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Fender Precision Elite vs Ultra

S

superkubot

May 31, 2022
36
20
#1
Hey folks,

Apologies if this question has been asked before - I couldn't find it on the forum.

For a while now I've been eyeing a Fender precision ultra which I demoed some time ago and really loved the versatility and sound, I don't think I ever played a better bass. However a friend of a friend is selling an Elite Precision 2016 in very good condition ( around 1800$ / 1500£ ). Would that be a good price for a used Elite precision or should I go all in with a new precision ultra? Any recommendations?

Thanks!
 
#5
Not sure where you live. I'd say $1800 is $300-400 too much in the U.S.
Coincidentally, I was just playing my Elite Precision a few minutes ago and I think it's a terrific bass. I once A/B'd an Elite and an Ultra, and is say the Ultra sounded a little more like a vintage P-Bass, and the necks are different, but both are good instruments. I might give a slight edge to the Ultra, but not enough to replace my Elite.
 
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#7
Pet Sounds said:
Not sure where you live. I'd say $1800 is $300-400 too much in the U.S.
Coincidentally, I was just playing my Elite Precision a few minutes ago and I think it's a terrific bass. I once A/B'd an Elite and an Ultra, and is say the Ultra sounded a little more like a vintage P-Bass, and the necks are different, but both are good instruments. I might give a slight edge to the Ultra, but not enough to replace my Elite.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately it's very difficult to find an elite to play where I live! They seem to be very close sonically from youtube videos I'm looking at :)
 
#10
My only input is the Elite is old enough now that, if the neck's going to warp, it probably has by now, so......if it's still straight and plays well, and the frets are in good shape, it's at a good age to buy it.

A new instrument, you don't have any guarantees that it'll stay straight, but a used one with a few years on it, you can have a pretty good idea if the thing is stable.
 
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#12
superkubot said:
Unfortunately it's very difficult to find an elite to play where I live! They seem to be very close sonically from youtube videos I'm looking at :)
Click to expand...

If you can get your hands on a local great example, you really have to consider true shipping costs and risks, and "unknown seller tax" when deciding if a price is good. Basses are handmade from a natural product, they can vary from example to example.

Getting the best price and getting the bass you truly want may not be possible at the same time. If you love that instrument, and the price is fair, buy it.
 
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#14
chuck65 said:
For me it was the difference in being able to easily service the truss rod . Any bass without a heel wheel or a head nut is a non starter ( for me ) . Ymmv
They both sound great though :)
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The Ultras use the 'bi-flex' truss which is essentially a 2-way, single rod truss and is accessible without removing the neck. The long ball end truss tool makes it a breeze.
 
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#15
Chrisk-K said:
IME, all the best Ps I’ve played or owned have been passive ones. A great P tone needs no pre-amp.
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The passive option on the Elites and Ultras are fantastic and they have a passive tone if you choose to use the pre-amp on your amp. That said, the Fender pre-amps are nicely voiced and supportive if you engage them.
 
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#17
A fairly in depth discussion about it here...
Elite vs ultra bass
I can't speak for the Ultra since I've never held one, but I am very happy with my Elite. As one poster in that thread noted, the holes in the truss wheel should have been deeper.

I like the preamp very much in the Elite. It is quite versatile, though if I'm going for a traditional P-Bass tone, I prefer the simplicity of a plain old passive P-Bass. I have a few basses that are passive/active. Like the others, with the exception of my L-2000, I prefer active mode in the Elite.

The feel of the neck, fretwork, and overall fit and finish is very good. A keeper for sure.
 
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#19
The differences are so subtle you'd have to break out the magnifying glass and dial caliper to quantify them. They both feel great. My Elite has FLATS and it sounds fantastic.... my Ultra has rounds, just so it doesn't sound like the Elite (fantastic). The Elite "feels" faster, but that's only cause it has flats..... If you have an Elite, you're fine. You have a damn nice bass. You don't need to "upgrade" to an Ultra.... Unless you have a GAS attack.
 
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