Fender American Original '60s 0r 70s or pro?

[vinjazz]

Hi all
Im new here to Talk Bass and would love your opinion on my situation!!
i have recently bought a fender jazz elite and i returned it in a few days as i just didnt like the pre amp at all. so now i am asking what you think i should go for?
i am looking at the American Original '60s 0r 70s or the american pro series?
i just want that that jazz growl u know what i mean..
look forward to your thoughts.

 

[MtManiac]

I love the modern appointments on the American Pro series, gimme that string through high mass bridge, light tuners, and easy to play neck any day.

 

[vinjazz]

I love the modern appointments on the American Pro series, gimme that string through high mass bridge, light tuners, and easy to play neck any day.

im leaning towards the pro series because of this too just but wondering if the sound from the original series would be better for me

 

[MtManiac]

im leaning towards the pro series because of this too just but wondering if the sound from the original series would be better for me

I can't personally speak to the Jazz basses, but I have owned a '57 AVRI P bass, a MIM Classic 50s, and several American Standard P basses, and the Standards/Pros are the best of the lot IMHO - it all depends on what you are trying to do. The fret height of the American Pros makes them super comfortable to play, like they're playing themselves. Playing the AVRI or the Classic 50s was like wrestling Jormundgandr. Jazzes are narrower of course so you wouldn't have that kind of problem, but the vintage frets are lower and skinnier, so they have a totally different feel, and that affects my playing for better or for worse - I make different choices about what notes or phrases to play and where to play them.

If you're basing it just on the pickup tone, I recommend a search for VMod pickups and Pure Vintage 64/75 pickups. I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the three as far as tone goes, but pickups can always be swapped or upgraded. Harder and more expensive to do with a neck.

 

[vinjazz]

Thanks for your advise Bill i will do some research on VMod pickups and Pure Vintage 64/75 pickups

 

[MtManiac]

Thanks for your advise Bill i will do some research on VMod pickups and Pure Vintage 64/75 pickups

VMods (vintage modern) are found in the Pros, and Pure Vintage are in the Originals. Sometimes they're abbreviated PV 64 or PV 75.

 

[mouthmw]

I wanted a nice no frills passive American Fender Jazz. I went for the Pro, as it's basically the new "American Standard". Better color choice and nice modern upgrades. Mine should arrive tomorrow.

 

[vinjazz]

I wanted a nice no frills passive American Fender Jazz. I went for the Pro, as it's basically the new "American Standard". Better color choice and nice modern upgrades. Mine should arrive tomorrow.

Great to hear, you might report back when you have had a play with it.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Soon after I bought my black/maple Pro, I played a CAR/rosewood '60s Original in a nearby city. They are both tremendous basses, IMO.
It's always hard to describe a sound, but I'd say the Original had more girth to its tone, as well as a girthier neck. The Pro has a slimmer neck. Both sound like J-Basses should.
I'm happy with my Pro, but I probably would have purchased the Original if I had it to do over again. Maybe someday...

 

[vinjazz]

Soon after I bought my black/maple Pro, I played a CAR/rosewood '60s Original in a nearby city. They are both tremendous basses, IMO.
It's always hard to describe a sound, but I'd say the Original had more girth to its tone, as well as a girthier neck. The Pro has a slimmer neck. Both sound like J-Basses should.
I'm happy with my Pro, but I probably would have purchased the Original if I had it to do over again. Maybe someday...

So you would go with the 60s original if you had to choose again! interesting.

 

[Pet Sounds]

@vinjazz, I personally would give the edge to the AO, but that's only because of the way it sounded to me and the way it felt in MY hands. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[npbassman]

I love my American Pro Jazz. A dream to play and I get compliments on my sound everytime I bring it out.

 

[BassJuju]

I had an elite and felt much the same way. I exchanged it for an American Origanl 60’s P bass and was totally blown away on so many levels. So, I bought a AO 50’s P bass too. So, I cant officially vote in your poll, but unofficially, I’d pick any AO P bass you like.

 

[twelvetrombones]

I own an American Pro Jazz bass, and really like it. I'd prefer it did not have narrow/tall frets though. But, compared to my MIM Jazz, which probably is my point of reference, I got a similar feel from the neck, basically instantaneously familiar, and pleasant to play. I did not get that from the 60s original Jazz I tried at all, so I prefer the Pro.

 

[Linnin]

I have a left-handed Fender American Professional Precision. I like everything about it especially the 'thick C' neck and tall/narrow frets. The VMods are killer p'ups. So if you like the 'Slim C' neck & VMod p'ups of the AmPro Jazz, go for it. Whichever you choose is going to be good. Even the new Ensenada made Player series are fully worthy of serious consideration.

I would kill for a lefty Elite Precision. That compound radius C morphing into D neck must be superb! As for the pre-amp, just turn it off and run passive. No problem.

 

[Andy Daventry]

I've often idly wondered about getting an Elite and dropping a Sadowsky pre-amp into it. Has anyone ever done that?

 

[nilorius]

60, 70 were made for that music, the professional has a more modern sound so you should choose your self. For the quality they all are good.

 

[TJ Spicer]

I've often idly wondered about getting an Elite and dropping a Sadowsky pre-amp into it. Has anyone ever done that?

I often wonder about doing this too... I think it could be killer - I never like mid controls on a pre and I’m a Sadowsky man at heart, but I do like the elite neck profile!

 

[Tommygun_ted]

I grabbed one of the pros and I love it. I was a gibson guy for ten years until I tried that one. Can't compare it to other jazz basses, as I have zero experience with them, but it's the most comfortable neck I have ever played, balances well, and sounds great with a set of chromes on.

 

[baTassi]

Unless you want something specific from the originals like the 70's bridge pickup placement I think you will get a better playing instrument with the pro. If the sound doesn't please you that much you can always change the pickups