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.
Fender American Ultra Series - ???
- Thread starter DanGroove
- Start date
They just re-release the same instruments with different names, different colors and jack the price up $100-$300. My personal favorites are the U.S. standard and deluxe jazz basses from 2004 (or 2005?). The Standard had the S-1 switch and the Deluxe had those beautiful quilt maple tops with block inlays. Although I prefer passive basses, I almost always play an active bass live, I find the flexibility vital. I wish one of these days Fender would release one of these Deluxe/Elite/Ultra's with the 70's pickup spacing. As far as I know the only active bass they ever released with 70's spacing was the Marcus Miller. I'm currently eyeballing a Sire for that reason.
I mentioned before that I found the name Plasma Burst humorous..and isn't the color innovative?
Doesn't look a thing like Cherry Burst or Sienna Burst, does it?
Clearly they don't read TB.
Or remove it, as in this case.
Except that the actual model is encoded in a number on the back that you have to look up online.
- John
Curious about the Ultra HSS Strat, I checked out Sweetwater's site, and found a beautiful Cobra Blue model, and the page includes a video demonstration of the Ultra Strats. Increasing the coolness, the HSS model has hotter single coils, which based on the video sound better to me. Seems like a great guitar. I could sell two of mine to make room for one:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ster-hss-cobra-blue-with-rosewood-fingerboard
Also, I think I would like the D neck on the basses, so I want to try the Ultra Jazz V. I recently bought a 2017 G&L JB-5 so I seriously doubt another J5 is in the cards, but I've learned to never say "never" when it comes to GAS.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ster-hss-cobra-blue-with-rosewood-fingerboard
Also, I think I would like the D neck on the basses, so I want to try the Ultra Jazz V. I recently bought a 2017 G&L JB-5 so I seriously doubt another J5 is in the cards, but I've learned to never say "never" when it comes to GAS.
@phillipkregg would you please elaborate on your point in the Elite preamp? I noticed the battery life is ultrashort (pun intended?), roughly 80h plugged in and I think this very bad for a 2k instrument. Why were you swapping the preamp in the first place?
In my opinion, the Fender Elite preamp is voiced a little too harsh.
When the bass was in passive mode, it sounded amazing and warm and punchy, but as soon as I kicked in the preamp it seemed to make the sound a little sterile and brittle with too much accent on the treble.
It wasn't a "terrible" preamp, but certainly not top of the line. Again, my opinion only. I'm sure there are plenty of folks who thought it was a fine preamp.
Another thing I didn't like was that you can't use the passive tone control in active mode - it only works when the bass is switched to passive.
Most basses that have a preamp along with a tone control will let you adjust the tone whether active or passive. Like Sadowsky, Xotic, Dragonfly, Skjold, even Sire allows this.
Now it has a Sadowsky preamp and, to me, it was a big improvement and allows the already great passive tone of the instrument to come through in active mode.
After listening to a couple of demos on YouTube, first thing I thought was these are sounding more and more like Sandberg.
Nice bass. Have to play it to see what they have changed. But the minute you say vintage style PU's with no hum, I question that. Never heard a replica of a vintage PU noiseless (never felt the ones they say are as sounding the same). Also Im not a fan of bass and treble stack combo. Can be a problem when playing and you want to quickly change the tone if you have big hands. But I like the colors and looking forward to feel their D neck.
Get rid of the “high mass vintage” bridge with the string through option... That’s the best bridge design Fender has ever come up with. Probably just to save the cash from four or five extra holes.
That’s a big enough turnoff for me to punt.
That’s a big enough turnoff for me to punt.
Ok guys.... I actually got the opportunity to play one of these Ultra 5 string jazz basses today and thought I would provide some feedback.
Finish:
The finish was freaking nice, like really nice. The one I saw was a "Mocha Burst" (I think?).
I'm not a fan of burst finishes, I tend to prefer solid metallic colors, but this actually is a sort of metallic burst. None of the photos I've seen online do it justice. You actually have to see this finish in person, it really looks super super nice. There's a subtle sparkle in the finish and it looks so nice under lights (would look amazing on stage). It's not like Music Man sparkle either. Personally, I feel Music Man over does it with their sparkle finishes. These are subtle and really beautiful.
