NBD - Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass

audiomitch · #1 12-02-2012, 05:02 PM

Wow! I haven't bought a brand new bass in many years, but at this price it's almost like buying used

Love the sound of the double split P pickups, it's pretty growly and meaty. So far I don't see any need to replace the pickups, but my opinion may change over time. I also like the bridge.

Very nice bass, especially for the money. Woo hoo!

gjbassist · #2 12-02-2012, 05:05 PM

Nice!

bearplayingbass · #3 12-02-2012, 05:23 PM

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I used a Fender Blacktop Jazz pickguard... Will that get me in? haha

PBnJBassist · #4 12-02-2012, 08:38 PM

The bridges that come stock on those Blacktops are (imo) the best high mass bridges so far. Deep grooved barrels, even deeper string ball grove so it hides the steing ends, and has those 2 sides that keep the saddles from moving. Best answer to the Gotoh brigde yet, wish they sold them seperately, but I digress.

I've had a chance to play both blacktop models and each on just rocks. Aggressive growl and amazing value. Wish they came in differnet colors though...

El-Bob · #5 12-02-2012, 08:41 PM

I bet it sounds monstrous through that GK rig!

Mastermold · #6 12-02-2012, 08:44 PM

What's it sound like? Same as a P-bass I'm guessing?

audiomitch · #7 12-02-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

What's it sound like? Same as a P-bass I'm guessing?

More like a Jazz Bass on steroids. The bridge pickup makes a big difference. Turn off the bridge pickup and it sounds like a PBass

Mastermold · #8 12-02-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomitch

More like a Jazz Bass on steroids. The bridge pickup makes a big difference. Turn off the bridge pickup and it sounds like a PBass

Makes sense, probably a bit similar to my old P-bass Elite II which had the same double P pickup configuration (but active electronics).

audiomitch · #9 12-02-2012, 09:41 PM

Here's a little test beat I did tonight. It's a pretty grindy sound I was going after, but grind really comes kinda naturally to this bass

You have to wait a few seconds for the player to pop up -

Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass test

Sni77 · #10 12-02-2012, 10:13 PM

Sounds bad ass! You got a keeper there. Nice playing

Mastermold · #11 12-02-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomitch

Here's a little test beat I did tonight. It's a pretty grindy sound I was going after, but grind really comes kinda naturally to this bass

You have to wait a few seconds for the player to pop up -

Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass test

Ooooh that sounds mean! Nice!

Dr. Cheese · #12 12-02-2012, 11:25 PM

I like that sound! Great playing too! Those Blacktops have sick slap tone too.

audiomitch · #13 12-02-2012, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sni77

Sounds bad ass! You got a keeper there. Nice playing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

Ooooh that sounds mean! Nice!

Thanks! I'm loving this little bass so far. I've had a love/hate relationship with Jazz Basses for years. Love the way they play, hate the way they sound. This bass kind of bridges that gap so far, but I admit I'm still in the honeymoon period.

Fender is coming out with some interesting stuff lately. I'm also eyeing the Modern Player Telecaster Bass. I heard there was a mod to pull the tone out of the mud a little. The one I played with was just a little too muffled for me. And it looks soooo cool!

mc_muench · #14 12-02-2012, 11:46 PM

How does it sound with your modded ODB-3, if you still have it? I just ordered a Monte Allum mod kit for mine because of your old post about it.

mfbolton · #15 12-03-2012, 06:24 AM

Sounds great! This just moved up some on my list of potential next basses.

audiomitch · #16 12-03-2012, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc_muench

How does it sound with your modded ODB-3, if you still have it? I just ordered a Monte Allum mod kit for mine because of your old post about it.

Sorry, I haven't tried it yet. I've literally only owned this bass for a couple of days. I'll be taking it over to a jam night tomorrow, and it will get the full ODB-3 treatment then. I'm thinking it will sound pretty evil

BassSurfer · #17 12-03-2012, 09:00 AM

That is some exceptional playing! Totally love your tone and sound man! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!!!!

Chuck King · #18 12-03-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomitch

Here's a little test beat I did tonight. It's a pretty grindy sound I was going after, but grind really comes kinda naturally to this bass

You have to wait a few seconds for the player to pop up -

Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass test

Is that with both pickups on full?

audiomitch · #19 12-03-2012, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassSurfer

That is some exceptional playing! Totally love your tone and sound man! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!!!!

Thanks!!! I want to try this bass on something softer next. Just to make sure it's not a "one trick pony".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck King

Is that with both pickups on full?

Yes. Both pickups on full, and tone knob on 11.

birminghambass · #20 12-03-2012, 12:06 PM

Did you use a pick for the sound clip?