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Fender Elite owners. Still happy? NBD
- Thread starter Ooba Tooba
- Start date
Mine are going nowhere. Still love em, still gig them every weekend.
Still loving my Elite
Although I swapped out the preamp with a Sadowsky.
I also really dig the new Ultras. Played one today and it’s the first Fender that I didn’t want to swap out anything - except maybe the bridge. The Elite bridge is better.
Although I swapped out the preamp with a Sadowsky.
I also really dig the new Ultras. Played one today and it’s the first Fender that I didn’t want to swap out anything - except maybe the bridge. The Elite bridge is better.
Happened to pop in to my favorite local shop the day after the Elites were announced. They had several. I am not interested in modern features or electronics, but I have to say that the metallic sunbursts looked awesome!
I still love my Elite Jazz. It’s a 2017, excellent condition, and I got it for $1100. I’m done with GAS.
I recently got a great deal on a used American Elite Jazz Bass in Olympic White. It's my first active Fender and has become my main utility bass. I usually play it in passive mode, but the preamp is nice to have when you need a boost or are playing through less than stellar backline. It's a fine addition to my modest collection.
- Steve
- Steve
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I am still happy with the aspects of my Elites that I was happy with to start. I love the neck. They feel great. I like everything about the wood and steel aspect of the instruments.
Some people don’t like the preamp. I can’t say i had a problem with the preamp in my Jazz V, but when I had to replace it and Fender couldn’t ship one for over 4 months, THAT had me upset. I like the sound of the pickups in my Jazz, but they are not “noiseless” and the buzz from them bothered me a lot. Since I put a John East preamp in the bass it is less but still present. I’m considering a set of Nordstrand instead.
I also have a Precision Elite and I am happy with the sound of the Precision pickup. The bridge pickup has the same buzz of the ones in my Jazz V. If the preamp in it ever fails I will probably go after market like I ended up doing with the Jazz when Fender couldn’t ship the replacement.
As for peoples complaint about the lack of passive tone knob, what they mean is that the passive tone knob does not have any effect in active mode, where many of the aftermarket preamps have a passive tone control that still has an effect in active mode.
Some people don’t like the preamp. I can’t say i had a problem with the preamp in my Jazz V, but when I had to replace it and Fender couldn’t ship one for over 4 months, THAT had me upset. I like the sound of the pickups in my Jazz, but they are not “noiseless” and the buzz from them bothered me a lot. Since I put a John East preamp in the bass it is less but still present. I’m considering a set of Nordstrand instead.
I also have a Precision Elite and I am happy with the sound of the Precision pickup. The bridge pickup has the same buzz of the ones in my Jazz V. If the preamp in it ever fails I will probably go after market like I ended up doing with the Jazz when Fender couldn’t ship the replacement.
As for peoples complaint about the lack of passive tone knob, what they mean is that the passive tone knob does not have any effect in active mode, where many of the aftermarket preamps have a passive tone control that still has an effect in active mode.
Also, I mentioned the failed preamp in my Jazz V. It is important to note that it did not just fail. I had to redo the shielding in the bass. In handling the preamp during removal/installation I broke a wire loose. I attempted to resolder it myself and due to poor soldering skills and not having a temp controlled iron I fried the preamp myself. I did not mean to give the impression that the preamps are prone to failure. But if it does, do not expect to have an OEM replacement in hand in any kind of a timely manner. Especially if doing it under warranty and getting the part from Fender rather than a retailer.
Not trying to ignore your follow up question, it’s just that I haven’t had a chance to A/B both models. I just wanted to add that it also appears you can string through the body on the Elites and not on Deluxes.
I bought my elite V jazz new two years ago on sale. It’s a great bass but I feel like I paid too much for it. The preamp can be noisy and at this price point, there shouldn’t be anything to complain about
Staying with my old Deluxe. After swapping the N3s for Aggies even the stock preamp sounds better as well as the passive tone. These new models just seem like the same ol’ to me.
It's a great playing, great look bass. If you want one snatch it up. Fender discontinued the spoke wheel TR adjuster. Frankly it's best feature they ever intoduced on thier basses and shows how out if touch they are with thier customers.
I also loved the spoke wheel and don’t think they should have discontinued it on the new Ultra’s. As to how out of touch that makes them I’m not as sure. There are a lot of mixed opinions about it, particularly a lot of opinions that Fender did a poor job of implementing it and it isn’t as good as say EBMM’s. Although improving it instead of discontinuing it would have shown them to be more in tune.
I’m personally happy with it though.
I am happy with my Elite Jazz 5 (ash/maple), although I'm leaning toward replacing the electronics. Possibly the pickups too, but I'd start wth the preamp. My major complaints: the tone control not being in the circuit in active mode, and not enough cut for my taste on the treble control. I like Aguilar preamps, so I think that's the way I'll go, with a passive tone control added. I suspect the circuit board sandwich design of the preamp is problematic - my mid control cuts out occasionally, and on another Elite Jazz 5 that I picked up in a store, the signal cut out altogether when switching from active to passive mode.
The bass plays great, although it could use some minor fret dressing. String tension is a little lower than my other basses, so I think I'll try some higher tension strings so I don't have to be conscious of lightening up when I switch basses in the middle of a gig. I think my favorite thing about the bass is the neck profile and finish. It is extremely comfortable and playable for me. Overall weight and balance is very manageable (9 lbs. 8 oz). I like the spoke wheel truss rod adjustment. Also on the plus side, the low B is excellent, though it took some experimentation to find the right gauge so it's in balance with the other strings (I settled on a .125).
The bass plays great, although it could use some minor fret dressing. String tension is a little lower than my other basses, so I think I'll try some higher tension strings so I don't have to be conscious of lightening up when I switch basses in the middle of a gig. I think my favorite thing about the bass is the neck profile and finish. It is extremely comfortable and playable for me. Overall weight and balance is very manageable (9 lbs. 8 oz). I like the spoke wheel truss rod adjustment. Also on the plus side, the low B is excellent, though it took some experimentation to find the right gauge so it's in balance with the other strings (I settled on a .125).
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I agree, that is one sharp looking bass. The only thing I would like is a matching color on the head stock.now that would cause me a severe case of flautulance!!!
I continue to be pleased with my Fender American Elite Jazz Bass V, and do not plan to remove it from my collection any time soon. Overall, for the music genres I play, it is an awesome instrument.
The said Elite Jazz bass stays in regular rotation along with an Ernie Ball Musicman Stringray H 5. My other basses tend to remain idle.
The said Elite Jazz bass stays in regular rotation along with an Ernie Ball Musicman Stringray H 5. My other basses tend to remain idle.
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I can’t pin point why Ultra necks feel generic to me. Whatever the Elite’s preamp issues are, which I haven’t taken notice to, would never compare to the making upgrades or adjustments to the Ultra. I’m still not sure what the Ultras are trying to go for but they are definitely not working for me!! Might as well just bring back the US MM’s and call those Ultra!
Owning an Ultra 5 i can see what you mean about the neck. I think it's the finish they're using on the neck, it does feel super smooth.