Neck:
Feels, well, a lot like my Elite does. Except the maple is tinted much darker. I don't know if it's a different type of oil they're using, or what exactly causes the tint, but it looks great. The neck itself also feels a bit nicer, more "boutiquish". It almost - almost but not exactly - feels kinda like a US Lakland neck. That's the best comparison I have at the moment.
Fretwork was fantastic, just like on my Elite, and the blocks look a little nicer to me (maybe because the neck is tinted?). Binding was also excellent - not much different from the Elite.
Bridge:
Not a fan. It's "high mass" - well ok then. But not very adjustable. Like I predicted, I missed the ability to adjust string spacing like the Elite bridge provided.
Sound...
You guys already know that I disliked the Elite preamp and swapped mine out for a Sadowsky. So when I heard they redesigned the preamp, the first thing I wanted to do is try it out.
Overall:
I went in not expecting much, but I was knocked out by the beautiful finish. The tinted maple on the neck and fingerboard looks really amazing and it's the best feeling neck of any active Fender 5 strings I've played (still love my Elite as well though). The sound was great. I really, really love the way the bass plays and sounds. But... I also love my Elite too.
The bass weighed exactly 10 lbs. However, there is an F Bass VF5 that I was considering purchasing that also weighs 10 lbs. I prefer lighter basses, but I'm actually seriously considering this Fender now. I know how crazy it sounds, F Bass vs Fender... but I was really impressed (and it's cheaper than the F Bass).
If I buy it, I'll try to keep you guys updated. I'm not a fan-boy of any particular bass brand and I'm glad to point out short comings when I see them, but overall I was happy with the Fender Ultra that I played. I'd be curious to hear more impressions from you guys as they become available to try out.
Finish:
The finish was freaking nice, like really nice. The one I saw was a "Mocha Burst" (I think?).
I'm not a fan of burst finishes, I tend to prefer solid metallic colors, but this actually is a sort of metallic burst. None of the photos I've seen online do it justice. You actually have to see this finish in person, it really looks super super nice. There's a subtle sparkle in the finish and it looks so nice under lights (would look amazing on stage). It's not like Music Man sparkle either. Personally, I feel Music Man over does it with their sparkle finishes. These are subtle and really beautiful.
Neck:
Feels, well, a lot like my Elite does. Except the maple is tinted much darker. I don't know if it's a different type of oil they're using, or what exactly causes the tint, but it looks great. The neck itself also feels a bit nicer, more "boutiquish". It almost - almost but not exactly - feels kinda like a US Lakland neck. That's the best comparison I have at the moment.
Fretwork was fantastic, just like on my Elite, and the blocks look a little nicer to me (maybe because the neck is tinted?). Binding was also excellent - not much different from the Elite.
Bridge:
Not a fan. It's "high mass" - well ok then. But not very adjustable. Like I predicted, I missed the ability to adjust string spacing like the Elite bridge provided.
Sound...
You guys already know that I disliked the Elite preamp and swapped mine out for a Sadowsky. So when I heard they redesigned the preamp, the first thing I wanted to do is try it out.
Preamp Good News:
It sounds really good. I didn't detect the harshness that I heard in the previous version. I was able to switch between active and passive modes and the sound was very similar, so it seems more transparent then the Elite preamp was.
Preamp Bad News:
You still can't use the freakin tone control when you're in active mode. This is the single most annoying thing about this bass to me.
Passive Mode:
Sounds amazing. Just like my Elite does.
It sounds really good. I didn't detect the harshness that I heard in the previous version. I was able to switch between active and passive modes and the sound was very similar, so it seems more transparent then the Elite preamp was.
Preamp Bad News:
You still can't use the freakin tone control when you're in active mode. This is the single most annoying thing about this bass to me.
Passive Mode:
Sounds amazing. Just like my Elite does.
I honestly didn't hear any difference in the pickups at all. And maybe that's a good thing, because the ones in my Elite sound great.
Overall:
I went in not expecting much, but I was knocked out by the beautiful finish. The tinted maple on the neck and fingerboard looks really amazing and it's the best feeling neck of any active Fender 5 strings I've played (still love my Elite as well though). The sound was great. I really, really love the way the bass plays and sounds. But... I also love my Elite too.
