• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Godin Shifter vs. Fender Jazz

#4
I suspect you're not getting much response because the Godin hasn't been used by too many. I have only played one Godin and it wasn't remotely like the 'Shifter'. The Jazz is arguably (or UNarguably) the most popular bass in history. I'm a Fender guy and I'm biased, but that says volumes to me. The Fender has stood the test of time. I don't EVER see a Godin like the one I played in a music store 15 years ago.
 
#5
I think there aren't enough Shifter owners out there for any consensus. The Shifter shows promise, and at three single coils and the 5 (6) way switching, it is probably quite comparable to the Jazz.

Personally, I prefer the Shifter's 51 Precision crossed with a Jazz looks.
 
#6
I'll start out by saying so far I am biased to a good fender Jazz over anything i have ever played so far. If you really like the sound of a jazz the goldin may not be what you are looking for. I have never played it or any other goldin for that matter but based on the body wood, pick up placement, and pick up type. It will not sound like a jazz. Though it looks like it would give you a pretty good variety of sounds.
 
#9
lkngro said:
That's awesome, I really want to know how these compare, since the Godin seems to be almost exactly what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

Be careful making a purchase based on 1 review/comparison. You really have to play it yourself. Perhaps order one from a place that has a good return policy (Guitar Center), then physically take it to a GC and play it side by side youself.
 
#10
BassBob1 said:
I'll start out by saying so far I am biased to a good fender Jazz over anything i have ever played so far. If you really like the sound of a jazz the goldin may not be what you are looking for. I have never played it or any other goldin for that matter but based on the body wood, pick up placement, and pick up type. It will not sound like a jazz. Though it looks like it would give you a pretty good variety of sounds.
Click to expand...

Also, choices of pickup options for the Shifter will be slim to none. I've tried about 5 different pickups in my 2010 Jazz bass before finally deciding on the Dimarzio Area J.
 
#11
I really dig the Shifter and think that if people give it a chance, Godin will have a hit on their hands. The bass plays and sounds absolutely great, the construction is at least on par with American Fenders and Lakland Skylines, and you can get tones that are similar to a Jazz, a Precision, a StingRay and something that sounds similar to a Lakland Decade for less than 1k!

I would encourage you to try one out if you can.

This guys does a great demo of the tones you can get with the Shifter.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Peter Weil
#12
I have the Shifter and I have also owned a MIM Jazz (briefly). Tonally, the Shifter gives you more options and you can get a convincing Jazz tone out of it. Ergonomically, the Shifter is very well balanced and comfortable (as is the Jazz). As for aftermarket parts such as pickups, etc, the Jazz wins hands down. Having said that, the stock pickups in the Godin are, IMO, really nice. The Shifter also has a high mass bridge and you can choose to string through the bridge or through the body.
 
#14
I've played the same Shifter twice (in the same store). I keep going back to it. I really like it a lot!

It does sound different than a typical Jazz Bass. It also has more distinct tones than a passive Jazz, too. But, they are all definitely different. The switching scheme is not very intuitive- the push/pull pot and wiring order seemed strange to me. But, the tones were all very good! Oddly, one of the dual-pup settings was just as noise prone as the single pup settings. Odd. There are unique & very usable tones in the Shifter.

The neck, while narrow, does not feel like a Jazz. It is deeper and more conical overall. It fits my hands nicely - but I'm very adaptable as far as ergonomics and have very long fingers. YMMV. The bass felt comfy & looked absolutely killer in yellow/white!

Honestly, I don't see the Shifter as a desert-island, only one bass instrument. It is a great complement, though , if you already have the 'classic' tones covered & are looking for something different, but usable.

So, definitely not a Jazz Bass substitute, but definitely a worthwhile bass to check out! I really want one (just trying to justify the purchase!).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back