Fender American Special Jazz OR Fender Deluxe Active Jazz ???? Help !!!

Tom_Lancaster · #1 11-13-2011, 08:42 PM

I'm after a new bass and I'm stuck choosing between a fender american special jazz and a fender deluxe active jazz bass. Has anybody got any experience with either or know of any better basses for the same money ? Cheers guys !!

Mikio · #2 11-13-2011, 08:46 PM

If the Deluxe is NOT american then screw it, go for the special.

boristhespider9 · #3 11-13-2011, 08:52 PM

If you want a classic Fender sound, then you go for the passive pickups which I believe is the American Special. Personally, I'd save up a few more bucks and buy an American Standard. Make a lifetime purchase rather than going halfway. You'll be happier in the end, trust me.

BassBob1 · #4 11-13-2011, 08:53 PM

Can you go and play either one? If so go play them. If not here's what you have to know. Do you have experience with active basses? Do you like them? The neck profile on the american special is different than other jazz basses. It is a bit thinner front to back and the back of it feels flat, more of a shallow D shape than most modern C shaped necks. Neither would be my ideal bass because I don't care very much for active basses and I cant stand the neck on the American special. Why not save a little more for an American standard?

Tom_Lancaster · #5 11-13-2011, 08:53 PM

The deluxe is not american sadly. I do prefer the look of the special because of the maple fretboard. Cheers

Tom_Lancaster · #6 11-13-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBob1

Can you go and play either one? If so go play them. If not here's what you have to know. Do you have experience with active basses? Do you like them? The neck profile on the american special is different than other jazz basses. It is a bit thinner front to back and the back of it feels flat, more of a shallow D shape than most modern C shaped necks. Neither would be my ideal bass because I don't care very much for active basses and I cant stand the neck on the American special. Why not save a little more for an American standard?

I already play Ibanez and ESP active basses and have for a while avoided the jazz bass for some reason but now I feel it is time to venture into J Bass. I guess I'll just try and find a couple to play. Is the standard really much better ?

boristhespider9 · #7 11-13-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_Lancaster

I already play Ibanez and ESP active basses and have for a while avoided the jazz bass for some reason but now I feel it is time to venture into J Bass. I guess I'll just try and find a couple to play. Is the standard really much better ?

The American Standard Jazz and Precisions are the STANDARD by which all other Fenders -- and really all other basses -- are compared to. Yes, they are better. They are heritage instruments that are lifetime purchases. The cheaper versions have their place in the market, but from what I remember the ones you're talking about are only a few hundred less. You'll find, right or wrong, that when you own a Fender, it starts with the American Standard and goes up from there. You can get an American Standard for 10-20% off at Musician's Friend or other stores during their sales (you just have to call and ask for it). It's worth it.

BassBob1 · #8 11-13-2011, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_Lancaster

Is the standard really much better ?

That you'll have to decide. Short answer, yes. I own on 08 american standard jazz and haven't played another I would trade mine for. The neck on the special i find a similar to that of an ibanez (which I also don't like the feel of) so you may like it. If you don't mind the look the road worn jazz is also great. The best thing you can do is play all the j's you can and that will give you a good idea of what you'll like. All us TB'ers can do is really give you our opinions so take them with a grain of salt.

canadian*eh · #9 11-13-2011, 09:09 PM

Deluxe All That Way...As Long as you can get the AM DLX!!! Thats What I have and love it!!!

DeathFromBelow · #10 11-14-2011, 12:24 AM

I don't understand all the hate the American Specials get here on Talkbass.

I've owned an AmSpec jazz for a couple of months now, and it is without a doubt a lifetime purchase, nothing halfway about it at all, GREAT bass!

Ignore the snobs and decide for yourself.

Motasimo · #11 11-14-2011, 12:37 AM

In April I picked up an american special Jazz and I have not regretted the purchase for one day. That is a quality bass through and through and I could have had any of the American fender series and I choose that one. I played about 50-100 different basses and I found the one that was right for me. I must have played it in store for over an hour and from the first minute I know that I would have that bass for the rest of my life. The important thing is to play a bunch of different basses and find out what you like best. The Am Special Jazz would not be a bad choice at all.