Fender Jazz - Possible Nut Issue?

[bigdaddybass12]

but I'm having trouble with the low end sounding too muddy/boomy and not getting clarity with the E and A strings,thanks.

Muddy boomy? Sure it’s a jazz? (Humor !!!)

 

[Topkat13]

Is it’s tone real high?

 

[MrB64]

I have a Player Series fretless Jazz. I was changing strings one day, and when I took the G off, the nut was broken under the string, right in the middle of the G string slot. The end of the nut fell off of the neck. I replaced it with a Tusq nut, and have had no trouble since. I did take it to my luthier to get the slots filed down to spec. Here's a link to the nut on Sweetwater. I have no affiliation with them. Graph Tech PQL-1214-00 TUSQ XL 4-string Jazz Bass-Style Nut

 

[Hevy T]

I thought this but I have restrung it multiple times and always the same issue

Do those pickups have split coils? If so maybe there’s an issue with the windings. Just a very uneducated guess

 

[dusterdan70]

Lots of feedback thus far has been throwing darts in the dark…..I don’t get the ferling that’s your best starting point if you’re not a very hands on, capable luthier yourself. Based on the pics and the post, I’d be looking at a professional resource to tap into.

1) Does it play well and take a low setup? Take it to a competent tech to find out. (a good thing whether you keep it or sell it)

2) That same tech should also be able to speak to your tone dissatisfaction. Sound is 100% controllable, but also 100% subjective. Considering you’re thus far unsatisfied with 2 separate pickup choices, I’d recommend guidance and feedback to help you achieve whatever it is you’re looking to accomplish

 

[Yahboy]

Hey guys

First time posting here, apologies if there is somewhere more appropriate. Just wondering if anyone could help or point me in the right direction with a possible nut issue.

I purchased a brand new Fender Player Series Jazz Bass a few months ago, but I'm having trouble with the low end sounding too muddy/boomy and not getting clarity with the E and A strings, compared to my Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass. I thought it might be due to the stock PUPs so I switched the ones in my Fender to some Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders, but I'm still having issues.

Both Basses have the same strings on (Ernie Ball Cobalt Hybrids .45 - .105) and no matter what amp I play through with the same settings the Fender is still muddy sounding compared.

However, I have noticed that the Nut is very different on both. with the Fender, it's almost as if the strings are sitting "on" the nut rather than "in" the nut grooves, whereas with the squire the strings clearly sit "in" the nut grooves. Also, with the Fender, the A string pops out of the nut when I play it open on the up stroke. On both basses I have restrung with the strings winding downward, so can rule that out as I know that's often an issue.

But could the shallow nut grooves on the Fender be the issue for the muddy sound? Or is there something else I am overlooking? I have attached pics for reference.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Return it if seller provides return policy.

 

[tom-g]

Multiple issues, some of which should be in "Repairs"...and a separate thread for each bass to minimize confusion. I won't begin to address the "mud" issue as the set-up(s) require attention first:

*With both, I see inadequate break angles on the E & A. The post wraps should be "hitting the deck" then set your witness points.

*All strings should be sitting fully within their respective slots with no gaps. Tough to discern by the pics.

*The Squier nut looks like hell.

I would have both basses set-up by a competent tech (...not respected...not well-known...not trusted) then work from there.

Riis

This! Get both basses set up correctly first and then take it from there.

 

[rickdog]

In support of everyone "throwing darts in the dark" (including myself) - many of these suggestions are things the OP can try easily that have zero cost (other than a little time) . But if time is in shorter supply than money, a trip to a good tech is the best solution.

 

[JumboJett35]

In support of everyone "throwing darts in the dark" (including myself) - many of these suggestions are things the OP can try easily that have zero cost (other than a little time) . But if time is in shorter supply than money, a trip to a good tech is the best solution.

And often the least stressful. Playing what if and chasing problems is no fun.