Fender [Artist Series] Marcus Miller Jazz Bass - Natural user reviews ( 8/10) - 11 user reviews

• 03/03/09

  timloudon's review

  Characteristics

  I don't have the natural finish bass, I have it in Olympic White (cream), but that's the only difference. It was 'crafted' in Japan and has the classic fret number, the grand total of 20, with two vintage style single coil Jazz Bass pickups. Along with quite a thin maple neck, with lovely pearl inlays and a nicely varnished surface. The bass has the added bonus of a Leo Quon Badass Bass II bridge - a big chunk of metal that helps sustain. The addition of an active circuit within this bass is great (and hence the weird shaped pick-guard). You have the ability to control the volume of each pickup, and with the active circuit engaged (flipping the active/passive switch) you can boost the deep lows and sparkly highs for a crisp and clear tone. The neck pickup cover can also be removed, as it isn't for everybody.

  Utilization

  This bass is a pleasure to play. With a thin and well varnished neck, you'll have no trouble playing. It's set up pretty much like any other Fender Jazz Bass, so access to the high notes is easy. It seems to weigh more than your average Jazz Bass, but a good strap should sort that problem out.

  Sounds

  Firstly, this is a very bright sounding bass. I currently have a set of DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams on it, but even with an old dead set it still has a trebly crunch to it. I have the action quite low, so fret buzz does tend to be a problem- but that all depends on what type of music you're playing and how you intend to use it. Since there's no tone control built into the bass, you only have the ability to mix the sounds from each pickup, and boost the bass and treble, but that's all you'll need.
  
  
  
  There is one problem however. This bass seems to be rather susceptible to hum and interference. This is because the bass isn't shielded properly. I got someone to help me fix this using this guide ( http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.php/Silencing_the_Noise_on_a_Marcus_Miller_Signature_Bass ). It's well worth doing it, as I now have a very silent bass (see the results here ( http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40480&st=0&p=418288&#entry418288 ))!

  Overall Opinion

  Overall, a great bass. Somewhat limited in it's versatility, so I wouldn't buy this expecting to get a warm vintage sound, that's not what it's for.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• 01/26/11

  FNiobey's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Lower professional"

  Characteristics

  Made in Japan with U.S. parts. The top. I found the preamp proper. ATTENTION, I do not want anyone upset. Do not misunderstand what I say. It is a low for qualified instrumentalists. Not the kind of preamp which gives the same sound to a seasoned bass player and a beginner. We all began. It is not all become seasoned. It is a tool for professional studio and more, or scene very "sharp", if you know what I mean ... She came with big strings. The metal cover of the medium is the "secret key of this bass. Why?
  
  I can not tell you. It is a secret .... But one must have several years of practice. It is also a low for the musician, not just a "bassist". It is heavy as a pro tool.

  Utilization

  The handle is nice. The more you work, the better it goes. Good. It is a basse.Pour do small birds, try the piccolo ...

  Sounds

  It is suitable for all styles of music if you know the play. She does not play alone. Frankly this kind of instrument, the sound it is you who do ... If you did not sound, it does the aura out of place. There are other low for this ...

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 6 months. No problem to the mix. It melts into the orchestra. I have had jazz bass 70 Schecter, Epiphone, Ibanez, Music Man 5, Wasburn 5, EMG Fender, Squier Precision 80, fretless yamaha, Kramer (Kramer cons) with iron handle. Not bad weight too ... It is a transparent low. As you play, it will play.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 07/02/10

  arnoroussel's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A Good Stew! A fly ..."

  Characteristics

  Made in Japan ... other reviews are quite explicit!
  
  The handle is a jazz bass 21 frets.
  
  Two microphones JB ... preamp: talking about! NIL + + +
  
  After that is used as a Jazz standard ...

  Utilization

  Channel: ben is jazz bass, I admit the varnish is very beautiful!
  
  For cons: it weighs a ton! When I was playing I felt like I have an aircraft carrier on the shoulders! In addition, I do not know why, but it is very disproportionate! If you do not 1 min 80, then flee! It is by seeing the videos I've found that I looked ridiculous! Looks like you're playing with a bass twice as large as a standard jazz bass (I had some!)
  
  
  
  Access to acute: it is therefore JB!
  
  
  
  The sound: see below ... But it is a problem. Not passive but active! the cata!

