I got a fender squire p bass a few years back and upgraded some components and it sounds and plays well. I only had a 5 string Traben before that but wanted a 4 string to noodle on so went cheaper. I always wanted an American Jazz but I'll definitely go a different route. I was eyeing Sire basses a couple of years back, so maybe I'll check them out again. I got a nice used 7 string schecter guitar a year or so back and have been really happy with that, so I might look that direction. Regardless, there are many other quality options outside of fender.