2011 American Deluxe Jazz vs 2010 Custom Classic Jazz

[rookie_joe]

Hi guys,

Wondering if anyone could give me some advice on which bass to get between the 2011 American Deluxe Jazz, and the 2010 Custom Classic. The Custom Classics are all over eBay for around $2,000 and the Deluxes run around $1600-$1700, but I'm not quite sure which one would be a better choice. My local guitar center didn't have any Deluxes so I didn't get a chance to play any of these ones at all. I did see a comparison on here from 2006 that was in favor the the Custom Classics, but after talking to many eBayers who have the American Deluxes in stock, they say these are some of the best none-customs they've had in a while. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

 

[pbass888]

Hey Joe Im in the same situation here. Looking at both but no real experience. I know the jazz sound I like ( I have a 74 and 96) and perfer the more traditional jazz sound feel (by traditional Id say 70's sound). I ve heard the 2011 deluxe jazzes are great in terms of the guts (electronics pups etc), but dont really know about custom classics although one is available privately here used.
Man its sucks that gc does automatically carry CS and deluxes (given the margins on those).

Also, Ive had great success buying here on tb so I'd would mos def. suggest that. Wish you all the best!

PS I did play one CS in austin recently and really got me interested in looking at used active fenders, great all around and fat tone and super easy neck.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

to me, anything near $2K is an insane amount for a new Fender, period. For that same money, and some patience, you can get a used Lakland 4-94 or any number of really nice used basses that are much nicer.

Of course, if you're even more patient, you can get a used Deluxe and save mondo bux. A buddy of mine has a Fender P-deluxe that is really nice that he'll no doubt be selling within a year (he churns gear... and I know he's not alone). New is a rip.

 

[pbass888]

Harry Im going to the bay area next month and with check out a 4-94 that you mentioned. Joe Ive heard this from other experienced guys here in town ( and I trust Harrys advice from past experience). Not to try to confuse you joe but ive heard these are 4-94 are great .

to me, anything near $2K is an insane amount for a new Fender, period. For that same money, and some patience, you can get a used Lakland 4-94 or any number of really nice used basses that are much nicer.

Of course, if you're even more patient, you can get a used Deluxe and save mondo bux. A buddy of mine has a Fender P-deluxe that is really nice that he'll no doubt be selling within a year (he churns gear... and I know he's not alone). New is a rip.

 

[rookie_joe]

Thanks for the advice guys. I kinda figured that 2 grand was a little too much. I did spot a few used american deluxe models for around $1300, although they were the older models they still looked good. I haven't looked into the laklands too much, but i've seen a few on ebay and they look great. I also liked the modulus jazz basses as well. Man too many choices.

 

[AMJBASS]

The 44-94 is indeed a killer bass. Regarding the Fender, I have a 2011 MIA Deluxe Jazz and it is a terrific instrument. It has THAT sound that I hear when I think of an active modern Jazz tone. The new electronics are better than the older models. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one. I think the Custom Classic will probably hold value better, but the Deluxe is a great bass.

 

[james_ryan]

I have a 2010 MIA deluxe jazz, it is a little pricy, but as a working musician I can't find a fault. I had it for 6 months, and probably 30 gigs and it is perfect. It never needs tuned, never needs a neck adjustment, came setup perfect out of the box, original batteries still. Not sure how you could improve it in any way. I have owned a lot instruments and this is as good as I ever played.

 

[James_E]

I've never owned either.. but I kill lunches sometimes by heading to the stores and playing the basses there. I've repeatedly played both custom classics (2 different specimens) and the deluxe (both 5 and 4 strings, probably 3 to 4 different specimens)... my preference is for the deluxe for it's neck, modern features and the flexibility in the tones. Of the ones I've played the deluxes were more versatile tonally.

But 100% agree with buying used. The prices are really high for new ones.

 

[Brad Hanback]

I have a different opinion. I owned a US Lakland 5594 that couldn't touch either of my Fender American Deluxe Jazz Basses. In the studio and live, the Fender by far stood out. With that said, I would buy a Fender American Deluxe with the 18v preamp over one with the 9v. I have both and the 18v to me is better. It might have just been the 5594 that I had.

 

[john9]

Good luck on getting a solution.