Hi Folks,
Last week I ran into a perfect storm...absolute stupid prices on two basses I've had my eye on for a while, with two weekend gigs on the books that were perfectly suited for those instruments. Add in my lack of will power, and bada boom...both basses came home. Fender American Deluxe five-string Jazz... one alder/rosewood, the other ash/maple. Here's the bass porn from each gig...
Saturday:
Sunday:
Background
I've been interested in this model since first experiencing a four-string bass many months ago. Loved the sound - passive as well as active - dug the playability, and was ready to buy. Unfortunately the first five-string bass my local store got in had horrible noise issues. This was followed by a long wait as Fender dealt with inventory problems. The alder bass arrived a coupla' months ago, and the ash one showed up two weeks ago. Pre-purchase impressions: the ash bass was on my radar at regular street price...great sounding instrument. At the sales price it was really a no-brainer. The alder one was more of an impulse...one I easily avoided until seeing the special three-day-only price.
Initial Impressions
Sonically, each bass does it's own thing really well. I really like the passive tone on each bass, and on both the preamp does exactly what I like...add some oomph down low and a bit of sizzle up high. Having a three-band pre as well as a passive tone control is a huge plus in my book. The alder bass is heavier...I'd guess it's right around 10lbs, and it's certainly warmer with a much 'happier' midrange. The ash bass is very punchy, and is nice and crisp up high.
Spending More Time...
I installed DR Sunbeams on both basses. Each took some time to dial in the setup. Fretwork seems to be exceptional - at least to the extent I'd notice - and the 'B' string is terrific. Setting the intonation was a bit adventurous. The screws are 7/64" hex, but the case candy included no wrench. Worse, the owner's manual states that intonation is set via a Phillips screwdriver. Doh. C'mon, Fender. Really? Fortunately I had the right wrench in the toolbox, but this seems like a really silly slip-up. Nonetheless, intonation set easily, and the neck has held just fine since my initial adjustment.
On the Gig...
The alder bass is noisy. Passive/active/blend centered...doesn't matter. There's a nasty hum. Could be the venue's electrical setup but I didn't have the issue with the other bass I brought to the date. It's also uneven sonically - I had a few solos and found myself adjusting my touch based on where I was on the fingerboard. Not something I caught at the store or when 'shedding at home. Time will tell if I can adjust to this, but it's not something I'm used to seeing/hearing. Otherwise, good bass. Great mids, and my favorite tone comes in passive mode with the bridge pickup biased...very burpy and fat.
The ash bass? No issues, really. A bit mid-scooped until either boosting the frequencies in active mode, or biasing the bridge pickup in either mode. Very versatile sound, with amazing punch and sizzle. It seems to do Jaco as well as Marcus. It was a big hit with the other players on the date as well.
Likes
In general I love the electronics. Great passive tone - sounds like a Fender. Active tone is versatile and the tuning choices seem to be perfect. Craftsmanship seems good...fretwork, neck joint, nut...all good. Bridge and tuning hardware seem great. Cosmetics....totally my sweetspot. I've always been a sucker for blocks and binding, especially in each of these configurations. I can't deny that looks played a bigger factor than they probably should have.
Issues/Concerns
I don't like the noise on the alder bass...could be a showstopper. I'm disappointed with the oversight on setting the intonation. Small issue, but I also don't care for the oversized screwheads for the battery compartment. Marketing logic says you can use a dime on the gig to swap batteries. Bleh. I'd rather not risk damage to the finish by turning a standard-head screwdriver, and I don't like how far out the screwheads stand. And the compartment? Seems like an afterthought. I dig the 18v concept, but the wiring is sloppy, and on both basses the foam insulation stuck to one of the batteries instead of the compartment wall.
Final (for now) Impressions
I had the opportunity to chat up the local Fender rep when buying. He asked pointed questions, and I gave him pointed answers. Good conversation, and he's proud - rightfully so - of Fender's work with these instruments. The ultimate question for me is how/if they stack up to the competition. At this price point - at least at normal retail - things are awfully close to a number of smaller brands who seem to do things better. Craftsmanship, playability, and of course, sound. Thus far, I like each of these basses because the "good" Fender things outweigh the "bad" ones. Whether I hold on to them...or more telling, whether I part ways with my Sadowsky or Lull basses...remains to be seen.
Hopefully this helps a bit for anyone considering these instruments. As always, these are just my opinions and your mileage may very well be much different. Thanks!
