I understand your point. I don't have a problem with the lack of pass-through on the wheel, but I see how it could be an issue.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Issues with the Fender Ultra Jazz 5
- Thread starter WorktheWood
- Start date
I read thru this whole thread and I am very perplexed to say the least! The 2 issues under discussion (misalignment of string to pole pieces and position of outer strings to edge of fingerboard) are so basic (and so crucial) to a successful guitar design. We all know that designing a new instrument goes thru a whole host of stages, including someone actually playing a prototype before it's finalized and manufacture starts. I would understand and would expect to see this from a cheapo bass, but you're going to use words like "ultra" and "elite" and "professional" in the name? That Fender did not pick up on these issues is not to be believed. As we used to say back in the day: don't p#ss down my back and tell me it's raining."
(I should point out that I am very happy with my 2019 American professional jazz 5. It's a very good bass.)
(I should point out that I am very happy with my 2019 American professional jazz 5. It's a very good bass.)
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
I have bent more than one drill bit trying to turn the truss rod wheel on the Elite because there was insufficient leverage. This design flaw would have been solved with a "pass through" wheel design. I ended up removing the neck so I could get TWO screwdrivers going into the wheel at opposite sides in order to turn the wheel. (It didn't turn very easily) This issue combined with the Ultra bridge disaster means (for me) that Fender USA Five string basses are utterly unqualified as contenders in that product category. Sad to see Fender has gotten so expert at shooting themselves in the foot.
Wow, all the snapping on the wheel. I personally found the wheel easier to adjust, and I've never bent anything adjusting it. Seems I've always been able to find an allen key or screwdriver shaft to fit it and easily adjust it. With the allen key tool the bass ships with, yeah, the ultra is easy, but I don't normally have that tool with me, whereas I almost always have something that'll fit the wheel.
To each their own, I guess.
To each their own, I guess.
Fender has been particularly capricious with their 5 string bass designs, changing their specs like different clothes each day; it would seem.
My Fender 5 is a parts instrument, using a 2007 J Deluxe neck and a 2014 J Deluxe body. Pat Wilkins had to rout the neck pocket to accommodate the 22 fret '07 neck for me.
This bass has the HipShot A Fender replacement bridge. Not sure how many different screw config Fender has for the bridge; but this one went right on to the '07 body like it was made for it. No fuss no muss, no shimming required; and it even preserves the string through capability, even though I will NEVER use it. LOL. I vastly prefer the HipShot bridge to the Fender BA bridge, which it replaced.
With the Sadowsky preamp and Delano pickups, this is my perfecto 5 string Jazz Bass.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Wow what a cool project and great result. Wish I kept every 04-07 Deluxe V I ever sold. Oh well. Agreed on the Hipshot bridge. I believe it's the "FM-3" model that Hipshot makes that is a direct bolt on. By the way, I settled on the aluminum version of the A style, it has great "snap" .
franken-fender! yah, LOTS of people have done that kinda' thing over the years. sounds like a great axe.
Same here. Oh, sure, I modified it, but functionally and in terms of finish, everything was/is spot on.
I thought the Vmods were fine but still swapped them out for Alleva Coppola.
if the bass ain't cutting it for you then take it back to the store, especially when you're paying that type of coin for one of these things..
This thread made me aware of this design problems with the Ultra 5's back in 2019, has Fender done anything to rectify these issues? Just curious as one of my students just bought one of the Ultra 5's. His and 2 other Ultra 5's at the store where I teach have the the G string issue being to close to the edge of the fretboard, these are all basses I personally laid hands on. It's a shame cause his is a killer bass otherwise! My student's Ultra was a lil neck heavy, but other than that it was killin! It's a shame they didn't catch the issue, I'm guessing most of the Ultra 5's in the initial run all have this issue. Fender has almost caught back up with the boutiques on quality, fit and finish (at least with the Ultra), but these quality control issues bring the brand down. I also find it very frustrating that Fender is selling all kinds of killer jazz and p aftermarket pickups, however you can only get 4 string pups, 5 string pups are no longer offered, even thru a dealer.
To be fair, this wasn't a design problem. It was a production problem.
As I understand, all he has to do is contact Fender, and they'll take care of it. I'm pretty sure the fix is simply to swap out the bridge for the correct one.
I'm not a fan of the Fender American Ultra bridge for many reasons. IMO, the bridge used on Deluxe's and Elite's was their very best, now the bridge is called the American Professional Bridge and used on those basses and Mod Shop builds respectively. Not a fan of the Modern D neck profile either, even with the rolled edges it still has too much shoulder. Love the Modern C, Fast C (1963 Slim C), Asymmetrical, and C.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
I agree on the Deluxe...that was Fender's best. People that complained about the pickups/preamp just sucked at eq'ing, imo. I tried a new natural ash one years ago at GC, and it slammed...low action almost to the deck, and the sound was nasty.
Yes…. I own a 2013 Fender American Deluxe Jazz Natural Ash w/ maple fretboard. It's the best Fender Jazz I've ever owned. All the old school vibe, but with modern appointments. My Jazz plays like butter. Crazy low action, lots of sustain, the ergonomics feel great, and of course the crystal clear N3 pickups. I'm not sure Fender will ever top the 2013 - 2015 American Deluxe design.
Also the Elites, the last high end model using that same bridge before the Ultras came along and put those hi-mass bridges on.
i don't necessarily hate the hi-mass, but i do like the deluxe/elite better from both a looks as well as function standpoint.
Yes.. The 2016-2018 Fender American Elites are righteous as well.
I just got one and am returning it. I'm wondering if this is related to the issue I was having with both B and D strings touching the pickup pole pieces when playing anything harder than moderate. The action wasn't even that low and the height seemed ok. I'm wondering if this is related…
