Hmm, that's probably not a stock color. I had a white one back in the 80s. For me it's "the bass I wish I hadn't sold" even though I have other "better" ones now.
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Fender Jazz Special...what am I missing?
- Thread starter Jen Jesse
- Start date
A passive bass doesn’t sound like an active bass and vice versa. One shouldn’t be expected to sound like the other.
A few thoughts, some of which have been expressed by others:
1. I always view a PJ bass as primarily a P -- that is, I favor the neck pickup and add a little J if and when needed.
2. A passive P-Bass is indispensable for some/many applications. It sits in a band mix like nothing else.
3. Bass sounds a lot different from a distance than it does if you're sitting right next to the amp. The audience heard your bass much differently than you do.
4. As an old-school '60s/'70s guy, I never liked the Jazz Bass Special -- until I heard somebody play one! I prefer the classic Fender stylings, but the JBS delivers some serious tone, imo.
Bottom line, I'd give it some more time before you get rid of it, but only you can know for sure whether it's a bass for you.
1. I always view a PJ bass as primarily a P -- that is, I favor the neck pickup and add a little J if and when needed.
2. A passive P-Bass is indispensable for some/many applications. It sits in a band mix like nothing else.
3. Bass sounds a lot different from a distance than it does if you're sitting right next to the amp. The audience heard your bass much differently than you do.
4. As an old-school '60s/'70s guy, I never liked the Jazz Bass Special -- until I heard somebody play one! I prefer the classic Fender stylings, but the JBS delivers some serious tone, imo.
Bottom line, I'd give it some more time before you get rid of it, but only you can know for sure whether it's a bass for you.
strings on it.
I have the Power variant, and I like it. It's very smooth, low power sound, but I only like it at one setting. Not what I'd call very versatile, but since I like that sound, I keep it. As for Jazz's, I like the bridge only most of the time, and don't really use the P pickup but the option is there. So I don't lose anything in a PJ. The body is really high quality though, and if you don't dig the sound, I'd swap out the pickups and electronics.
I don't think a setup and strings will change your opinion of it. Adding other options might be a good idea to go with as well, but you're going to start at smooth without much dynamics.
I don't think a setup and strings will change your opinion of it. Adding other options might be a good idea to go with as well, but you're going to start at smooth without much dynamics.
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Figured I'd give you all an update. The short story is that I'm happy to report I've developed a nice appreciation for the fender jbs 
After playing around a bit more, I realized I actually prefer the sound with the TBX off - just set to neutral or lower, not boosted at all. Previously, I think I was boosting it to try and match the active yamaha, and that wasn't working. But even after playing my yamaha, I still enjoy the sound of the fender. The neck is not as easy as the yamaha neck for my little hands, but it doesn't seem like a deal breaker for now (and still better than many I've tried, apart from the "metal" brands).
Haven't put new strings on it, as I know so little and I think these are newer and probably decent, based on the guy I got it from. Hopefully by the time strings are about ready for a change, I'll be more knowledgeable about what'll sound good to me on this bass.
So thanks all!
After playing around a bit more, I realized I actually prefer the sound with the TBX off - just set to neutral or lower, not boosted at all. Previously, I think I was boosting it to try and match the active yamaha, and that wasn't working. But even after playing my yamaha, I still enjoy the sound of the fender. The neck is not as easy as the yamaha neck for my little hands, but it doesn't seem like a deal breaker for now (and still better than many I've tried, apart from the "metal" brands).
Haven't put new strings on it, as I know so little and I think these are newer and probably decent, based on the guy I got it from. Hopefully by the time strings are about ready for a change, I'll be more knowledgeable about what'll sound good to me on this bass.
So thanks all!
