have never actually made an order. I’ve been looking at the site over and over and realize that the Deluxe Jazz V is kind of an improvement, it’s smaller, has a larger cutaway, can do rear and front route, etc. It’s also 34” as opposed to 35”. I’ve assumed the longer scale length will net the bigger B string, but maybe it’s not necessary with the SuperBass neck construction? Also 35” is a further reach than 34”.
For those that have played both the Gecko and Deluxe Jazz V, how do the compare from a feel/balance and tonal standpoint? Does the body positioning of the Gecko make the first fret easier to reach than it would be on the Jazz body? The Jazz body seems to have traditional locations for the pickups, how much rear shifted are the Gecko pickups, all things being equal?
I also realize on the jazz I can select 1-3/4” or 1-7/8” where the gecko is 1-7/8” or 2-3/16”, the later of which is just way too wide. Based on my experience with my Jazz V, I think the 1-7/8” is something I want to try anyway.
Just looking for a discussion on both basses.
I’ve had the itch to build a Gecko for over a decade now but have never actually made an order. I’ve been looking at the site over and over and realize that the Deluxe Jazz V is kind of an improvement, it’s smaller, has a larger cutaway, can do rear and front route, etc. It’s also 34” as opposed to 35”. I’ve assumed the longer scale length will net the bigger B string, but maybe it’s not necessary with the SuperBass neck construction? Also 35” is a further reach than 34”.
For those that have played both the Gecko and Deluxe Jazz V, how do the compare from a feel/balance and tonal standpoint? Does the body positioning of the Gecko make the first fret easier to reach than it would be on the Jazz body? The Jazz body seems to have traditional locations for the pickups, how much rear shifted are the Gecko pickups, all things being equal?
I also realize on the jazz I can select 1-3/4” or 1-7/8” where the gecko is 1-7/8” or 2-3/16”, the later of which is just way too wide. Based on my experience with my Jazz V, I think the 1-7/8” is something I want to try anyway.
Just looking for a discussion on both basses.
