American Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass VS Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass

[siote]

Hi, anyone here who has tried the 2012 Fender American Series Jazz Bass both 4-string and 5-string version? I'm thinking of buying one but I'm torn between these two. I really wanted to go back to 5 strings but I also like the pickups of the 4 strings version... Are there a lot of differences between the American Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass (5 strings) VS Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass (4 strings)?

Btw, We don't have access to these basses in this side of the planet so I won't be able to try them out first before purchasing.

Thanks.

[mikecd1]

Hi, five string and four string basses just have different sounds to begin with even with the same manufacturer and model. Just the dynamic of a bigger body, neck and fingerboard add something to the equation. The custom shop pickups might have a bit more growl, but the singles on the fiver are nice standard singles. They are not overwound like the 4 string version so that would be a difference also. I noticed it, but this is not a fair comparison by any means - if you're a 5 string player go for the five and likewise if you favor 4 strings. If you want a bass voiced with the custom shop 60's pickups you've already made up your mind. Good luck, let us know what you decide.