The bass weighed exactly 10 lbs. However, there is an F Bass VF5 that I was considering purchasing that also weighs 10 lbs. I prefer lighter basses, but I'm actually seriously considering this Fender now. I know how crazy it sounds, F Bass vs Fender... but I was really impressed (and it's cheaper than the F Bass).
If I buy it, I'll try to keep you guys updated. I'm not a fan-boy of any particular bass brand and I'm glad to point out short comings when I see them, but overall I was happy with the Fender Ultra that I played. I'd be curious to hear more impressions from you guys as they become available to try out.
Last edited:
Ok guys.... I actually got the opportunity to play one of these Ultra 5 string jazz basses today and thought I would provide some feedback.
Finish:
The finish was freaking nice, like really nice. The one I saw was a "Mocha Burst" (I think?).
I'm not a fan of burst finishes, I tend to prefer solid metallic colors, but this actually is a sort of metallic burst. None of the photos I've seen online do it justice. You actually have to see this finish in person, it really looks super super nice. There's a subtle sparkle in the finish and it looks so nice under lights (would look amazing on stage). It's not like Music Man sparkle either. Personally, I feel Music Man over does it with their sparkle finishes. These are subtle and really beautiful.
Neck:
Feels, well, a lot like my Elite does. Except the maple is tinted much darker. I don't know if it's a different type of oil they're using, or what exactly causes the tint, but it looks great. The neck itself also feels a bit nicer, more "boutiquish". It almost - almost but not exactly - feels kinda like a US Lakland neck. That's the best comparison I have at the moment.
Fretwork was fantastic, just like on my Elite, and the blocks look a little nicer to me (maybe because the neck is tinted?). Binding was also excellent - not much different from the Elite.
Bridge:
Not a fan. It's "high mass" - well ok then. But not very adjustable. Like I predicted, I missed the ability to adjust string spacing like the Elite bridge provided.
Sound...
You guys already know that I disliked the Elite preamp and swapped mine out for a Sadowsky. So when I heard they redesigned the preamp, the first thing I wanted to do is try it out.
Preamp Good News:
It sounds really good. I didn't detect the harshness that I heard in the previous version. I was able to switch between active and passive modes and the sound was very similar, so it seems more transparent then the Elite preamp was.
Preamp Bad News:
You still can't use the freakin tone control when you're in active mode. This is the single most annoying thing about this bass to me.
Passive Mode:
Sounds amazing. Just like my Elite does.
I honestly didn't hear any difference in the pickups at all. And maybe that's a good thing, because the ones in my Elite sound great.
Overall:
I went in not expecting much, but I was knocked out by the beautiful finish. The tinted maple on the neck and fingerboard looks really amazing and it's the best feeling neck of any active Fender 5 strings I've played (still love my Elite as well though). The sound was great. I really, really love the way the bass plays and sounds. But... I also love my Elite too.
The bass weighed exactly 10 lbs. However, there is an F Bass VF5 that I was considering purchasing that also weighs 10 lbs. I prefer lighter basses, but I'm actually seriously considering this Fender now. I know how crazy it sounds, F Bass vs Fender... but I was really impressed (and it's cheaper than the F Bass).
If I buy it, I'll try to keep you guys updated. I'm not a fan-boy of any particular bass brand and I'm glad to point out short comings when I see them, but overall I was happy with the Fender Ultra that I played. I'd be curious to hear more impressions from you guys as they become available to try out.
10 lbs? My back is already yelling at me...
10 lbs? My back is already yelling at me...
Yup. As per usual, if weight is a big factor in choosing a 5 string, Fender may not be for you.
So I broke down and picked her up today.Tried to get a few shots of the finish while I was in the store...
It’s really hard to capture how nice the metallic Mocha Burst finish is with a pic, but I tried here.
Next step is to get a black pickguard
Attachments
View attachment 3590245
Tried to get a few shots of the finish while I was in the store...
View attachment 3590250
View attachment 3590251 View attachment 3590252 View attachment 3590255 View attachment 3590254
It’s really hard to capture how nice the metallic Mocha Burst finish is with a pic, but I tried here.
Next step is to get a black pickguard
okay, that is much nicer looking than it appears on the website. I dislike bursts in general but the slight glitter makes that pop. I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it. In a blue or green tint I probably would love it.
Ooooph... for that money, I'd rather pay a little more and custom-order something to my own specs with killer pickups, preamp and hardware.
