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Fender Elite Bass - Precision (PJ) or Jazz?

C

Craig22221

Jun 14, 2017
133
265
Metro Detroit
#1
I am going to buy a Fender Elite bass. Natural with maple neck. I can't decide which one to buy. The PJ looks like a winner for both P and J sounds in one bass. I do like the Jazz too. Very torn. I can't afford both. (get a Sadowsky instead?)... Need input from the Elite PJ guys...
 
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#3
Either of the Elites is a good pick. I would say, though, that a PJ isn't going to sound quite like a Jazz. I find it's really a P with the possibility of adding some Jazz for more of an edge.
I haven't tried the Metroline Express, but I'm sure that would also be an outstanding choice, if it's an active Jazz you want.
 
#4
The standard advice would be, if possible, play both and pick the one you like better. I went for the P-Bass flavour, but I'm not a particularly "jazzy" bloke.

I commend you on your choice of natural+maple, either way.
 
#5
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I had an elite jazz and precision at the same time. Both are great instruments but I traded the jazz in and got another elite precision in a different color. I personally like the sound of the precision better, plus you can dial in a decent jazz sound without any problem. The necks are different with the jazz having a 1 1/2” nut width and the precision 1 5/8” nut width. Both feel great but you may prefer one width over the other.

Here are pictures of what I had and what I have now. I’m happy with the two Elite Precision’s.
 
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#6
I was recently faced with a similar decision. I have a Fender classic 60's and wanted a P-Bass. I originally was going to just purchase the American Pro P-Bass but after thinking it through, I also ordered the Elite Precision to see if perhaps the new Fender bridge J pickup would get the Jazz sounds that I like too (and to see how the bass sounded passive and active). I was totally floored by the Elite Precision! Unbelievable bass! Great passive sound and a very usable preamp too. Both pickups sound great in the solo or blended mode.
I'm probably going to sell my Classic 60's Jazz now, since I primarily play it with the bridge p/u soloed.

I guess it depends on whether you totally love the sound of a Jazz with both pickups better than the sound of a P-Bass and having the ability to solo and/or blend the burpy tone of the Jazz bridge p/u (with the P-Bass).

And for what it's worth, I've played several of the lower line Sadowsky's and they don't hold a candle to the Elite that I have. The workmanship, playability and sound of the new Elite is as good as I've seen from any manufacturer (and that includes my Roscoe's, MTD's, Elrick's, Skjold's, Zon's .......). Maybe I got lucky and received a really good one (there's certainly lemons with all brands). Based on the American Pro's that I've played and one more Elite Jazz V that a friend has, I'd say Fender's just stepped up their game!
 
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#7
Played both the Elite PJ and Mexican PJ version, the MM truss rod wheel is nice. Also you can't get the beautiful Honeyburst color in the Mexican. I bought the Mexican Sea Foam pearl, a good bass for 700.00
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#8
Bigmep said:
View attachment 3172333 View attachment 3172331 I had an elite jazz and precision at the same time. Both are great instruments but I traded the jazz in and got another elite precision in a different color. I personally like the sound of the precision better, plus you can dial in a decent jazz sound without any problem. The necks are different with the jazz having a 1 1/2” nut width and the precision 1 5/8” nut width. Both feel great but you may prefer one width over the other.

Here are pictures of what I had and what I have now. I’m happy with the two Elite Precision’s.
Click to expand...

The fretboard on that Elite Precision is cool. I generally prefer a very dark rosewood board, but the striping looks great - very different.
 
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#9
It really depends mostly on which sound you like better, Jazz or Precision. Also if string spacing matters to you. I like both but the best thing to do is play them both side by side to see which you like best. Don’t take someone else’s word for it.
 
#10
Bassndrums73 said:
It really depends mostly on which sound you like better, Jazz or Precision. Also if string spacing matters to you. I like both but the best thing to do is play them both side by side to see which you like best. Don’t take someone else’s word for it.
Click to expand...

+1
Playing them side by side is the way to go. In my case the local GC didn't have either bass in stock (the American Pro P-Bass or Elite P-Bass). So, I just ordered both basses. That way I could compare them with the stock Fender Nickel RW's and compare them with a new set of D'addario Chrome Flat's installed. Plus, I got to try them through my amp and cabinets. I played them through my rig and recorded them on various songs and listened over and over. I knew that I preferred the look and playability of the Elite P-Bass but my biggest concern was getting the true P-Bass sound and confirming that the Elite sounded great in the passive mode (as well as the active). I read so much conflicting opinions on TB that I didn't know what was true. Playing them side by side is THE way to go.

Also, since I ordered them through the local GC they were fine with me bringing back the one that I didn't want (with no return shipping charges).
Good luck with your choice!:)

The 2 that I compared ..... Both wonderful instruments!

IMG-0282.JPG
 
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#16
I love my champagne Elite P. So versatile. Sometimes I'll just open the case and look at it and smile.

My only gripe about it is that it's almost too nice for me to gig with because I know I'm going to go to pieces when it gets that first dent from a cymbal or something, and I'd prefer an elite Jazz neck on it
 
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