  Sounds

  Okay so like, "Soucy"! In liabilities, it was the sound of a Fender Jazz bass standard mex like all the world know how to do ... Nothing transcendental! We said yes but there's the preamp! And that mistake! It sucks!
  
  If you want to use this low, operate, switch on preamp (Aguilar, Sadowski, etc. ...) I do not know what they have, but it is a real m ...
  
  I played on the GK, Eden, etc. ... And impossible to have a sound worthy of a bass at this price! Frankly I do not understand that one side as the low capacity seen it a. .. But GM has signed top right, so must absorb!

  Overall Opinion

  I kept 2 years ... I had trouble selling it because I had so much saved me the crack, as in "dreaming" (but I've never played!) Often!
  
  I ended up selling it because my back was begging me and my ears were tired of leaving nothing to correct! So I ended up selling it, because it is easily searched!
  
  I sincerely tried a JB Mex at the guy who had set me (and yes I was hoping to get something!). And frankly I suggested beh traded him! He was hallucinating!
  
  
  
  Value for money: Ben Squier Vintage modified for a préampo of shit it is expensive! Today I would take a VM from JB Squier and I would put a good Sadowsky preamp! And there! Wow ... I am not resentful towards Fender I had JB, and here I have a PB Jap! So ... I have nothing against them, just on the model system signatures (this is the case for MM) are unaffordable and unjustified hauteement!
  
  
  
  For those who doubt my opinion, there's the photo of the bass and me on my profile ..
  
  I know that my opinion is only my opinion! God knows I love run mapple 7ender and in particular ... But there is outright abuse!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 05/30/08

  san-antonio's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Well mine Fender MM has very little to do with the original model: micro exchange for a pair of simple Bartolini, Hipshot added to move the bass string to D, replaced by other mechanical Schaller, corrector tonalite adds, Sadowsky preamp in place and the infamous Fender PLCE home, rewiring a switch for selection of microphones in parallel / series and shielding of the entire beast + ........... Strap-locks ... :-)).
  
  So my opinion on the original model remains reserve because I have not played one for ages.
  
  I actually keeps the exceptional violin what, what round, the Badass and supersedes all the rest ...
  
  Scalability is complete: you can go very very lon with a sum of changes that end to end are barely at the rate of "any" Stingray, completely buried on the spot ... So no 10, because of the original preamp simply unspeakable ...

  Utilization

  As mentioned above: a perfect round. There is no more than 20 boxes? And so, it prevents a Marcus Miller to be the one of the greatest bassists on the planet? Moreover, the concept remains a low IMHO to do .... low. Therefore wrong problem. 10/10.
  
  
  
  Access to treble is very good, but I did not know it was for a low to make the high .....
  
  
  
  The ergonomics are perfect, apart from the weight of rail railway. I weigh 110 kg and measuring 1.93 m, so no pb to ProRes, but if you measure 1.60 m, eesaayez it in stores with a strap, standing for a good 1/2h before the jump ....
  
  
  
  7 for weight ...

  Sounds

  Sound, broad topic. A JB principle is the bass hard to make it sound: Jazz game in mid-bass rich and warm impose a huge pressure of the fingers of his right hand on the strings at the bridge. As for the dead CONTRL notes, it involves a real gym left hand. However, when you get there, it's pure magic: there's nothing ds competition which approximates in any way. It just sounds right ..... at least one of both the preamp dung thrown away (it clamp the instrument!) Also, some complain about the lack of medium and it's true. The problem is the lack of tone control at all. Add a condo with knob can cut the treble.
  
  For its "almost Pasto but more modern and more fishing" with my Sadowsky and Barto, I put it in force, pushing the bass half way, tone controls a fifth of its stroke and acute background. Couple with the Ampeg SVT5-pro, the sound is just huge.
  
  I slapper lot, a lot. The position has two microphones donf, boost serious cleat, a sharp boost 4 / 5, allows tonalite up to the big slap marcus.
  
  But I saved the best for last: in position series, the two microphones provide a sound and a size of a potato has a Music Man dismount. Reggae is transfigured, but also the punk rock Stranglers: a good boost Acute +
  
  As for metal, I do not even speak. It's simple once edited, no style scares him.
  
  I play funk, jazz, French pop, metal and a little reggae. She is at ease everywhere.
  
