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Fender Precision Elite vs Ultra

#21
superkubot said:
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!
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The Ultra is yet again a rebranded Elite, which was a rebranded Deluxe. So basically, except for the higher prices, nothing has changed.

When I bought my Jazz Elite V brand new, I was also considering the Sadowsky Metro and ultimately went with the Elite. Nowadays it is my main workhorse, extremely versatile, and the neck is so good it has been hard for me to find a similarly comfortable neck for my hand ever since. The compound design (or whatever it is called) really works and once you get used to it it's hard to go back. Elites were also the first in Fender line to offer the ball shaped trussrod screw which is amazing.
 
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#22
I own a '19 Ultra Jazz and it is a wonderful instrument. I've never played an Elite, but I am not a fan of the truss rod notch at the end of the fretboard. I find it rather unsightly, TBH.
Other than that, I guess you need to decide if you want a better preamp, a C vs. C/D neck profile, or a string-through body.
 
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#24
I don't have a lot to add to this since although I have an Ultra Jazz, I've never played an Elite. I will say that (a) the Ultra Jazz immediately became my #1; (b) it became my #1 even though I played P's exclusively until that point; (c) I thought I wouldn't get along with the active preamp but I almost never use the passive toggle; and (d) it's a damn fine bass, although I am sure the Elite is as well.
 
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#26
As an aside, I will say that playing P's and my Ultra Jazz and, more recently, my brand new (lightly used actually) Godin RG4, has ruined my ability to play my Stingray. Neck used to feel like a baseball bat; now it feels like a telephone pole.
 
#27
I have Elites and Ultras, P4, J4 & J5.

Overall, I like the Ultras a bit better for me. The voicing of the preamp is not as twangy, the necks are more comfortable, and the battery access is easier. I like the finish of the Elite necks better, but don't find a huge advantage in the truss wheel for the reason someone mentioned above: it's easily adjusted using a long ball end truss tool. Plus, there have been stories about the truss wheel breaking off.
 
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#29
They’re fairly similar but the feel and finish is a little different. I actually preferred my Elite but that price is steep. I wouldn’t pay more than $1300. I paid 1100 for my elite and 1500 for my ultra, sold the elite for $1,300 and sold the ultra for $1400.

You won’t regret either one, they’re both top notch.
 
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#30
I have J and P in the Ultra series and can’t fault them. Tried the Elite and was suitably impressed but the voicing on the active circuit on the Ultras sound more Fendery to me. I think the sculpting on the neck suit the P really well but not as noticeable on the J. I think the price is a little high but I’ve seen worse.
 
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#31
I have a Fender Elite Jazz and did play and compare an Ultra Jazz to it once. Can’t go wrong with either really but I think the Ultra is a touch of a downgrade, the bride looks ehhh and no string thru, the Elite wheel truss adjustment is way better and the neck on my Elite just feels better for various reasons. But I did pull the preamp and pups out of mine for some passive Dimarzio Area J’s, and it’s been favorite bass since… maybe ever?
 
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#32
Wow thanks so much all for your incredible response and all the info! I should have joined talkbass ages ago :D Unfortunately in the UK where I live prices are a bit more expensive so it's very hard to find the Elite less than 1400-1500£ (used) and almost impossible to find it at a store to test :( As many of you suggested, since I really digged the ultra I should be probably going on that route! I used to be a passive only kind of guy ( and usually prefered to use pedals for preamps etc ) but really liked the ultra's preamp, mostly though for me was the feel of the neck and the body in general, it was the most confortable bass I played! Would also love to try the G&L CLF L2000 but that's impossible to find anywhere here so maybe that will be an adventure for another time :) I will keep you updated and sent photos when I hopefully get it!
 
#33
I have Ultra Precision, playability is best I have ever experienced;

'D' neck puts thumb closer to fret board easier to stretch fingers [I have smallish hands] super smooth Satin finish never gets sticky, new contours, compound radius, light weight [8lb 9oz] all make Bass very comfortable to play. Having extra fret and easier access to upper frets most likely won't be needed by me nor do I miss truss wheel or string through [Wouldn't stop me from getting a Sadowsky]

Great Vintage P sound Passive split coil only. Less 'Wooly' but more coherent/Focused Vintage P Active
using blend knob you can get a nice variety of more modern tones some Stingrayish and Jazz like both Passive and Active. Active circuit is very Musical.

Overall Quality including build and finish I am very satisfied with and worth it's price
 
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#34
lermgalieu said:
I don't have a lot to add to this since although I have an Ultra Jazz, I've never played an Elite. I will say that (a) the Ultra Jazz immediately became my #1; (b) it became my #1 even though I played P's exclusively until that point; (c) I thought I wouldn't get along with the active preamp but I almost never use the passive toggle; and (d) it's a damn fine bass, although I am sure the Elite is as well.
Click to expand...
You pretty much described how I feel about my Elite, which is also a jazz. I will say though that I was disappointed they lost the truss rod wheel adjustment on the Ultras. Beyond that I didn't see much difference when they came out.
 
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#35
superkubot said:
Wow thanks so much all for your incredible response and all the info! I should have joined talkbass ages ago :D Unfortunately in the UK where I live prices are a bit more expensive so it's very hard to find the Elite less than 1400-1500£ (used) and almost impossible to find it at a store to test :( As many of you suggested, since I really digged the ultra I should be probably going on that route! I used to be a passive only kind of guy ( and usually prefered to use pedals for preamps etc ) but really liked the ultra's preamp, mostly though for me was the feel of the neck and the body in general, it was the most confortable bass I played! Would also love to try the G&L CLF L2000 but that's impossible to find anywhere here so maybe that will be an adventure for another time :) I will keep you updated and sent photos when I hopefully get it!
Click to expand...
You will like either one, I think. Get the one that suits your budget and rock that thing.
 
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#36
superkubot said:
Wow thanks so much all for your incredible response and all the info! I should have joined talkbass ages ago :D Unfortunately in the UK where I live prices are a bit more expensive so it's very hard to find the Elite less than 1400-1500£ (used) and almost impossible to find it at a store to test :( As many of you suggested, since I really digged the ultra I should be probably going on that route! I used to be a passive only kind of guy ( and usually prefered to use pedals for preamps etc ) but really liked the ultra's preamp, mostly though for me was the feel of the neck and the body in general, it was the most confortable bass I played! Would also love to try the G&L CLF L2000 but that's impossible to find anywhere here so maybe that will be an adventure for another time :) I will keep you updated and sent photos when I hopefully get it!
Click to expand...


If the feel is what you you fell in love with than go for the Ultra for sure!
 
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