Has anyone ever noticed on the earlier fender american deluxe jazz basses how low the output seems to be. I mean i know its a 9 volt active preamp but damn this thing is low output compared to my other basses. Is this normal, And how do these earlier models compare to the newer ones output wise? i do have to say though my fender american deluxe jazz does sound damn sweet, it has just about everytone i need in one bass. except maybe a RAY.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
1997 fender american deluxe jazz 4 string questions
- Thread starter growler571
- Start date
I just happen to have a 1997 American Deluxe Jazz on loan in my studio right now and I'm A/Bing it with a brand new American Deluxe Jazz that I just bought. The outputs are pretty much the same. I'll tell you - this '97 sounds great! Different than the new one. Punchier tone - more round in a way. I'm almost bumming about how good it sounds compared to the new one I just bought. It's heavier than the new one but is equal to the new one in every other way IMHO. If anyone owns one of that era I would not be jonesing for a brand new model. I'm not sure that these Samarium Noiseless pups are really any better than the pups in the '97. The '97 is even quieter than the new one. I would love to hear what others think about the Fender 1997 American Deluxe Jazz compared to a 2008.
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
- 6,944
- 2,083
- 51
- Disclosures
- Please see Profile for Endorsement disclosures
I used a '97 American Deluxe Jazz (w/ the 9-volt pre) for almost a decade as my primary bass. It had great output! Overall, it was one of the best basses I ever owned...(I traded it out for a passive Jazz - tastes change!)
You may have an issue with yours if the volume is low. Usual culprits are dying battery, pups set too low, dirty pots....
You may have an issue with yours if the volume is low. Usual culprits are dying battery, pups set too low, dirty pots....
I have a '97 (I think, I'll have to re-check), and also an '05 Am Dlx Jazz. Output on mine seems to be about the same as my newer one with SCN's.
My '05 has a maple top and maple neck, where-as my '97 has a book matched 2-piece ash body w/rosewood. The '97 has a more muddy sound to it. More "grit". Never really noticed until I A/B'd it against my '05, which has very clear and articulate note definition.
Both my basses are lightweight - I think the '97 is lighter than my '05.
My '05 has a maple top and maple neck, where-as my '97 has a book matched 2-piece ash body w/rosewood. The '97 has a more muddy sound to it. More "grit". Never really noticed until I A/B'd it against my '05, which has very clear and articulate note definition.
Both my basses are lightweight - I think the '97 is lighter than my '05.
I have a 98 five string with alder body. The output never seemed to be noticeably lower than the 08s I tried out before buying it. Mine's also as light as the newer models with similar specs, so I don't think the newer ones are lighter than the old one's perse.
I agree that the newer pups sound a little (and I mean little) more articulate with less grit. But that's not necessarily a good thing depending on what you're looking for--and a change of the old pre does wonders for the sound with the older pups...not that there's anything wrong with them in the first place.
I agree that the newer pups sound a little (and I mean little) more articulate with less grit. But that's not necessarily a good thing depending on what you're looking for--and a change of the old pre does wonders for the sound with the older pups...not that there's anything wrong with them in the first place.