  But watch this versatility comes at a price: the improvement with patience and serious.
  
  And it's 11/10.

  Overall Opinion

  I bought it new in 1997. So 11 years of loyal service. The fact that the reputation that want instrrument sounds better with time ...... bven's true!
  
  
  
  I had to try a low 30aines all prices before buying. She outclassed them all, just let the original ...
  
  
  
  What I like most:
  
  - You handle rules with onions and touch you there every 10 years (and again): it does not move!
  
  - At this price it's an absolute basis for improvement.
  
  
  
  Minimum:
  
  - The screen is not original name, the original pickups sound bad, but buzzent, buzzent ...
  
  - Mechanisms are blah.
  
  - The Fender Service (then) the most corrupt in the history of music.
  
  
  
  If I redeem the same? At this price it KDO !!!!! And as I have not played that I like as much (can be Sandberg's note) since I have, in your opinion?
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 05/10/08

  funky-bassist's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Low assemble parts in Japan with USD (japanese violin making is as good as this bass for US)
  
  Low 20 frets (sometimes a bit limited if seen doing solos that go on high). 2 more frets would not refuse
  
  The Bridge is a Badbass 2 (a simply has nothing do with the bridge on the Fender Standard. Much more comfortable, he led his best and I'm not talking about the slap ....
  
  Overall I use the switch when I slapper assets and liabilities otherwise (because less precision in assets with the Fender preamp) I Cpendant cahng for the Sadowski and I think my settings and will change. Otherwise I am usually very balanced between the two microphones.
  
  The handle ... that is, it's a highway. very enjoyable to the touch, very late .. in short it must be tested and you will like it especially if like me you have small hands.

  Utilization

  The handle is a strength of this low, the last frets are easily reached. It is a heavy bass SUPRA especially if you weigh 60 kg with me, but if that's the price to pay for a sound like a. .. has no problem. I suggest you buy a good strap drawback though if you buy it.
  
  For well I think that even if a kid goes awry and all deriere, bass Sonera well. For more serious the microphones are of good quality in active preamp with the original not to push too much or you'll lose too much precision in sound. With sado: treat yourself.
  
  Everything is perfect I put a 9 because of the weight

  Sounds

  I play all the time Miller was right for me so yeah lol. I am currently on the drift and blues and much more has come!
  
  Actually what is nice is that you can play anything like his sign but there is something more than other fender did not.
  
  Is obtained from its fat drum and bass preamp with shoots in his grave Pastorius through the slaps the miller (not fun!)
  
  I am slap sound branch slamming the miller and sounds very big type of miller silver rain. When I started curling too less: hence the precision of the adjustment of the bridge to get out of these two sounds with the same setting.
  
  Say anything about the sound! perfect

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for six months but has nine years the sound changes with age and also the look: dark wood, and I much prefer the look of my MM 9 years to new.
  
  I want to say it is a low spiral: there is always finding a new sound, new combinations ... especially if you change the preamp. Moin also notice this. If you have a good amp, the Fender preamp of origin is correct (even if you lose a little precision sound. So I advise to go Sadowski (there is also advises aguilar but I do not know what a is apparently ... more funk).
  
  I love the neck of this bass and I really say anything about the rest, a super for me: the bass I need and now when I try other brands I am deu general.
  
  Bin the report quality how to say it's great stuff but what is the price is right: you do not get ripped off. For perfection count after 250 euros budget for the update Sadowski.
  
  I do it again this choice without a doubt!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 02/05/08

  Tibo1987's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See previous ones opinion.
  
  
  
  The mcaniques turn upside down lol!
  
  
  
  I put 10, RAS ... (TFW mcaniques the change if you are picky), but given the price of linstrument ..... !

  Utilization

  The handle is the best lment this low. Gnial.
  
  It PSE jsuis weight but has a big guy so I like.
  
  THAT 20 frets, it's still lightweight, but it is a Jazz I knew when you buy!
  
  His killer, I did not change the electronics, in fact I played in the liability for a while I think eyeGO continue as a one time.
  
  
  
  I put 10 even though there are only 20 frets

  Sounds

  Genre Jazz Funk Fusion
  
  
  
  Funk for me, gnial on the bridge pickup rhauss hair from the original rglage (OK it almost touches the strings!) What's what a sound! and the neck pickup for the slap, very good, nice highs, nice bass, I love fat enough.
  
