FENDER JBASS w/S-1 switch

[aearn]

I'm looking at a Fender American jbass w/S-1 switch, 2006 model. Anyone tell me about pros and cons of this setup?

 

[tplyons]

Pro: it offers series and parallel wiring stock. - this may or may not make a difference to you

Cons: switch feels cheap (I pulled one out for a regular pot) - this also may or may not make a difference to you

Personally, I try to avoid them, but others swear by them. YMMV.

 

[JMDT]

I like mine, it gives me the option of going from the Jazz sound to a psuedo Precision sound with the push of a buttom.

Many don't like it because it's different then Leo made them, but I always like more options and this is one of the few options with this configuration.

 

[Jeff K]

I had one. I think it was an '04. The switch did not feel cheap to me. I didn't use it very often, but if I wanted more of a P-Bass thump for certain songs, I'd kick it in. I think it can serve a purpose on a Jazz, but feel it's virtually worthless on a P. The S-1 takes a lot of abuse here on TB, but it never bothered me on the Jazz.

Can you survive without an S-1? Of course. Quite nicely. But some folks really like it. My sax player absolutely loved the bass that I had with the S-1. He got pissed when I sold it. On certain songs, he'd look over at me and say, "Hit your switch for this one!" So bottom line is, it's okay. Nothing great, but probably not worthy of all the abuse it takes either.

 

[dougjwray]

I currently have two Jazzes that I had modified with push-pull pots for series/parallel switching. I use the series mode (which is like the S-1 switch engaged) close to 100% of the time. Try it out and see how you like it.
I once tried a P-Bass equipped with the switch, and saw no use for it.
Jazz Bass + beef = fantastic!
Precision Bass - beef = horrible!
(IMHO)

 

[Eilif]

I agree that the Series/Paralell is usefull on a J, and nearly useless on a P. I installed a push-pull on my franken-J, and I love it. I did the same for my Dad's SX J, and he loves it. It's a 12 dollar pot and 15 minutes of soldering that every jazz bass player owes himself a chance to at least try once. I find the series mode to be addictive.

I can't speak to the "cheapness" of the S1 switch, but if you end up not liking it, or it breaks, it's a really easy switch to go to a push-pull switch or a standard pot.

If the bass is a good deal, and suits you in all other respects, the presence or lack of an S-1 switch shouldn't be a deciding factor in your purchasing the bass.

 

[newbold]

I play one every time i go into a music store that has them.

I can't understand why they are not stock features in every bass.

 

[BassBob185]

The S1 on my Jazz is a great option for giving the bass yet another sound. Works well and mine is well constructed and is not cheaply made as describe previously by another poster. I use it about 40% of the time.

 

[FenderHotRod]

I have the S-1 on my '05 Jazz and I like it.... I don't use it very often. It's nice to know that if I need a little more umph all I have to do is push a button.

 

[Mr Venus]

I like the S1 switch. Gives another option. Doesn't feel cheap or fragile to me at all.

 

[Personatech]

I'd agree that the S-1 has a place on the Jazz but not the Precision. Note that the new improved American Standards don't have these anymore. Personally, I think that's a mistake on Fender's part (at least with regards to the Jazz). Also, the point is moot if you're planning on dropping in an Audere or John East preamp...

 

[jordie65]

I'd agree that the S-1 has a place on the Jazz but not the Precision. Note that the new improved American Standards don't have these anymore. Personally, I think that's a mistake on Fender's part (at least with regards to the Jazz). Also, the point is moot if you're planning on dropping in an Audere or John East preamp...

interesting you said that i have an audere in my jazz, would you say that using the low z pass on the audere is similar tonally to running the pickups in series? ive been considering putting an S-1 in my bass for a while now...

 

[bluesblaster]

Jazz+S1+flats=good stuff

 

[mrkreuzschlitz]

When you wire in a push/pull knob, does it just replace the traditional neck volume control?

 

[Personatech]

I was just noting that if someone were to install a drop-in plate-mounted preamp then the issue is moot. I'm not speaking from experience as I currently have no Jazz, although I'll admit I'm lusting for that LPB 75RI in the For Sale area and contacted Audere about implementing a series/parallel switch. They said it can't be done with their drop-in plate but it may be possible if you go with one of there modules. Sadly, I'm too lazy/solder-inept to tackle that.

That being said, you raise a good point with Audere's Z-switch. I wonder the same...? Any Audere users out there who can comment?

interesting you said that i have an audere in my jazz, would you say that using the low z pass on the audere is similar tonally to running the pickups in series? ive been considering putting an S-1 in my bass for a while now...