Last week I ran into a perfect storm...absolute stupid prices on two basses I've had my eye on for a while, with two weekend gigs on the books that were perfectly suited for those instruments. Add in my lack of will power, and bada boom...both basses came home. Fender American Deluxe five-string Jazz... one alder/rosewood, the other ash/maple. Here's the bass porn from each gig...
Saturday:
Sunday:
Background
I've been interested in this model since first experiencing a four-string bass many months ago. Loved the sound - passive as well as active - dug the playability, and was ready to buy. Unfortunately the first five-string bass my local store got in had horrible noise issues. This was followed by a long wait as Fender dealt with inventory problems. The alder bass arrived a coupla' months ago, and the ash one showed up two weeks ago. Pre-purchase impressions: the ash bass was on my radar at regular street price...great sounding instrument. At the sales price it was really a no-brainer. The alder one was more of an impulse...one I easily avoided until seeing the special three-day-only price.
Initial Impressions
Sonically, each bass does it's own thing really well. I really like the passive tone on each bass, and on both the preamp does exactly what I like...add some oomph down low and a bit of sizzle up high. Having a three-band pre as well as a passive tone control is a huge plus in my book. The alder bass is heavier...I'd guess it's right around 10lbs, and it's certainly warmer with a much 'happier' midrange. The ash bass is very punchy, and is nice and crisp up high.
Spending More Time...
I installed DR Sunbeams on both basses. Each took some time to dial in the setup. Fretwork seems to be exceptional - at least to the extent I'd notice - and the 'B' string is terrific. Setting the intonation was a bit adventurous. The screws are 7/64" hex, but the case candy included no wrench. Worse, the owner's manual states that intonation is set via a Phillips screwdriver. Doh. C'mon, Fender. Really? Fortunately I had the right wrench in the toolbox, but this seems like a really silly slip-up. Nonetheless, intonation set easily, and the neck has held just fine since my initial adjustment.
On the Gig...
The alder bass is noisy. Passive/active/blend centered...doesn't matter. There's a nasty hum. Could be the venue's electrical setup but I didn't have the issue with the other bass I brought to the date. It's also uneven sonically - I had a few solos and found myself adjusting my touch based on where I was on the fingerboard. Not something I caught at the store or when 'shedding at home. Time will tell if I can adjust to this, but it's not something I'm used to seeing/hearing. Otherwise, good bass. Great mids, and my favorite tone comes in passive mode with the bridge pickup biased...very burpy and fat.
The ash bass? No issues, really. A bit mid-scooped until either boosting the frequencies in active mode, or biasing the bridge pickup in either mode. Very versatile sound, with amazing punch and sizzle. It seems to do Jaco as well as Marcus. It was a big hit with the other players on the date as well.
Likes
In general I love the electronics. Great passive tone - sounds like a Fender. Active tone is versatile and the tuning choices seem to be perfect. Craftsmanship seems good...fretwork, neck joint, nut...all good. Bridge and tuning hardware seem great. Cosmetics....totally my sweetspot. I've always been a sucker for blocks and binding, especially in each of these configurations. I can't deny that looks played a bigger factor than they probably should have.
Issues/Concerns
I don't like the noise on the alder bass...could be a showstopper. I'm disappointed with the oversight on setting the intonation. Small issue, but I also don't care for the oversized screwheads for the battery compartment. Marketing logic says you can use a dime on the gig to swap batteries. Bleh. I'd rather not risk damage to the finish by turning a standard-head screwdriver, and I don't like how far out the screwheads stand. And the compartment? Seems like an afterthought. I dig the 18v concept, but the wiring is sloppy, and on both basses the foam insulation stuck to one of the batteries instead of the compartment wall.
Final (for now) Impressions
I had the opportunity to chat up the local Fender rep when buying. He asked pointed questions, and I gave him pointed answers. Good conversation, and he's proud - rightfully so - of Fender's work with these instruments. The ultimate question for me is how/if they stack up to the competition. At this price point - at least at normal retail - things are awfully close to a number of smaller brands who seem to do things better. Craftsmanship, playability, and of course, sound. Thus far, I like each of these basses because the "good" Fender things outweigh the "bad" ones. Whether I hold on to them...or more telling, whether I part ways with my Sadowsky or Lull basses...remains to be seen.
Hopefully this helps a bit for anyone considering these instruments. As always, these are just my opinions and your mileage may very well be much different. Thanks!
Same ol cheezy one's they give you.