  
  
  BMOL, the tones are not passive, we would have AIM acute ability to cut Passive ...
  
  
  
  I put in 9 a.

  Overall Opinion

  Global Reviews Bah, for me it is THE low that I needed so I put 10. I found no equivalent today. I tried quite a few models before you buy (750 doccaz, ja Zuper matter!). It is for me over many models in its price range and even above, after it is a matter of taste, the only advice I can give is try LA or rather if you have no sub , do not try it you may die dy.
  
  
  
  There is much talk of changing the pramp poour a Sadowsky or Aguilar ... I would stick my TFW one day but for now is fine with me (especially since I play passsif)
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 09/01/07

  Mr Ciao's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  The Marcus Miller JB is a low-assembled in Japan with spices US
  
  2 single coil 75 '
  
  Bad Ass II bridge which boosts the bass sustain
  
  2 knobs for the volume of micro severe acute microwave, 2 knobs for the preamp (bass / treble) and a switch active / passive
  
  The handle ... perfect, stack it takes incredible comfort.

  Utilization

  Channel 20 frets (I wish I had a 24 frets), there is perfect ms incredible comfort.
  
  The two breaks dernires remain accessible but has not the ergonomics of an F or example noguera
  
  In some settings and with a good quality amp (EBS, Mark Bass, Eden for the wealthy) we obtain a large range of sound and including that of Marcus (much embellished with the Sadowsky preamp), of its vintage, Modern ... a killing

  Sounds

  Sounds perfect for the styles I like: Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Soul. I play a little mark II head and a 500W speaker Mark Bass 104HF, the sound is fantastic, this bass has bass and treble trs presents, may be missing a few mediums. I especially like the sound "Marcus Miller" for the slap and if I cut the mic often serious finger when I play, it gives a dry, precise, or close to its Pasto Caron with a little less mediums. Slap in the micro bottom is obtained almost the "Alembic" (Stanley Clarke ... This bass is extremely versatile, it is ideal for the dub, reggae, jazz, funk, rock and modern techniques, tapping, poping. ..

  Overall Opinion

  I use it since 2002. I play more than 1 hour a day on it, again, right left, lugs around a holiday ... I still have not had to change one piece, the handle does not move a muscle (I recalcitran just a button that is trying to make the often difficult, dc must regularly Resser, ms c a trifle). I had the opportunity to test bass (Alembic, F, Foedora ...) and bcp fender, Warwick. Without exaggerated heads in c marks there must be 5000 for the equivalent of its marcus. The only downside and it's size, it buzzed a lot (I will test out the microphone vintage "Noiseless" of fender ms g lest they change the sound).
  
  Cepeda report quality price is incredible ... Buy the eyes closed
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 07/22/06

  blackrose1402's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Made in japan see the features on the site fender
  
  on the other hand I installed a premapli Sadowsky preamp in place of the original and now it is no longer the same low level sound!

  Utilization

  Access aus acute ... ben c a jazz bass so it's suitable
  
  What fender good ergonomics ...
  
  with the preamp sadoswsky we really sound identical marcus miller and the output level is also higher 'in the config with this it has nothing to envy to my Fodera Emperor II and my fbass

  Sounds

  I play everything
  
  I play on markbass
  
  I get everything I want and it sounds better than a Sadowsky (I wanted to take but after installing the preamp sad, Well there was no need!
  
  preamp with no sound is sad that I hate it became perfect!

  Overall Opinion

  I have since 2000 and I believe I installed the Sadowsky preamp over in June so this is not the normal model since the preamp of a fender is really shit
  
  what I like more the look and sound it became really my main 4 string thunder as it sounds I advise also to all the owners to install this low inter alia, oversee the Sadowsky preamp I guarantee you will amazed! (Although a bit expensive in ca worth really worth it!)
  
  The value for money is perfect!
  
  I remake that choice again but only a condition to change the preamp which is a home on the bass!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 05/30/06

  Wolstenholme's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  My opinion is the Marcus Miller 4 string Japanese bass that is assembled in Japan but all the pieces are American!
  
  20 boxes, there are 2 microphones as all the Jazz Bass with a microphone volume for each microphone. Both are excellent mics '75 it sounds: powerful vintage and modern at once!
  
