Choosing electronics for a new Fender Jazz

[pdeon99]

I intend to buy an active American Fender Jazz. Does the Deluxe model offer signsificant improvement over the standard offering pups and electronics? Since there is evidently a market for non-Fender replacement pups and electronics, what are their advantages - and your recommendations?

[Philbiker]

Fender stuff is perfectly adequate as it is, passive or active. Making changes detracts from value and vibe. If you're looking to customize I'd recommend going with a Valenti or Warmouth parts bass put together by a good local luthier. Then you get to choose everything!

[Doug Parent]

Most Guitar Center sales people would not know the answer. You might check the Fender web site.

The SCN pickups in the new MIA Deluxe basses sound great to me, and the 18 volt preamp is a great match. I have no idea what the "active" bass has in it for electronics. (For me, switching to an after-market pickup and trying new stuff out is half the adventure of owning a Fender, there's so many options. a different take)

If you check the threads on MIA Deluxe basses, you'll get a feel for how many people are happy with the sound. I think bang for the buck it's a great bass.

[EricF]

Whether or not the Deluxe is an "improvement" is only for you to decide. If you like the sound of active electronics, then have at it and enjoy.

There is a market for non-Fender replacement parts because people buy them. Again, "improvment" is for the user to decide.

Personally, I prefer passive electronics, and have found Lindy Fralin pickups to be fantastic. I also have no problem with modifying my basses if it makes it sound/play/feel/look better to me. I could care less whether or not it affects the resale value - I buy instruments to play them, not sell them. (IMO, YMMV, etc.)