Ok guys.... I actually got the opportunity to play one of these Ultra 5 string jazz basses today and thought I would provide some feedback.
Finish:
The finish was freaking nice, like really nice. The one I saw was a "Mocha Burst" (I think?).
I'm not a fan of burst finishes, I tend to prefer solid metallic colors, but this actually is a sort of metallic burst. None of the photos I've seen online do it justice. You actually have to see this finish in person, it really looks super super nice. There's a subtle sparkle in the finish and it looks so nice under lights (would look amazing on stage). It's not like Music Man sparkle either. Personally, I feel Music Man over does it with their sparkle finishes. These are subtle and really beautiful.
Neck:
Feels, well, a lot like my Elite does. Except the maple is tinted much darker. I don't know if it's a different type of oil they're using, or what exactly causes the tint, but it looks great. The neck itself also feels a bit nicer, more "boutiquish". It almost - almost but not exactly - feels kinda like a US Lakland neck. That's the best comparison I have at the moment.
Fretwork was fantastic, just like on my Elite, and the blocks look a little nicer to me (maybe because the neck is tinted?). Binding was also excellent - not much different from the Elite.
Bridge:
Not a fan. It's "high mass" - well ok then. But not very adjustable. Like I predicted, I missed the ability to adjust string spacing like the Elite bridge provided.
Sound...
You guys already know that I disliked the Elite preamp and swapped mine out for a Sadowsky. So when I heard they redesigned the preamp, the first thing I wanted to do is try it out.
Preamp Good News:
It sounds really good. I didn't detect the harshness that I heard in the previous version. I was able to switch between active and passive modes and the sound was very similar, so it seems more transparent then the Elite preamp was.
Preamp Bad News:
You still can't use the freakin tone control when you're in active mode. This is the single most annoying thing about this bass to me.
Passive Mode:
Sounds amazing. Just like my Elite does.
I honestly didn't hear any difference in the pickups at all. And maybe that's a good thing, because the ones in my Elite sound great.
Overall:
I went in not expecting much, but I was knocked out by the beautiful finish. The tinted maple on the neck and fingerboard looks really amazing and it's the best feeling neck of any active Fender 5 strings I've played (still love my Elite as well though). The sound was great. I really, really love the way the bass plays and sounds. But... I also love my Elite too.
The bass weighed exactly 10 lbs. However, there is an F Bass VF5 that I was considering purchasing that also weighs 10 lbs. I prefer lighter basses, but I'm actually seriously considering this Fender now. I know how crazy it sounds, F Bass vs Fender... but I was really impressed (and it's cheaper than the F Bass).
If I buy it, I'll try to keep you guys updated. I'm not a fan-boy of any particular bass brand and I'm glad to point out short comings when I see them, but overall I was happy with the Fender Ultra that I played. I'd be curious to hear more impressions from you guys as they become available to try out.
Thanks so much for the review. You did a good job. I also like the sadowsky pre. Simple but does the job.
Totally understand where you're coming from... and I did!
I've got a ridiculous number of basses man, like seriously way too many. There are folks here who have more than I do for sure, but I feel pretty silly sometimes saying that I have over 20 basses.
There's a custom Skjold that's awesome, and I have a killer Valenti and a Sadowsky, a kickass Japanese Dragonfly 5 string by Harry's Engineering, and of course my other Fender Elite 5. That's just a handful of my main players.
To illustrate how little of a life I have, about once a week for the past 5 or 6 months, I will get my top 6 or 7 basses and rotate them out for a few hours. I'll record them, and play them all over the same tracks or the same tune to see which one ends up being my favorite.
Guess which one always comes out sounding the best? Yup, the Fender Elite 5.
The other basses are fantastic - the Skjold is super flexible but the neck is too thin for me sometimes (I'm one of those weirdos who plays better on big chunky necks). The best playing bass is the Valenti. But there's just something about the Fender that gives me the whole package. It's got a great style and look, it feels amazing to play, and it always sounds exactly the way I want a 5 string to sound.
I've tried just about everything there is, and the Fender just works for me.
Now I will say, it's not my "favorite" bass. Just my favorite 5 string.
My favorite bass ever is my Fender Custom Shop '62 Precision:
That bass absolutely KILLS!
If I had to sell every bass I owned except for one, that would be the one that stays.