  This bass is passive / active with a switch: there are two other potentiometers which are used to add bass and treble of the other (do not walk in assets)
  
  Badass bass bridge 2 excellent quality (great sustain)
  
  Body in natural white or black: mine is naturally very beautiful excellent finish (though you look more closely we see some small cracks in the glaze behind in terms of fixing the sleeve).
  
  Mother of pearl inlay in the handle of the most beautiful effect!
  
  Two points more negative: the poor quality of mechanical and more turning backwards as the jazz bass Marcus: I have them replaced with Schaller. And electronics (as it will irritate some) Fender is perfectible!

  Utilization

  Handle a great jazz bass what, neither too broad nor too narrow
  
  Access to acute perfect whatever one may regret that there have only 20 boxes! (But it's a good jazz!)
  
  Weighs against it by a lot ...

  Sounds

  I play the Rock as yet any Jazz Bass is powerful versatile it sounds hot round (although I realize it may seem paradoxical). But it's still a machine ... Slapper She is sorely lacking in medium, but against it has everything it takes to slapper: nice bass and nice treble. It is fairly snapping.
  
  Micros changed for Seymour Duncan rich medium: Sadowsky preamp with 2 band in the combination looks really good!

  Overall Opinion

  Well initially it seemed like a perfect low but over time I preview of its shortcomings:
  
  -It is very poorly shielded (buzz)
  
  -Electronics in the original is rather average
  
  The micro-lacking versatility.
  
  
  
  Now having said that it remains a good low (I re-changed the shielding micro-electro-changed the mechanics changed ... This increases all the bill ... What makes the average value ... But again it all depends what you want to do with: the slap is very cool original).
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 08/10/05

  Davy1975's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Pass me the expression, but a lot of people masturbating on the brain but the US was an exceptional Japanese. Of all the spices are fawn American made and assembled in Japan but has good remains a tremendous job.
  
  
  
  Well it's a Jazz Bass or so if you want more box, must choose another! there are 20 and not more. But it Yadji good way to get much pleasure believe me.
  
  
  
  Pouahhh the bridge: Outstanding! is a Badass Bass II. I take prt paris if you put the machine son instead of strings and well you would still incredible sustain. I play on the Ernie Ball 95-45 Bah sounds and tapping the attack STRID and slap.
  
  
  
  Rglages level, there is not much to say except that it is happiness. Indeed, the microphones are adjustable, one by one in the volume. it is active and passive thanks a switch accessible trs. the only thing we could regret is that the Tone is adjustable in both the active position but good was part of the instrument.
  
  
  
  The handle, the handle ?????? what to say except that it's velvet. it slides perfectly too big or too thin with a pronounced radius but this is normal and we are not at home fender Ibanez. etc.).

  Utilization

  The handle is homogne, enjoyable and easy and does not cre surprise in the fast passages (up or down range, slides etc.). It's a fender so you do not find a tree trunk in his hands.
  
  
  
  As for the Accessibility assistive Aiges to say anything, well that's great and easy.
  
  
  
  Ergonomics, personally, I am convinced by Fender? I tried one before buying the Spector Marcus Miller. Spector's true good is the great balance. You put it on your knee in sitting position, she held in balance by itself but good when you play with this kind of instrument is to include the Rock so the seat positrion who cares. The bridge which is located above the microphone is a bit surprising, it's true but what is it that a gnial lets discuss other fawns playing.
  
  
  
  The sound is simply poustouflant bah. dja it is active so a can play in two colors of sound. then it is versatile. I play dasn a group where we make again and composed. j arrive with produce sounds useful for making morceaus Cranberries ranging from System of a Down through Marylin Manson and Pearl Jam. jous I solo a little jazz and a password too. derrire my Marcus Miller I have a Ampeg BA 115 HP (220 watts) bah no shit it is a compromise IDAL. The harmonics sound everywhere.

  Sounds

  Yes it is so versatile all sounds are accessible but effective rock trs. my amp and an Ampeg BA 115 hp and the two together make a duly shuffled.

  Overall Opinion

  I play for 17h now, it's 4 am 'and I did not let the bass. But before I did the essay longuememt magazine. I love this bridge on the microphone to give a play by other perpsectuives s obligation to adapt. poiur Adrangi ones, just the dvisser
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• Page: 1
• 2
• 
•